It's August! The dog days of summer. And, if you live in a Northern climate like me, some of the last weeks to slip outside, find a patch of shade, and kick back with a great book. Now imagine that book inspires you to make.

The thoughtful folks at London's Black Dog Publishing have us covered: They're offering a 40 percent summer discount on their contemporary art and craft backlist, including Making Stuff, Making Stuff for Kids, In the Loop: Knitting Now, Outside the Box: Cardboard Design Now, Paper: Tear Fold Rip Crease Cut, and Breaking the Mould: New Approaches to Ceramics. Check out the covers and bargain prices (not including postage) in the slideshow above. Interested? Email Black Dog's Jessica Atkins, jess -at- blackdogonline.com. To order, include your name, address, and choices.

And then get out there and make something.