The dog days of summer are here, which means you and your canine companion will probably be spending lots of time outdoors. If you want to give Fido a flop spot that's comfier than the deck or patio, consider an outdoor pet futon. These pooch recliners from Up Country (www.upcountryinc.com) are weather-hardy, with a mildew-resistant inner pad and machine-washable cover. They come in three sizes ($50 to $70) and 11 different styles and colors -- from leaf, floral and seashell patterns to classic awning stripe -- so you won't have to compromise your outdoor decor.
KIM PALMER
Rebar tie required
No cash? The idea behind "The Big-Ass Book of Home Décor" ( Steward Tabori and Chang, $22.50,) is to ratchet up your home's decor by using stuff from around the house and turning it into brighter stuff by using spray paint and beads.
Among decorator Mark Montano's "more than 100 inventive projects" are detailed instructions on making a patterned paint roller from your rolling pin. Yes, a rolling pin. There's a how-to on making your own fabric plant -- all you need are 2 yards of fabric, a sewing machine, rebar tie wire, wire cutters, a block of Styrofoam and a planter. Dang, I'm fresh out of rebar.
The worst of the bunch is the so-called "Boom Sculpture," in which a block of wood, five astronaut toys, rebar tie wire (again!), glue, and five colors of spray paint make an object d'art -- that appears as if the astronauts have been hurled from the wood block in some kind of explosion.
There are a few interesting ideas in this DIY book, but who has this stuff on hand? And, mostly, these decorating tips look like the "Beverly Hillbillies" on acid. Instead of buying this book, save your money, and buy something nice for your house.
SHARON S. KESSLER
