Balzer Designs

Book Club: Water Paper Paint by Heather Smith Jones

Hello!  Before we get to today's post, I have a bit of housekeeping.  If you subscribe to this blog via a reader, you'll need to switch your feed over to http://feeds.feedblitz.com/handmadeart.  There is currently a 15-day redirect that is sending you to the correct feed, but it will expire.  So, if you'd like to keep subscribing (and I really hope you'd like to), please switch over.  

To switch over:

1. Click on that highlighted link.  
2. On the right side you'll see the word "subscribe" next to a blue plus symbol.  
3. Click on the plus symbol and choose your reader of choice.

If you subscribe through e-mail, you've already been switched over!  Yay!

I apologize for any inconvenience and I thank you so much for being a subscriber to my blog!

Now, onto today's post...

It's time for our September Book Club!  Just as a reminder, each month I choose a crafty book from my bookshelf and create something inspired by the book.   I hope you'll be inspired to do the same.

Last month we didn't have a book because of all the "Your Favorite Books" posts (1, 2, 3, 4).  This month, however, I chose Water Paper Paint by Heather Smith Jones.

This is a book all about watercolor!  The author is a fine artist with both a BFA and a MFA.  Her artwork is intensely colored with a wonky sensibility and she mixes fine lines and handwriting with the splashes of color.

Water Paper Paint is divided into three major sections...

1. Basics
2. Projects
3. Gallery

...with the bulk of the book content concentrated in the middle section.

In "Basics," author Heather Smith Jones shares her tips on paper, paint, palettes, and brushes.  There's lots of good and easy-to-understand information for watercolor beginners on the types of supplies you'll want to gather.  Heather supplies some history of the supplies and reasons that you might choose one supply over another.  She even guides you through which colors to buy and some options on how to arrange your palette.

In the vast "Projects" section (there are 30 projects), Heather takes you through each project step-by-step.  I should say that I think the term "project" is a little misleading.  Most of the early ones are techniques, not projects.  For instance, the first three "projects" in the book are:

1. Working Wet into Wet
2. Working Wet onto Dry
3. Dabbing with Different Materials

Whereas the last three "projects" are:

28. Magazine Collage
29. Botanical Painting
30. An Artist's Book

As you can see, they're much more in the traditional "project" mode. 

The "Gallery" section includes some pieces by other artists working in watercolor.  It's nice to see lots of different styles represented.  There's also a short resource, bio, and acknowledgment section.

I've been working with watercolor for quite a while and so I found most of the book basic.  However, there was one technique that made me sit up and take notice and get out my papers and paints to play.

It's Project 25: Print and Paint: Adding Watercolor to a Monotype.  

Here's what I made inspired by that technique:

And here is a test print that didn't work the way I thought it would, but I still love it:

(I think the slight color difference between the two images is because the first one is a scan of the artwork and the second one is a photograph of the artwork.)

In my opinion Water Paper Paint is an excellent choice for a watercolor beginner.  It provides a nice overall introduction with lots of good suggestions for a beginner.  I think it's a user friendly book  (filled with photos) and practically written as well.

What do you think?  Have you read Water Paper Paint?

Thanks for stopping by!

Your Favorite Craft/Art Books: Part Four

As I mentioned in a previous post, I had asked the question, "What is your favorite art/craft book?"  There were lots of great suggestions and I thought I'd compile them into one big list (in several parts) in case you're a book junkie like I am!

Drawing Lab for Mixed Media Artists by Carla Sonheim

From Amazon: "Carla Sonheim is an artist and creativity workshop instructor known for her fun and innovative projects and techniques designed to help adult students recover a more spontaneous, playful approach to creating. Her innovative ideas are now collected and elaborated on in this unique volume. Carla offers a year's worth of assignments, projects, ideas, and techniques that will introduce more creativity and nonsense into your art and life."

Collage Lab by Bee Shay

From Amazon: "Collage Lab offers artists and crafters a fun and experimental approach to making art. The book is organized into 52 different labs which may, but don't need to be, explored on a weekly basis. The labs can be worked in any order, so that readers can flip around to learn a new mixed-media technique or be inspired by a particular collage theme or application. The underlying message of this book is that artists can and should learn and gain expertise through experimentation and play. There is no right or wrong result for a given exercise, yet readers will gain skills and confidence in collage techniques, allowing them to take their work to a new level."

A Creative Companion by SARK

From Amazon: "Writer, artist, free spirit, and self-described "dangerous woman, " SARK readsfrom her lovely, lighthearted book on becoming an artist. Guaranteed to bringa little magic into even the most sensible life."

A Life in Hand: Creating the Illuminated Journal by Hannah Hinchman

From Amazon: "This book has created a nationwide interest in illustrated journal-keeping. It's a friendly, exquisitely illustrated volume from someone who is obviously nature-connected and literate to boot. If you like maps, natural history illustration, or if you are one of those who have always wanted to draw, but don't believe you can....this is the book for you "

Celebrate Your Creative Self by Mary Todd Beam

From Amazon: "Celebrate Your Creative Self helps you act upon your artistic inspirations and joyfully appreciate the creative process. You'll develop the skills you need to express yourself and explore your favorite mediums."

Surface Treatment Workshop by Darlene Olivia McElroy and Sandra Duran-Wilson

From Amazon: "Pondering how to begin a new piece of art? Surface Treatment Workshop has the answer! The authors of Image Transfer Workshop are back to show you 45 stepped-out mixed-media techniques that will add depth and texture to your artwork. These techniques are the perfect jump-off point for creating art you will love to look at, and, in some cases, touch!"

The Creative Entrepreneur by Lisa Sonora Beam

From Amazon: "The Creative Entrepreneur was voted Winner, in two categories—Craft and Business, of the 2009 IBPA (Independent Book Publishers Association) Benjamin Franklin Award which recognizes excellence in publishing. This book is for the large audience of artists, crafters, and creative individuals from all walks of life who desire to make a livelihood from their creative work, or who possibly have achieved some success, but don’t know how to replicate it or move to another level of accomplishment."

Personal Geographies by Jill K Berry

From Amazon: "You don't have to be a world traveler or a professional cartographer to embark on a grand journey of self-discovery through mapmaking. Personal Geographies gives you the tools and techniques you'll need to create artful maps of your self, your experiences and your personal journey. Chart the innermost workings of your mind, document your artistic path and create an unfolding maze of your future dreams and goals."

Collage Discovery Workshop by Claudine Hellmuth

From Amazon: "In Collage Discovery Workshop, acclaimed collage artist Claudine Hellmuth shares 15 of her favorite collage techniques and invites you to play with basic collage materials in new and imaginative ways. Along the way, Claudine guides you with friendly advice on how to develop your artistic voice and turn an ordinary collage into something special."

Layered Impressions by Katie Kendrick

From Amazon: "Layered Impressions is the muse you need to marry your love of written expression and your passion for paint, revealing the colors of your true nature--the whispers from your soul. Katie Kendrick leads you into her world of impressionistic painting and shares her techniques for creating art that is as authentic and multilayered as you are."

Water Paper Paint by Heather Smith Jones

From Amazon: "This book is not only for 'painters' but for all types of creative individuals who want to experience and play with watercolor, whether their background is mixed-media, textile art, journaling, or paper craft. Unlike the typical watercolor text books, this unique, beautiful volume is a field book of inspiration, creative ideas, how to's, and projects, all from an artist's perspective."

The New Acrylics by Rheni Tauchid

From Amazon: "Traditional technique based books on acrylics cover traditional methods of painting. However, The New Acrylics is geared toward more nonconventional ways in which to manipulate modern-day acrylics, and demonstrates new applications such as glazing, textured effects, soft sculpture effects, or staining, thus reinventing the old way of handling acrylics, and revealing a fabulous new artistic medium."

Color Mixing Bible by Ian Sidaway

From Amazon: "Mixing colors accurately may be an art unto itself. In fact, many artists are discouraged by the time and expense it takes to mix and match colors, and achieve the right results. Even more frustrating is the vast range of colors available. Now there’s a ready-to-use visual directory that takes all the guesswork out of mixing and matching colors . . . making every artist an expert! Color Mixing Bible provides a basic color palette for each art medium, demonstrating an array of two-, three-, and four-color mixes, as well as offering full explanations of various paints and pigments."

Art at the Speed of Life by Pam Carriker

From Amazon: "Need high-energy inspiration when your life gets crazy and your art keeps getting pushed to the back burner? Offering terrific mixed-media art projects, as well as tips for getting organized and inspired, Art at the Speed of Life is a treasure chest of ideas for the artist whose creative goals sometimes get stymied by the frantic pace of modern life."

So, that's it!  More than fifty book recommendations for you to consider (part one, two, three).  As great as blogs and classes and DVDs are, in my opinion there's no substitute for a book.  A really good craft/art book gives you time and space and is so much deeper and richer than any blog, class or DVD could ever be.

If you have read any of the books in today's post, please leave a comment letting us know your opinion on the book!

Thanks for stopping by!

Your Favorite Craft/Art Books: Part Three

As I mentioned in a previous post, I had asked the question, "What is your favorite art/craft book?"  There were lots of great suggestions and I thought I'd compile them into one big list (in several parts) in case you're a book junkie like I am!

The Art Journal Workshop by Traci Bunkers 

From Amazon: "With beautiful illustrations, The Art Journal Workshop breaks down the entire working process of journaling with step-by-step photos and instructions from start to finish. You'll learn how to use different media such as paint, photographs, and collage, while following journaling prompts and exercises to help you dig deeper and enrich the journaling process and experience. Traci Bunkers discusses the benefits of visual journaling, and walks you through battling a creative funk when you're feeling down or uninspired."

Another of Traci's books that was recommended is Print & Stamp Lab.

From Amazon:"Artist and popular workshop instructor Traci Bunkers can turn just about anything into an interesting stamp, printing block, or tool. In this book, she shows readers how to see overlooked, everyday objects in a new way, and how to 'MacGyver' them into easy to use printing blocks and tools."

Mixed Media Explorations by Beryl Taylor

From Amazon: "With a sense of humor and creative abandon, this guide shows how surprisingly easy it is to turn fabric, paper, stitch, and embellishment into artistic treasures to keep and share."

Paper Quilts by Sandra Lounsbury Foose 

From Amazon: "Fascinating us with their playful complexity and geometric precision, patchwork quilts have an appeal that has endured for centuries. Offering a new look at this age-old craft, Paper Quilts brings the beauty of traditional American patchwork to papercutters, with patterns and beloved quilt block designs adapted for paper cards, gift tags, ornaments, boxes, and garlands."

Paper Quilting by Bridget Hoff

From Amazon: "This beautiful book is a delight to the eyes, but it is also a wonderful aid to anyone looking for a creative outlet that is simple, enjoyable, and yields breathtaking results."

The New Creative Artist by Nita Leland

From Amazon: "Perfect for fans of the original - and anyone who wants to be more creative - this book includes: a fresh, eye-catching design that showcases 50 percent new material; new instruction to address the creative challenges of today's artist; more than 60 fun, fabulous activities for achieving greater creativity; and artwork in a wide variety of styles and mediums. It includes practical advice combined with inspiring exercises and insights from other artists that make this the ultimate creativity guide!"

Nita Leland is also the co-author of recommended book, Creative Collage Techniques.  Her co-author is Virginia Williams.

From Amazon: "Collage is a fine art combination of paper and shape, color and texture, imagination and vision. This book can help you bring all of these together in one beautiful creation.  Here you'll see magnificent collages by leading artists who show you—in step-by-step demonstrations—how to begin, how to design, how to apply collage techniques in exciting ways."

Doodle Stitching by Aimee Ray

From Amazon: "Begin by learning several styles for outlining, filling, decorating, and appliqué. Find out about floss, fancy threads, fabrics, and needles. Get the scoop on hoops, and the lowdown on transferring your very own designs onto every type of fabric. The fresh ideas, witty patterns, and clever color illustrations take stitchers from novice to accomplished in a blink of the eye!"

Creative Wildfire by L.K. Ludwig

From Amazon: "This lush, visual book is a must-have volume for both beginning and experienced art journalers. Each chapter presents crucial, basic information for how to get started, and is layered with in-depth sidebars and activities covering advanced techniques,  approaches to working, as well as interviews with well-known journaling artists. The book comes with a beautiful blank journal in a take-along size (made from paper upcycled from the printing process), ready to catch your daily inspirations."

Another L.K. Ludwig book that was mentioned is True Vision.

From Amazon: "True Visions is focused on ways to bring authenticity and meaning into one's art journaling. The book will examine themes and topics common to all while offering activities and exercises to create rich meaningful content. Each chapter will highlight familiar subject areas such as life events, spirituality, childhood, and even an artist's favorite writings."

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards

From Amazon: "Translated into more than seventeen languages, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain is the world's most widely used drawing instruction book. Whether you are drawing as a professional artist, as an artist in training, or as a hobby, this book will give you greater confidence in your ability and deepen your artistic perception, as well as foster a new appreciation of the world around you."

We DARE You by Kristina Contes, Meghan Dymock, Nisa Fiin, and Genevieve Simmonds

From Amazon: "Scrapbookers are always looking for ways to push their art, and participating in challenges is one great way to do that. The most popular and inspiring challenges are the "dares" that the authors of this book post on their blog and on Two Peas in a Bucket. These dares explore more than just trendy new materials, they get to the heart of the participants with challenges that really make them think--about what makes them happy or proud or filled with regret."

A Compendium of Curiosities by Tim Holtz

From Amazon: "Get ready to embark on a journey filled with ideas and inspirations to spark your creative curiosities. This book is a compilation of tim's thought and ideas to guide you through your own artistic adventures."

And Tim's second book, Compendium of Curiosities II was also named as a favorite.

From Amazon: "A new Compendium of Curiosities from Tim Holtz, filled with new ideas, new product, new techniques to spark your creativity. Again, much like Volume I, this book is not your typical 'how to' book, but is technique driven, so you can learn and apply these new techniques however you decide."

Kaleidoscope: Ideas and Projects to Spark Your Creativity by Suzanne Simanaitis

From Amazon: "Indulge your creative cravings! Explore dozens of stories, exercises and instructive projects, all designed to feed, encourage and sometimes flex your creative muscle. You'll tap into the joy of drawing, be encouraged to create art in bed, create your own folded-paper shrine, discover the liberation of stream-writing, practice idea brainstorming, make your own duct-tape purse, learn to quiet the negative voice in your head, dream up your own creative studio space and much, much more."

Paper Metal Stitch by Maggie Grey

From Amazon: "This timely project guide concentrates on two of the key materials being newly incorporated into textiles and fiber arts—paper and metal. Both media are covered in separate sections that describe the unique properties of each, as well as textural methods, adding color, and embellishing with stitches."

Embroidered Books by Isobel Hall

From Amazon: "Books with embroidered bindings and covers can be true works of art—treasured heirlooms to be handed down for generations. Now all needleworkers can master this traditional craft with the help of these detailed instructions and patterns. The projects combine several binding methods—including wrap-up and zig-zag books—with a range of exquisite embroidery designs, from a Wild West—themed wallet book to an intricately bound volume strewn with flower petals."

Look for part number four (the final installment) next week!  Find part one here and part two here.

If you have read any of the books in today's post, please leave a comment letting us know your opinion on the book!

Thanks for stopping by!

Your Favorite Craft/Art Books: Part Two

As I mentioned last week, I had asked the question, "What is your favorite art/craft book?"  There were lots of great suggestions and I thought I'd compile them into one big list (in several parts) in case you're a book junkie like I am!

Cards That Pop-up, Flip, and Slide by Michael Jacobs

From Amazon: "Dazzle your friends and loved ones with the one-of-a-kind projects in Cards that Pop Up, Flip & Slide. A few simple cuts and folds are all it takes to create over twenty cards and envelopes with moveable parts. From pop-up trees to flipping leaves and sliding message panels, the mechanism that make these cards spectacular are easy to re-create or adapt to whatever suits your fancy!"

Journal Spilling by Diana Trout

From Amazon: "There are no lines to stay inside of here. You're free to quiet your inner critic and spill color (as well as your thoughts) all over the page. Author Diana Trout offers a double-dose of encouragement for you to try out new techniques, to ask yourself new questions and to see how safe of a place your private journal can truly be."

 Art Saves by Jenny Doh

From Amazon: "Inside Art Saves, experience the stories of 20 artists who found that artistic expression and the artistic process is worth living for. Whether you are a calligraphy/graffiti artist like Lisa Engelbrecht, a metal artist like Michael DeMeng, or digital collage artist like Susan Tuttle, art has a way of giving you beauty, meaning, spiritual richness, community...even salvation.  The stories in this book come from every medium, because the power of the creative process can be found everywhere."

Objects of Reflection: A Soulful Journey Through Assemblage by Annie Lockhart

From Amazon: "Objects of Reflection brings you a new form of visual journaling–that of assemblage–by creating art that is extremely personal and evokes your fondest memories. Inspiration pours from every page as author Annie Lockhart takes you on a journey inside of her own heart, sharing her stories for building pieces with tiny treasures and common objects."

Life Artist by Ali Edwards

From Amazon: "Ali Edwards is well known for her charming ability to capture the everyday moments of life on beautiful layouts. In her third book, Ali explores scrapbooking as a form of life art. Follow along with Ali as she teaches you how to scrapbook your life moments and share your stories in a way that's real, authentic and a true reflection of your personality."

Unfurling by Misty Mawn

From Amazon: "The book begins with art exercises in drawing and painting that include portraiture, contour drawing, backgrounds, layering, and working with a still life, followed by collage and image transfer techniques. The second section offers exercises and projects in stamp carving, paper pottery, sculpture, origami, paper doll making, and surface design. These tactile explorations offer an enjoyment of the process as well as wonderful handmade projects. The last section shares a variety of approaches to visual journaling."

Creative Quilting: The Journal Quilt Project edited by Karey Patterson Bresenhan

From Amazon: "A compendium of more than 400 images of quilts from the Journal Quilt Project, this collection was culled from the nearly 6,000 page-sized quilts made by 918 artists whose work was exibited at the International Quilt Festivals over five years. Each 8" x 11.5" quilt explores new techniques, expresses fresh ideas, and experiments with the myriad of resources available to quilters today."

The Photomontages of Hannah Höch by Hannah Höch

There was no description on Amazon and it appears to be out of print.  However I did find Hannah Höch: Picture Book for sale.

From Amazon: "A central figure in the Berlin Dada circle, friend to Kurt Schwitters and Piet Mondrian and lover of Raoul Hausmann, Hannah Höch (1889-1972) is probably the most important female artist from the German modernist period. She is best known for her pioneering works of photomontage, which briskly juxtapose mechanical and organic forms, ancient and contemporary bodies, symbols and text drawn from brands and headlines, also edging feminism, commodity critique and other political concerns into the mix."

Daring Adventures in Paint by Mati Rose McDonough

From Amazon: "Written by the well-loved artist/illustrator/blogger Mati Rose McDonough, this book's approach to making art is a bit like uncovering a hidden treasure, a treasure that resides within each aspiring artist. Through a myriad of both practical applications and creative exercises, Mati shows artists how to "find their magic"—the place of confidence from which they can access the vision of what they want to share with the world."

Artist's Journal Workshop by Cathy Johnson

From Amazon: "Artist's Journal Workshop provides all the guidance, structure and inspiration you need to create a meaningful art-journaling practice. Starting with the question, "What do you want from your journal?" you'll build a sound journaling concept that will serve your unique creative needs and give you the freedom to practice, play and develop as an artist."

The Sketchbook Challenge by Sue Bleiweiss

From Amazon: "Have you ever bought a new sketchbook, opened to the first page, and thought, 'Now what do I do?' Sue Bleiweiss and the talented minds behind The Sketchbook Challenge are here to help.  Imagine a supportive community of artists sharing the innermost pages of their sketchbooks and offering you tips and techniques for overcoming creative blocks. That's what The Sketchbook Challenge is all about, and the popular blog of the same name has already inspired thousands."

Creative Albums by Donna Downey

From Amazon: "What do an old cigar box, a stack of used CDs, and a bunch of shopping bags have in common? To author Donna Downey they are all scrapbooks--yes scrapbooks. In Creative Albums, her first book in the 'Yes, It's a Scrapbook' series, Donna shares 25 'out of the box' ways to capture your most meaningful memories. And best of all, you can finish most albums in an afternoon or over a weekend."

52 Scrapbooking Challenges by Elsie Flannigan

From Amazon: "Ready to take your scrapbooking style to the next level? In this exciting book, creative designer Elsie Flannigan presents you with 52 fun scrapbooking challenges! Follow along as Elsie and her team of designers take each challenge. Then challenge yourself to do the same. Learn how to discover your personal style, increase your scrapbooking creativity and create layouts that are uniquely you."

The Decorated Page by Gwen Diehn

from Amazon: : "Most of the book is devoted to the how-tos, from customizing a blank book to avoiding the straight and narrow via mandalas, diagonals, cutouts, or grids. Illustrations come from the artist's perspective: a textured 3-D diary and a rolling-wheels travel journey, among many others. Two- to three-page sidebars highlight specific genres, such as pillow books, nature journals, and illuminated manuscripts."

1,000 Artist Journal Pages: Personal Pages and Inspirations by Dawn DeVries Sokol

from Amazon: "This is the first book to offer examples of over 1000 journal pages in one eye-catching, visual format. Artists can embrace and experiment with this medium and will benefit from this rich collection."

Part three is coming your way next week!  You can find part one here.

If you have read any of the books in today's post, please leave a comment letting us know your opinion on the book!

Thanks for stopping by!

Your Favorite Craft/Art Books: Part One

A few weeks ago I asked the question, "What is your favorite art/craft book?"  There were lots of great suggestions and I thought I'd compile them into one big list (in several parts) in case you're a book junkie like I am!  

Tales of Adornment by Kristen Robinson

From Amazon: "Tales of Adornment will guide you through incorporating resin into your jewelry designs with stunning results. Kristen Robinson shows you, step-by-step, how to use resin in jewelry construction, providing a wide range of options and applications: from floating words to encapsulating objects, and from casting new elements to replicating sea glass."

I had to do a bit of guessing for the next book.  A number of people mentioned True Colors by Lynne Perella as one of their faves.  I searched and searched the internet and finally determined that this is that book:

Amazon lists Kathryn Bold as the author, but in the table of contents, it shows that the foreword is by Lynne Perella, who was also the project organizer.  This is an art journaling book with multiple contributors.

From Amazon: "Each artist created a book for her chosen palette, and then all the artists contributed pages for each others' journals."

Another Lynne Perella book that got some mentions was Artists' Journals and Sketchbooks.

From Amazon: "Creative souls want and need a special place for recording and decoding their interior world—a place to download all their creative ideas, a place to remember the events of the day, or a place to doodle, to draw, and to dream. This book is for all these people—it's an engaging and intimate glimpse into the personal pages of a wide variety of select artists and journal keepers whose works not only provide visual delight and inspiration but evidence the intensity and devotion that such personal journals invite."

Art + Quilt by Lyric Kinard

From Amazon: "Simplifying the basic fundamentals of art and teaching the underlying principles of the visual language, this guide explores texture, shape, line, color, and value with examples and hands-on exercises."

Raw Art Journaling by Quinn McDonald

From Amazon: "In a raw-art journal, you don't need to know how to draw; you don't need to know how to write well. You don't need worry about messing up techniques you've never attempted before inside your raw-art journal. You just need to be you because raw art is you and it thrives on creative play, on experimentation and even on making mistakes."

Altered Art Projects by Jill Haglund

From Amazon: "These interesting; classic; charming; and even whimsical projects will tempt you to try your hand at altered art! Perfect for novice and more seasoned artists alike! Each project features detailed photography; instructions; and a materials list."

The Usborne Book of Art Skills (Art Ideas) by Fiona Watt

From Amazon: "A great-value miniature edition of this popular title in Usborne's Art Ideas series, packed with ideas for painting, drawing, printing and making collages. Young artists will develop their skills by following the simple step-by-step instructions to complete the inspiring projects. Includes suggestions for lots of exciting ways to use a variety of different art materials."

Someone mentioned any crazy quilting book by Judith Baker Montano.  I chose to highlight Embroidery & Crazy Quilt Stitch Tool.

From Amazon: "Fiber artist Judith Baker Montano is back with this handy little reference guide that belongs in every needleworker's sewing basket. You can always find the perfect stitch for your project, with dozens of flat, linked, cross, looped, composite, floral and silk ribbon stitches to choose from."

Sew Wild by Alisa Burke -- You may recall that I highlighted this book late last year.

From Amazon: "Whether you’re already a rule-breaker or you’re looking to improvise, Sew Wild shows you how to create fabric and designs that explode with color, pattern, and soul."

Taking Flight by Kelly Rae Roberts 

From Amazon: "In Taking Flight, you'll find overflowing inspiration--complete with a kindred spirit in author and mixed-media artist Kelly Rae Roberts. Join her on a fearless journey into the heart of creativity as you test your wings and learn to find the sacred in the ordinary, honor your memories, speak your truth and wrap yourself in the arms of community."

Making Handmade Books: 100+ Bindings, Structures & Forms by Alisa Golden

From Amazon: "In as little as an afternoon, beginners will be on their way to folding, gluing, and sewing handmade books in a variety of shapes and styles, from rolled scrolls to Jacob's ladders, folded flexagons to case bindings. Complete with photographs of the author's own master books and statements by more than 40 established book artists, this collection is sure to inspire. Culled from the author's best-selling books Creating Handmade Books, Unique Handmade Books, and Expressive Handmade Books, these projects will fuel bookbinding adventures for years to come."

Re-Bound: Creating Handmade Books from Recycled and Repurposed Materials by Jeannine Stein

From Amazon: "Re-Bound is a beautiful book on bookbinding with a fun green twist-all the projects use recycled and upcycled materials. This book shows you how to take everyday materials from around the house, flea markets, thrift stores, and hardware stores and turn them into clever and eye-catching hand-made books."

Eco Books: Inventive Projects from the Recycling Bin by Terry Taylor

From Amazon: "40 innovative book-making ideas using recycled and green materials! More than just earth-friendly, they’re also beautiful, clever, and witty, stitched with traditional binding techniques.  Egg cartons, wood, beer cans, and cassette tapes morph into covers, while brown bags, coffee filters, and discarded newspapers are transformed into pages. Create a boxed set of cereal box books, an exposed stitch sketchbook out of cardboard and remnants, and even a faux leather journal made from teabags."

The Art of Layers by Ronda Palazzari

from Amazon: "Basic scrapbooking has you place photos and embellishments on cardstock or patterned paper - easy and...well, basic. The next step for most scrapbookers is layering. But trying to get that rich, interesting layered look can be very intimidating. Where do you even start? Art of Layers teaches scrapbookers and beginning mixed media artists just how easy it is to get to that layered look in any papercrafting project."

Happy reading and thanks for stopping by!  I'll bring you part two next week!

If you have read any of the books in today's post, please leave a comment letting us know your opinion on the book!