Book Description
When Danny Gregory's life was turned upside down by tragedy, he learned to cope by teaching himself to draw. The result was a complete transformation of his life, his priorities, his career, and the way he saw the world. In handwritten chapters full of his lush watercolor illustrations, Danny now offers readers a program for reconnecting to their own creative energies, using drawing as an example. He gently instructs us in the art of allowing ourselves to fail, giving up the expectation of perfection and opening our eyes to the beauty around us. The result is the permission to express ourselves fully and take part in the creative process without fear. Artist or not, readers of all stripes will find inspiration in this unique and beautiful book.
Customer Reviews:
amazing.......2007-10-09
I love love LOVE this book. I have been art jouraling for about 6 years now and I've had a block for a while now. This book did the trick. Lots of good ideas. Also this book got here so fast I didn't even know what it was at first:) good stuff.
Great book for Drawing Inspiration.......2007-08-20
This was a good, inspiring book about drawing and the power it can have in your life. Mr. Gregory worked in advertising for many years and finally gave it up to become an artist, and began keeping sketchbooks as a way to grow. He gives lots and lots of examples and tips on what you can do yourself to enhance your creativity and draw more. His drawings are beautiful and for the most part his prose is very upbeat and made me want to get out there and draw.
I do have one quibble, though, and that's a tiny hint of snobbery in some of his text. For the most part he'll say "do your own thing" or "whatever feels right for you", which I think is the proper way to approach making artwork, but then he'll come out with something like, "only draw in ink" like there's something wrong with pencil. And "you have to go to New York because that's where it's at" which is utter nonsense for many people. This is the kind of thing that makes one think they have to do something a certain way, but to me making art is so personal that I think one should use whatever technique or style they wish.
That being said, I would definitely recommend this book for a good kick in the butt to get out there and get drawing!
Making drawing accessible.......2007-07-07
This is my favorite book as an introduction to illuminated journals. I tried books on "visual" or "creative" journaling, but for me, I just can't connect with abstract blocks of color and shape as symbols of specific insights or emotions. I'm a writer, a words person, but sometimes words just aren't enough for me for capturing a moment. So I looked at other books on illuminated journals, but they're so beautifully rendered by talented and experienced artists that they were too intimidating for me.
Then I found this book. Danny Gregory is a little overlong at the start when he talks about the value of creativity in general. (If you've picked up the book at all, you probably don't need that much persuading.) But once you pick up a pen, he really gets going. He covers the basics of drawing, and I love his analogy linking learning to draw with learning to drive. I also like that he asks you to dare to make mistakes by using a pen instead of a pencil. He doesn't even have you use an actual "journal" at first so you can comfortable with drawing.
I also like that he keeps the book simple throughout. A lot of these types of books have you off to the art supply store with a *list* within the first 2 or 3 chapters. Here, all you'll ever need is a black pen, and maybe some color pens or thicker pens later.
I was surprised to learn that as drawing goes, I'm not all that bad, and I'm certainly good enough for my journals.
A Review from Texas.......2007-06-28
I LOVE this book. I have dabbled at drawing but found it more work than pleasure. When I started reading Creative License I realized that it could be fun and relaxing. "Don't erase your mistakes" was a very liberating statement to me. Now I can't wait to see something that begs me to get my pen and paper out and DRAW!
The Creative License.......2007-06-02
Thoroghly enjoyed it. Will start doing the exercises tomorrow. Simple and effective for the busy schedule.
Book Description
Transform traditional photo albums into beautiful scrapbooks that tell stories and engage the imagination. Handwritten notes, thoughtful design elements, and related keepsakes all bring life and immediacy to photographs of life's special events. The Complete Book of Scrapbooking features 450 color photos and explains a wide range of scrapbooking techniques that include paper tearing, punching, stitching, rubber stamping, chalking, and using vellum With 24 pull-out templates, 20 special projects that provide ideal starting points, and step-by-step instructions and engaging text, this book provides all the techniques that, once mastered, enable anyone to create keepsake scrapbooks for every occasion. Adding personally written memories and attractive design elements to photographs and other ephemera creates cherished scrapbooks for both present and future generations.
Customer Reviews:
The best scrapbook book for beginners.......2007-04-24
This was the first scrapbook book I ever bought (after checking about twenty books in the local book store) and it is still the best source book for beginner's I've seen. It introduces all the tools and basic techniques and also has some great layouts. If you're an experienced scrapper this is not a book for you but if you're only starting get this book. You won't regret it.
Best on the Market.......2006-08-01
This is far and above the best book I've encountered for New Scrappers. Instead of just showing layouts, explanations are there to show why a layout works, how to do it and simplifies the mystique behind all the necessary tools and not so necessary tools. I wish I had bought this book before spending money on stuff I didn't really need. You won't regret this purchase if you are a beginner and it also makes a great gift for someone thinking about scrapping. Guaranteed to rev your creativity.
Great information for the beginner.......2006-03-10
If you are new or fairly new to scrapbooking, this book will help you with organization, picture taking, details about products you will need and conservation and storage. The book also includes stencils and templates which can be removed and used on photos and cardstock. The spiral binding is an added plus because the book lays flat when open. Well worth the purchase price.
Scrapbook Teacher.......2004-09-21
This is a great book encompassing every aspect of scrapbooking for the beginner and experienced crafter. It's easy to read and understand, offering a great deal of layouts. I couldn't put it down. This book will definitely take the fear out of beginning scrapbookers and challenge others to try new techniques.
Product Description
The cure for scrapbooking block. Filled with 1,240 sketches of scrapbook-page elements you can ""scraplift,"" My Creative Companion will give you endless ideas for any layout. Ideas: Borders, Embellishments, designs, mats, backgrounds & more!
It's easy to use - simply browse sketches until you find one that's perfect for the page you're working on, then re-create the concept on your layout. By Becky Higgins. 190+ semi-glossy full color pages. Color(s) may vary slightly from image.
Customer Reviews:
A Beloved Classic and It Still Works.......2007-09-28
I bought this book 5 years ago, and I still use it. This book, and all of Becky's sketch books, give you ideas for pages not reliant upon products, designs, or themes. I simply look for a page layout based on how many photos I have and their orientation. Turn the book 90 degrees and you have more options. Turn it upside down for even more options. Have an empty space to fill with an accent? Check out that section. Wondering how to emphasize your focal point photo? Look at frames.
The best thing about this book is that the sketches do not rely upon the more modern trend of oddly sized photos. All the photos in this book are 4 x 6 or thereabouts. No PhotoShop skills or computer equipment is necessary!
Absolutely worth every penny.
Excellent Resource for a new-intermediate scrapper!.......2007-09-20
Becky Higgins is a wealth of ideas for scrappers, and this book is just the thing I need when I'm trying to put together a layout. In the world of scrapbooking, trends come and go, but because these ideas are based onkey graphic design concepts (and all of Becky's stuff is like this)they can easily transfer over to new styles and techniques. If you are an experienced scrapper, then you've probably seen a lot of this stuff before and would benefit from getting her newest book, "Best of Becky Higgins Sketches." But I consider this book indispensable!
GREAT SCRAPBOOKERS HELPER.......2007-05-18
THIS IS A GREAT BOOK FOR WHEN YOU HAVE A CREATIVE BLOCK -- LOTS OF IDEAS AND YOU CAN EASILY ADAPT THEM TO FIT YOUR STYLE! TONS AND TONS OF GREAT STUFF
My Creative Companion.......2007-05-12
Great Book, I love it. Good source of information and ideas. I would recommend it to anyone. I plan to get her other books also. Thanks Becky Higgins.
Great Generic Ideas With No Photos to Distract.......2007-01-31
My favorite part about this book is that it isn't just a bunch of pages other people have created that you then get caught up in the photos and stories, forgetting why you originally went looking. For years, I'd gotten the scrap magazines, which, while beautiful and ususally inspiring, did not always help me. I usually thought I had to find a book with exactly the theme I was working on. The good news is that you don't, and this book has mock-ups of layouts, borders, etc. that are easily adaptable to any book you're working on. I think the only downside might be that there are so many new techniques that have come out in the five years since it was published, that it may not cover as much as some might like. Having said that, I'm willing to bet the #2 that just came out will pick those up perfectly! From my perspective, buying either book (or even both!) would be a good investment for anyone who's found themselves stuck creatively!
Book Description
Introducing the scrapbookers new best friend. When it comes to making the most of your memories, take a page from the Creating Keepsakes experts. Beginners and more experienced scrapbookers alike will turn to this hefty new reference guide time and time again for helpful insights and daily inspiration on tools, techniques, layoutsplus all the cant-miss tips youd expect from The Scrapbooking Authority.
Product Description
100 Scrapbook pages you can make in one hour or less! So much to do so little time! Pictures pile up faster than you can place them in your album. If, like many scrapbookers, you grapple with the can't-catch-up problem, then Quick & Easy Scrapbook Pages is your perfect guide for solutions. Waiting for you inside: A comprehensive gallery of simple yet stunning scrapbook pages sure to excite and inspire Helpful ready-to-use page design templates for clean, creative layouts. Terrific suggestions for simplifying your favorite "complex" scrapbooking techniques Advice from real readers about finding the time to scrapbook Plus dozens of extras, including inspirational quotes, a quick color-mood psychology tutorial and variations for punches, embellishments, sticker borders, title treatments and more. Learn how to make the most of your scrapbooking time! Both instructional and inspirational, Quick & Easy Scrapbook Pages is a must-have for any scrapbooker's library. F & W Publications
Customer Reviews:
Not that quick, easy or simple.......2007-09-25
I'm a beginner but I'm an addict and this book was not helpful at all. It is all about the doo dads and the add ons, and there were very few layouts that had more than two photos on the page. I am more interested in simple, clean (and easy and quick) layouts where the photos are the focus. This book was not the book for that. The sequel which I bought at the same time was a bit better, so if you're still considering this book at least buy the sequel.
For beginners only.......2007-08-10
I ordered this book after reading all the great reviews, and I was disappointed. I was expecting 100 layout ideas that I could use as a starting point for my own layouts. Yes, there are 100 layouts in the book, but it is a VERY, VERY basic book, and the layouts are VERY simplified. It's pretty much a resource for beginners on how to use basic products and how to journal. I'll be giving this away to a newer scrapbooker.
great.......2007-07-20
I love this book. It has a lot of creative and fun ideas. All can easily be adapted to fit your own needs. My money was well spent.
not so great.......2007-07-12
Not as many good ideas. I was hoping for 100 different layout options, but it was ways to use layout, embellishments, etc, not just layouts. Book was kind of cheesy
Great resource to get you going on road block days.........2007-01-29
Ever have days where you just don't feel creative? This book offers quick ideas that will get you over that stump or help a beginnner get going. Well worth the price.
Book Description
An organized workspace makes scrapbooking quicker, easier and more enjoyable. Learn to make the most of the craft space you have available, whether it's a tiny corner or an entire room. Includes tips for planning and creating an efficient workspace, affordable storage solutions, great flea market scrapbook storage buys, options for cropping-on-the-go, ergonomically correct work solutions and ways to child-proof your scrapbooking area. Plus, advice from veteran scrapbookers that will help keep your workspace running like a well- oiled machine.
Customer Reviews:
Great Scrapbooking Book.......2007-07-08
This is a great book. Great information for organizing your scrapokking space and items.
Good starting point.......2006-07-06
This book has good ideas and helpful hints for all sizes of rooms and or Ideas you may want to add to any space.
Love this book!.......2006-03-09
This book has great ideas and suggestions for organizing scrapbook work areas. It has great pictures which really help to visualize how you want your area to function. It has money saving ideas for workspaces on a budget. It has many links to stores and websites to purchase products. They're not trying to sell you on one particular product - they suggest many types and different kinds of products for whatever your needs may be. Great book! It really helped me to get all my scrapbooking supplies organized! I'd definitely recommend it to all scrappers!
Good pictures...........2006-02-12
This book had wonderful pictures and great resources in it.... the thing I found most helpful was the manufacturers, it listed the products you could use and where to find them... other than that, there was nothing more in this book that you couldn't find on the internet at no cost.....
What are they talking about?! This book is fabulous!.......2006-01-14
I am an avid scrapbooker who has had both small spaces and now a large space to use for my craft. I felt that this book is a great source of information and ideas about storage, tools, and dream rooms! I couldn't wait to get this book and I was thrilled when I saw it! Just get this book! You won't be sorry!
Product Description
Becky Higgins and her sketches are known throughout the scrapbooking world as an indispensable tool for building creativity, finishing pages, and sparking the perfect solution to scrapbooking challenges. This follow-up to Creative Sketches for Scrapbooking will be an essential resource for all scrapbookers. Organized in an easy-to-use format, this book will show you just how easy, fun and rewarding sketching -- and scrapbooking -- can be.
Book Description
Based on her popular "One Sketch, Many Looks" column, Becky Higgins shares dozens of new sketches and loads of layouts to spark your creativity. The 52 sketches, instantly recognizable as Becky's clean, classic style, give you a new design to sample each week of the year! This must-have book is divided into sections according to how many photos you have to scrap—saving you time! If you have six photos from your DD's birthday party, flip to the six photos layout section and glean inspiration from layouts crafted by Becky and readers.
Customer Reviews:
Disappointed.......2007-09-17
Expensive magazine. I expected this to be a paperback book rather than a magazine complete with advertisements.
Not that great........2007-07-05
I was surprised to hear how many folks liked this magazine. I was disappointed that the book was actually a flimsy magazine and for the price I would have passed. Many of the pages are filled with advertisements. The layouts were uncreative and nothing exciting. The recipes were also not as descriptive and complete as others that I've seen. I also found that if you do not have children many of the ideas were not useful. I would not recommend this magazine. There are plenty of other choices that are better for the money. This magazine is not robust to sustain any tough handling. Although there are a couple of simple ideas to get started, I have to admit it wouldn't be the first book I would reach for.
Very helpful........2007-05-13
This is one of the very few books you'll ever need as a scrapbooker. Perfect for both beginners and experienced scrapbookers alike.
Perfect reference for scrapbookers.......2007-05-12
This book is so helpful for those who agonize about page layouts. I reference it all the time. The second book of layouts is also very good.
Sketches for scrapbooking.......2007-03-26
This book helps organize multiple pictures. I recently used for a zoo trip and the page turned out incredible (had 9 pictures). It is a must have.
Customer Reviews:
i know a lot of people liked this book but................2007-09-11
i just can't say i feel the same way. i keep it because i keep everything. but i'm not a simple scrapbooker so i find the book a bit bland in it's ideas and i was uninspired by the text.
pure inspiration!.......2007-08-31
I love Stacy Julian's take on scrapbooking. Not everything has to be chronological!! This book has given me a freedom and renewed passion for this hobby and a reminder to look at the little things.
Super, Super, Super!.......2007-08-10
Stacy Julian gives new meaning to scrapbooking. This book is SO easy to read and such fun. Each page is an example of how, what, and even why she scrapbooks. There are wonderful layouts and examples on every page. After reading her philosophies I thought to myself 'why didn't I think of that????' She is extremely creative and a great teacher. You will learn easy ways to document your life in a meaningful way (that isn't necessarily chronological.) This is the way that I will be scrapbooking from now on.....thanks Stacy!!
This is revolutionary.......2007-06-30
Oh my goodness! This book is fantastic! It's time we move away from the Creative Memories philosophy and move towards a creative approach to scrapbooking. Not only does Stacy Julian introduce a new reason to scrapbook but I love her samples in the book. I loved that not all the pictures of herself make her look perfectly made up - how long have I been afraid to scrapbook less than perfect pictures of me? Seriously! I'm rarely photo-ready so why not scrapbook life as it really is. And life is certainly more than the each big holiday to Disneyland, or Christmas pageants. I have felt a lot more freedom to scrapbook whatever I feel and find pictures to match my story. Buy this book! You won't be sorry!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS BOOK!.......2007-06-21
I would give this more stars if I could! This book is teriffic! I have had and/or read COUNTLESS books on scrapbooking, and this is one of my two favorites! Stacy's method of scrapbooking is NOT about products or the latest trends or styles; it's about getting your photos and memories in albums. Her pages are simple and to the point -- YOU can embellish as much as you like. I don't care how many albums she has, as one reviewer criticized! She is just trying to help people NOT to feel overwhelmed with photos and scrapbooking. I wish that people would just NOT write reviews if a book is "not what [they] expected". If they feel 'deceived' by a book review or title, then I can understand it. I am so NOT like Stacy Julian, but I would like to be 1/2 that happy with life! She is so inspiring! Scrapbooking helps me appreciate my children -- see them in a different light -- in the midst of the chaos of raising them!! I love to browse through this book -- getting page ideas or just inspiration. It also has influenced how I take pictures, or should I say WHAT I take pictures OF! I highly recommend this book as well as Rebecca Sower's book "Scrapbooking Life's Little Treasures". If I only had these two books, I'd be happy. Their messages about scrapbooking and family are very powerful!
Product Description
This full-color, digital how-to book and CD takes Simple Scrapbooks’ popular “Simple Schemes” digital! Whether or not you have ventured into digital scrapbooking before, you will appreciate the personal training you receive from Digital Designs for Scrapbooking. Editorial Board Member at Simple Scrapbooks, Renee Pearson, brings a friendly face to digital scrapbooking with clear step-by-step instructions and accompanying screen-shots that take scrapbookers through everything they need to know to complete four digital albums. Along the way, Renee offers additional tips and techniques for effectively using Adobe PhotoShop Elements to design beautiful scrapbook pages. Features include: 164 pages with 4 complete digital album projects (each project has its own tutorial with screenshots), accompanying CD contains the equivalent of 4 digital scrapbooking kits, a generous supply of Simple “Digital Schemes” (scrapbook page layouts), over 400 individual digital page elements, bonus gallery of pages designed by Simple Scrapbooks’ celebrities, and a trial version of Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.
Customer Reviews:
AT LAST!!.......2007-08-15
I decided to give digital scrapping a try, but after attempting to approach it via trying to understanding Photoshop Elements 4, I was plowed under by techno-babble and almost gave up. Next I tried to find some tutorials online that were well-written or clearly-presented and easy to understand. Generally speaking, forget it. Thankfully I happened upon this book. Let me just say that any fool (even one as digi-clueless as I am) can jump into digital scrapping with Renee Pearson holding your hand. The book's clearly written. It's helpfully illustrated. It's methodically laid out. In short, YOU CAN UNDERSTAND WHAT THE HECK SHE'S TALKING ABOUT!
OK if you have Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0.......2007-05-07
I purchased this book thinking it was a good introduction into digital scrapbooking. It seems like a nicely laid out book, but it is only for Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 users. There is a trial version of PSE 3.0 on the included CD, but PSE 3.0 is no longer available to buy anywhere. So although the layouts look nice and the included CD has a lot of goodies on it, I was looking for something that could give me a better overview of all the various softwares people use for digital scrapbooking, rather than a primer for Elements 3.0.
Great Product.......2007-03-13
This is a great product for anyone sho wants to do digital scrapbooking.
Very Much Worth It..........2007-03-12
I bought this book at a scrapbook store and paid lots more than $14. Renee Pearson does a great job of explaining things without boring you repeating or going so fast you can't figure out step 1 to step 2. Each chapter assumes you remember the previous step (which saves me from those boring reviews). The books and pages I ended up with were great, and it's easy to take the techniques and do even more with them. Go Renee!
Love the templates.......2007-02-08
I really liked getting the templates on the disc that came with the book.
Makes pumping some quick pages out really easy.
Books:
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- Dolls' House Furniture: Easy-to-Make Projects in 1/12 Scale
- Exquisite Beaded Jewelry: Use Basic Techniques to Create Distinctive Designs
- Fabric Dyeing for Beginners
- Feedsacks! Beautiful Quilts from Humble Beginnings
- Fit and Fabulous in 15 Minutes
- Five Frogs on a Log: A CEO's Field Guide to Accelerating the Transition in Mergers, Acquisitions And Gut Wrenching Change
Books Index
Books Home
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General
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
EVERYDAY MATTERS
How to Make a Journal of Your Life
Visual Chronicles: The No-Fear Guide to Creating Art Journals, Creative Manifestos and Altered Books
Drawing From Life: The Journal as Art
Collage Unleashed
