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New Year’s Resolutions are a tricky thing. Often they feel like lofty goals that are impossible to reach. So, why not try a new approach and explore your creative side? There is no time like the present!
Here are few fun things to try in the New Year:
Beautiful Paper Cutting: 30 Creative Projects for Cards, Gifts, Décor, and Jewelry
-Lark Crafts
Working with paper is fun way to get creative on a tight budget. Beautiful Paper Cutting is a wonderful collection of top Esty.com paper artists and their designs. From cards, to picture frames, to paper jewelry, this book has it all. Ranging from simple to more advanced, easy to follow instructions allow you to explore all that paper-crafting has to offer. Give it a shot, it will be worth your while.
Freeform Wire Art Jewelry: Techniques for Designing with Wire, Beads and Gems
-Gayle Bird
Interested in jewelry design? Gayle Bird is just the one to get you started. You’ll start with the basics of color/design, then learn how to work with wire. Based on those tutorials, you have twenty different jewelry projects to choose from. Earrings, rings, and necklaces are all included. Bird’s helpful tips give you the knowledge needed to design show-stopping pieces that are sure to impress. This one is a winner.
Family-Friendly Knits: Seasonal Knitted Garments and Accessories for Children and Adults
-Courtney Spainhower
If you’re like me, knitting has always seemed an impossible task. This wonderful book puts those frustrations to rest. Spainhower’s designs are attractive and accessible, allowing everyone from the knitting novice to the knitting pro a great variety to work from. The Tools/Choosing Yarns sections are very informative and the patterns are easy to follow. Great for gifts, this book is the knitting inspiration you need.
The Watercolor Course You’ve Always Wanted: Guided Lessons for Beginners and Experienced Artists
-Leslie Frontz
Interested in painting? How about watercolor? Frontz gives you the tools you need to put brush to canvas. Her step-by-step instructions, along with expert knowledge of the craft give the reader confidence heading into their first project. Broken down into sections such as: choosing and using materials and mastering the properties of color, you will learn how to visualize and construct beautiful pieces of art without breaking the budget. Fun and informative, this book is sure to please.
Draw Faces in 15 Minutes: Amaze Your Friends with Your Portrait Skills
-Jake Spicer
Portrait drawing done right is one of the most sincere forms of flattery. But how do you get started? How do you get Dad’s nose just right? With Spicer’s help, you can accomplish realistic and beautiful hand-drawn portraits of those around you. Starting with a basic portrait sketch, your work will be transformed by learning how to construct the head, create realistic hair and facial details, and finally capturing expression. The process of creating the perfect portrait is broken down expertly. You will love what you are able to create.
Steering the Craft: a twenty-first century guide to sailing the sea of story
-Ursula K. Le Guin
Ever considered creative writing?
Whether it’s short stories or a full-blown novel, Le Guin offers tips on getting your creative juices flowing. Unhappy with the sound of your prose? Wondering whether to change to point of view or voice? What about those pesky punctuation/grammar issues? Her helpful do’s and don’ts are sure to raise the quality of your writing. This is just the book to “steer” you in the right direction!
None of these appealing to you?
Perhaps you need to find creativity in your own time/way.
Elizabeth Gilbert of Eat Pray Love fame is here to help!
In her latest book, Big Magic: Creative Living beyond Fear, Gilbert discusses finding creativity in the everyday. What is your hidden passion? What can you do to give your life the spark it needs? Why is the unknown so frightening? Learn what it takes to get out of your own way and experience life’s simple pleasures. With her techniques/advice, you are sure to find just the thing to jumpstart your New Year.
Have fun and get creative in 2016! You won’t regret it!
*Images courtesy of Easicat