How to Be Creative If You Never Thought You Could [Paperback]

Crafts novices, especially those who doubt their ability to create artfully, will welcome California artist Leigh's how-to on creativity, which goes beyond abstractions and sensitivity-training exercises. Instead this generously illustrated volume encompasses 15 step-by-step projects, all promoted as "easy-to-do" and "fun-to-make." Media and techniques include silk topiaries, collage, and decoupage. Because rubber stamps make great impressions with ready-made images so that crafters need not "start from scratch," Leigh wisely begins with that medium, progressing to the decorative painting of a small box and various glass objects and papermaking with the use of a kitchen blender. Along the way, she stresses confidence and presents "idea boxes" containing hints on keeping track of craft ideas, listings of books with additional projects, and more as beginning crafters work with the "shining possibilities" of metal and wire as well as create a mosaic-tile-covered trunk and photo frame. Complete with a listing of resources, this title will be a key starting point for beginners. Whitney Scott
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"While most arts and crafts books teach a specific technique or skill, this book is more like a map to help you find the treasure that already resides within you."

This exciting new book was designed with novice crafters in mind, particularly those who question their ability to even BE creative. Author and artist Tera Leigh provides encouraging words and insightful anecdotes that make it easy for readers to discover their creative spirit. She defines exactly what creativity is, how we utilize it in everyday life (even when we think we're NOT being creative), and how that creative ability can be realized through the fantastic world of crafts.

Readers will find 16 easy-to-do, fun-to-make projects that enable them to explore a wide variety of craft media and techniques, including: Rubber stamping Silk topiaries Wire and metal crafts Bookmaking and papermaking Mosaics Collage and decoupage Decorative painting And more! Readers will also find valuable tips, ideas and affirmations for overcoming obstacles to their creativity, such as avoiding their inner critic, comparing their creative efforts to those of others, and getting past "creator's block."

Tera Leigh is a crafter, artist and author living in California. She is the founder of ToleNet, the first Internet resource on decorative painting, and has been active in the crafts and decorative painting industry since 1995. Tera is a columnist for Paintworks and Decorative Artist's Workbook magazines, and has had her original designs published in many painting and home décor magazines. In 2003 she will begin writing a regular creativity column for Country Marketplace magazine. She is the co-creator of Paintability, manufactured by Delta Technical Coatings, which is a line of products designed to help aspiring artists learn to paint.

Tera Leigh is a crafter, artist and author living in California.. She is the author of The Complete Book of Decorative Painting (North Light Books), a Crafts/CrafTrends 2002 finalist and rated among the "Top 10 Craft & Hobby Books of 2002" by Booklist magazine. Tera has had regular columns in Paintworks, Decorative Artist's Workbook, and Tole World magazines, and has had her original designs published in many painting and home décor magazines. In 2003, she will begin writing columns for Country Marketplace and Quick & Easy Painting magazines