This book isn’t really about crafting. It’s about combating emotional and psychological strife through the process of creating something. The author is not a therapist or licensed medical practitioner, but someone who has been through many struggles and is sharing what helped them wade through the storm. For someone needing professional help this is certainly no substitute, but for someone going through life’s usual ups and downs this type of ‘I’ve been there, and this is what helped me...’ approach could be really beneficial. 

The included paper crafting projects range from simple to intermediately complex, and I think someone with little artistic skill could begin with the simpler projects and learn enough to progress through the entire book. Each project has a central theme that I think is universal, such as dealing with bullying, being your own champion and working on forgiveness. The step-by-step crafts are preceded by advice on overcoming the particular adversity, and include templates that can be printed and cut out. The book includes a photo of the finished craft, but I think a few photos showing the craft in progress, especially during the more difficult stages, would be helpful for a novice artist. When your craft has been completed, you’ll have a tangible reminder of your accomplishment that will hopefully provide you with some relief the next time you’re feeling down. 

As a teacher, I think this could be really useful in a classroom setting. I’m always looking for different ways to help my students channel negative emotions into a more positive learning experience. Here’s my only real caveat of the book - some of the projects require very sharp tools, like craft knives and scalpels. I understand this from a paper crafting perspective but should people in a state of distress be encouraged to use them?

You had me at paper, glue, scissors, and creativity is all that’s needed! This is a book filled with 25 different arts and crafts ideas that will surely please those bored children, or the boredom from being housebound from this stifling pandemic. These are not difficult crafts to do, and most people will have most, if not all, supplies needed in their home already, or can obtain them quickly and without breaking the bank at any dollar store. This is exactly what is needed to help pull people away from electronics and back to finding the joy of their own creative self in today’s day and age. 

Thank you so much for to NetGalley, Tiller Press, and Boo Paterson for providing an ARC of this creative crafting guide in exchange for my honest opinions!

As an Art Therapist, I found this book to be a good supplement for in office therapy work, specifically for the self-care tips. If I were to use this book professionally, I would consider the safety of working with sharp objects for those who might have history of self-harm, as the project in this  book requires. Additionally, some of the projects don’t necessarily match the heaviness of the topic. However, I ultimately found it to be a cute book for a intermediate-level crafter, and adaptable to the Art Therapist for a variety of concerns. 
Thank you to NetGalley and Tiller Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I would use the ideas in this book for examples in a classroom setting. It is a wonderful book for someone who is coping with depression, in the mist of a life change, or just needs a pick me up. This book comes with wonderful and transforming ideas. You will need scissors and glue, which they tell you through out the book, to make things that you can put on your bathroom mirror, or set on your desk. Also, it comes with things to cut out and fill in, once you think about what is being prompted to think about. I would recommend this to anyone and I really want to buy this and enjoy it at home when it comes out.

A decent enough arts and crafts book, I suppose.  Personally I didn't gain a lot from it in terms of creative inspiration.  I recognize that a lot of crafts have been done and pinterest-ed so much that there's no room for "new stuff", but usually I like to see a least a few different takes on classic projects to help liven up a book.  This one didn't offer that, and left me wanting. 

However, I very much appreciate all the little tid bits of self-care advice and encouragement that are sprinkled throughout the chapters.  These are what make this book worthwhile.  

Ultimately, I think this could've been a different kind of book.  Rather than an art book, it might have been better served as a book that focuses on self-care, with a sprinkling of art ideas, rather than the other way around.

Date reviewed/posted: March 2, 2021
Publication date: May 11, 2021

When life for the entire galaxy and planet has turned on its end, you are continuing to #maskup and #lockdown to be in #COVID19 #socialisolation as the #secondwave is upon us, AND it is a loverly minus 26 degrees, snowy and icy where I am currently stuck living, so superspeed readers like me can read 300+ pages/hour, so yes, I have read the book … and many more today.

I requested and received a temporary digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley, the publisher and the author in exchange for an honest review.  

From the publisher, as I do not repeat the contents or story of books in reviews, I let them do it as they do it better than I do 😸.


Enjoy twenty-five unique art projects involving colouring, paper-cutting, collage, book sculpture, pop-ups, and more from renowned illustrator and fine artist Boo Paterson.

Creativity can be a useful tool to help you thrive whenever you feel stressed. Now, in First Art Kit, Boo Paterson blends thoughtful discussion of common psychological problems—from coping with anxiety to beating bullying—with uplifting, therapeutic crafts.

These twenty-five absorbing projects feature step-by-step instructions and templates so adult crafters of all abilities can practise self-care and boost their creativity.

Whether you’re having trouble sleeping, need to improve your self-esteem, or just want to create some beautiful artwork, this light and encouraging guide provides practical tips to ease the mind and soothe the soul.

Self-care through paper? Okay, self-care has officially and finally become a description I HATE AND LOATHE. That aside, if you are looking for a way to spend an afternoon with little cost doing a project that will keep you entertained, this book could work for you if you are more into art projects than yoga. They are easy to do and lower cost than many other kinds of artistic endeavours... give them a try out if you are looking for something new to do.

As always, I try to find a reason to not rate with stars as I simply adore emojis (outside of their incessant use by "🙏-ed Social Influencer Millennials/#BachelorNation survivors/Tik-Tok and YouTube  Millionaires/snowflakes / literally-like-overusers etc. " on Instagram and Twitter... Get a real job, people!) so let's give it ✂✂✂