Create Your Life Book

I liked the idea and the way the book was fully illustrated, bursting with colour and instruction. The only thing that wasn't quite my cup of tea was the art itself. I can appreciate the book very much and I am sure it will be perfect for lots of other budding artists and writers out there, but I think I would have liked a bit more variety in the style of the art. But still an excellent book - very well executed. Good luck with it and thank you

<i><b> ...a happier world starts by healing the wounds within...</b></i>

<i>Create Your Life Book </i>begins with self-affirmation and positive vibes, and features lovely art projects that combine mindfulness, meditation and more.

I love the colors used throughout the book, and the drawing style. The projects look fun, and I would like to try a few of them. There is no pressure to complete the projects perfectly, with a time limit, or to exacting standards. The importance is how they make you feel and learn and grow.

I am certainly not qualified to remark on how successfully this book helps you improve your life. It is positive, beautiful, thoughtful, and venerates kindness and compassion. And how can that be bad?

I would like to share this book with friends and family.

Would be a great gift book.

The cover and description drew me to this book like a moth to light. I feel that introspection is a wonderful way to improve my life and let go of things I should not be holding onto so tightly. I also like the idea of trying to create my own artwork--even though I am not at all artistically inclined.

The projects in this book are so carefully detailed, and easy enough to do that even someone like me can accomplish making my own life book.

Thank you for this. I'm ready and willing to fly!

The full name of the book is Create Your Life Book: Mixed-Media Art Projects for Expanding Creativity and Encouraging Personal Growth which is a pretty good description of what you will find in the book plenty of practical instructions mixed with "Life Lessons".  I am a big fan of a blog called http://journalworkshops.ning.com where you can find a lot of amazing classes and other videos but no books.  So when I saw the blurb on this I was really intrigued and was happy to find that the mix of the two (art and life lessons) was a great balance, this one will definitely be a permanent addition to my bookshelf so when I need inspiration I can reference it.

Great artwork, pieces used for therapy, though not sure who would go through all this trouble to release their demons or honoring / acknowledging themselves - the art work is pretty intense, minutely detailed and time consuming.

Tamara Laporte is HUGE in the mixed media art world - trust me I don't even do this type of art but I have a beautiful friend who does and I know through her just how BIG the mixed media art world is. Think of the book and blogging community and relate that to art and you have an idea. So from what I know before diving into this book Mixed Media art is literally an art form that is meant to be therapeutic and anything goes. Literally. You take any book ( they can be our books - and by "our books" I mean our novels) or art sketchbook with the right type of paper and you literally create art in them. I know, my fellow bookish lovers the thought of painting, drawing even writing in our precious books causes us to gain a beating heart in need of steadying. But these beautiful artists do it with such love and creativity that you kind of forgive them. A little.

The book cover shows what Mixed Media Art generally looks like - from what I know of the one circle I was aware of. Let's take a closer look.

Tamara Laporte created an online art class called Life Book, and it's where you take a theme such as "Gratitude" or "Letting Go" and you create an art piece about all things you're grateful for, or you want to let go and you draw/paint/blend/pastel in your representations of the theme. You can add words (perhaps cut out from books/newspapers/magazines/printed from online/calligraphy by hand etc) to your work to add personal touches. This is where the journalling comes in (I think).

Anyway, the course proved so popular that Tamara has finally been able to bring us our very own Mixed Media Art class into book form. I was so excited to review this and try out the techniques because having a friend who is so talented at this stuff I have always been in awe of her and her talent. It's no secret that if I could do this art style then I would be so happy. So I had to try.

The first art project in the book is themed around Letting Go - and I think it's perfect to try and do at some point this month if you can as it's another way of setting goals and intentions for the coming year.

If you're new to creating Mixed Media Art or any form of art then you might be worried that you will be overwhelmed by it all, but Tamara has written this book with you in mind. She takes you step by step through every piece of the art projects, and includes colour photos of each step to give you an idea of how to do your piece. At the start of the book Tamara talks you through the things you'll need and alternatives. Now, you might feel like it's going to cost you a fortune but again, from my lovely friend, I learnt that you use what you have and build up your art stash slowly.

Each year since losing my Auntie I've kind have promised myself and my auntie that I will do things that will create memories for me and my friends and family. The first year was Crochet which I still do (and will be blogging more about), last year was lifestyle blogging/instagramming, and 2018 will include all that and more. But I would love to create some Mixed Media Art pieces this year, so watch this space as I've NEVER done any of this type of art before. The most I've ever done is sketching and using pastels. So it will be quite a journey.

From the moment I opened up this book to review I knew it was going to be an amazing way to start 2018, and I knew I had to buy it for my friend for Christmas. Keeping it a secret from her for over a month was SO hard! I just wanted to scream "Look what i've got you!!!" but I kept quiet and she LOVED it! And I know you will too.

I am awarding this book 5/5 for the creativity, the beautiful layout, the projects and their therapeutic benefits, and the amazing opportunity it gives us to document our lives adding to our life, happiness and legacy.

Review on my blog will go live 01/01/18 at 00:30am UK Time

The cover of this book caught my attention immediately. I guess the style and colours spoke to me in that moment and it was just what I needed at the moment. Visual arts have been a major part of my life as long as I can remember, but a few years ago I had reached a kind of saturation point. I dropped everything related to visual arts. Now I’m taking small steps to get back going and this book is a wonderful tool to wake up the creative fluids in me that have been dormant.

Tamara Laporte has been carrying out online Life Book courses for years, which are extremely popular. After reading her book I don’t wonder. She has created a collection of creative exercises that at the same time inspire you artistically and address any challenging issues you might be going through in your life. Working through this book will help you open up to new possibilities both in art, if that’s your desire, or just in everyday life, in any field of activity.

As an artist I’m always immensely interested in seeing how other artists work. For me this was a major bonus in this book. It shows in detail with photos and explanatory texts how the art works of the book where created and at the same time describes the mental process connected to them, which helps the reader to release her creative potential.

There are several guest artists featured in the book too. All of their art works are visually compatible though, which makes the book aesthetically pleasing and just a very beautiful book to read.

This books would be a perfect Christmas gift! I would definitely add some art supplies so the book can be use right away.
The idea of the book is to use art and crafts as in a healing process, self-love, self-improvement and personal growth. Too short in my opinion but the main idea is excellent!!!

What a fabulous book! This book gives many idea for Mixed-Media Art Projects. I love to draw faces and characters and this book definitely gives wonderful tips. I'll buy a paper copy when it's published.

I just love the ideas of melding art with self awareness while making a lifelong journal.

First of all, I will say that I love Tamara Laporte's art, and when I first picked this book up, I was skeptical about how I could possibly make anything nearly as beautiful as the projects she describes and demonstrates here. But... my skepticism diminished as I read through each project, realizing that while maybe I can't draw as well as she can, there are many projects in the book that don't require that fine talent at all! My particular favorite project is the gratitude blessings mixed media page that consists of writing what I'm grateful for on little slips of collage paper, then rolling them up and tying them with ribbon and adhering them to a beautiful collage. Mine doesn't look exactly like Tamara's but it looks just like ME and I love it. I also appreciate that there is so much more to this book than just directions for completing each project. Tamara and the contributing authors each include background on the project, as well as suggestions for other ways to incorporate things like gratitude, strength, transformation, self-love, healing, and affirmations into our daily lives.

This was a beautiful book to explore. Full of stunning colors and art projects. It was well laid out with gorgeous graphics and interesting fonts. We start off with a small introduction and then move into a detailed list and information about the art supplies needed.

The book is then broken up into the following chapters. Each chapter includes detailed step-by-step instructions for creating your own projects (18 in total)...

-- Letting Go, Manifesting & Celebrating
-- Self-Love, Grounding & Being Present
-- Honoring & Healing
-- Transformation, Strength & Gratitude
-- Binding Your Life Book
-- Final Words of Encouragement

A beautiful book that would make an excellent gift this holiday season!

Let me just say: I love this book. It's basically half self help book and half arts and crafts. Mixed media art has always fascinated me because I am so very particular and the idea of just gluing and pasting and adding on things OTHER than paint terrified me! This book helped me learn to loosen up and not worry so much. Art should be fun, it should make you happy. It should not frustrate you. This book walks you through multiple projects step by step showing you how to create your own work and also giving you a little lesson in the meantime (meditation, self love, exploring your own life, etc). It is truly lovely and I can see myself going back to this time and time again to work on some of the projects. The art is so very beautiful and colorful. Going through this book was therapeutic and exactly what I needed at this point in my life.

Love, love, love this book! I'm a huge fan of Tam's courses, and have taken many of her classes. She even offers a free course on her website willowing.org. Check her out, you won't regret it! This is her first book, a and I hope there's many more. Love her style, and the book is beautiful. I received a advanced e-reader copy for free, and still bought the book. She's also included other artists to offer a little variety. Not only does she teach her art skills, she also gives inspirational motivation to others through her own journey and struggles. Buy this book for yourself, but as gifts to anyone who wishes to expand their creative skills.

When I saw this on Netgalley, I know I had to try to get it to review.  I realized that I need the actual book to be able to sit down to learn this.  If I had a copy on my ipad, it would have been easier for me to read it better tan in the Adobe Digital Editions program.

The author explains what a life book is.  She wants people to find their creativity.  Time is spent on what art supplies is needed.  She breaks the book down into projects with how you can heal yourself.  For example, Projects 1-4 are under the title letting go.  I absolutely love the Zen Butterfly.  I can see me working on this one.  I love that there is Zentangle in it.  That is something else I have wanted to learn, but time has not been kind.  Each project is broken down into sections on a 2 page spread showing the reader actually what is coming next.  Another 2 page spread shows how to put it all together. 

Love the "No One Alive is Youer than You" project using a quirky bird.  I also loved the  Seeds of Love project.  I take from this book is that I need to slow down and learn the items I have been wanting to do.

☆☆☆☆
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa

I love art, but am not an artist - writing is much easier. I love that this book includes writing exercises in the art process, and many projects include templates you can personalize. The pages of the life book will include a safe house for your inner child, a warden to guard the book from prying eyes, a beautiful gratitude tree, and many others - there are just enough pages to move through my life and experience healing, but not so many that I get overwhelmed by the thought of creating them.

The whole book is just beautiful, and Tamara Laporte really distills each technique into understandable language, while still citing research and sources, should you want to dig deeper. I also appreciated her use of collaborators - not every project will look like the one on the cover (which is about acknowledging and healing the inner critic).

As far as materials, Laporte definitely recommends some art supplies that non-artists won't have lying around, but every one of these pages can be made with simple paper, glue, scissors, and markers. Or go ahead and splurge - bring out your inner beauty to its fullest!

Overall, this book was a delight to read, an enlightening, healing experience, and I plan to buy a hard copy so I can really dive in.

I really enjoyed Create Your Life Book by Tamara Laporte! It inspired me so much that I actually tried my hand at art journaling. I highly recommend checking the book out.

Gorgeous step-by-step instructions on using art to explore yourself. Even if the style of art is not to your personal taste, I recommend trying the exercises, exploring the materials, as a meditation to take you out of your everyday self. Some great mixed-media techniques, if you lack spray inks, try watering down paint in cheap spray bottles instead (alcohol spray inks will give better blending results in general). A great book for the new year!

I love this book! Over 18 projects, you are encouraged to try new art techniques while thinking about different aspects of your life - it's like art therapy in your own home. I did at first think perhaps some of the projects would be a bit cheesy, but actually they're quite lovely in generating feel-good moments. And, anything that gets me dabbling back with art after far, far too long can only be a good thing!

Wonderful book. I was really inspired. So much so that I've bought lots of crafting materials and ordered a hard copy. Cannot wait for it to be delivered.

Read and loved this book; and will no doubt continue to read and love this book every year, because every year will be different! A beautiful, bright, colourful guide to help you process what is going on in your life, your head and dare I say it for fear of being called 'hippy' - your soul!
The older I get, the more into self-reflection and self-development I find I am getting; that's not to mean I am getting more into myself and becoming selfish, but exploring how I tick in order to make sense of the world around me. We encourage children to do it all the time, but why not continue into adulthood and use the same beautiful methods of words and picture, be creative and enjoy the process!

This is a lovely workbook of projects and ideas for self-therapeutic art journaling. The instructions are detailed but leave plenty of room for personal experimentation, and the sample art is gorgeous. I particularly liked the inclusion of instructions for binding finished works together into a book - a useful way to keep these kinds of projects together!

This is a beautiful book and it is well written. I love the colors of LaPorte’s drawings and her project instructions are easy to follow. I am purchasing this book for my library collection.

Very sweet, creative guide to use art in your everyday life. The artist and author, Tamara Laporte, is famed for offering unique online workshops designed for self-discovery and personal development. Tamara's original techniques make the entire process fun and fantastical.

Each themed chapter has 4 to 5 two-part projects. These are the following chapter themes:
-- Letting Go, Manifesting & Celebrating
-- Self-Love, Grounding & Being Present
-- Honoring & Healing
-- Transformation, Strength & Gratitude
-- Binding Your Life Book
-- Final Words of Encouragement
The first step is to explore a common issue that hampers creativity and/or positive self-worth.
The second portion is a step-by-step mixed-media art project specially designed to help you work through that issue.
Great way to open up inspiration.

*I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley*

The publisher was kind enough to provide me with a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own and honest.

This book is beautiful and inspiring. I never thought I would actually use anything from it because I have no intentions of creating a Life Book but boy was I wrong! I'm happy to say that there are so many techniques and inspiring ideas in this book that any artist can find something from this book. I love the way the artists find purpose in the art that they are creating. My favourite projects are Follow the Light and Looking Inward. I have tried out some of the techniques used in this book on other art projects but I will be honest in saying I haven't done a full project. I am looking forward to using them this year though to help guide my mediation practice and to fill my space with positive energy. I highly recommend this book for any artist, but especially those that want inspiration for pieces with a specific purpose or those that would like to create a life book. Who knows, maybe one day I will have one!

Cute and very relaxing to read. I got so much positive vibes out of the activities provided in this book. While they're not particularly my style, I learned a lot about colours and how to apply lighting and shadows to faces and such. I don't have all the supplies listed in this book, so I just used which ones I have available. But I'm now curious to try out the ones I don't have, I feel like it will give my artworks a different feel.