MMCA Marketplace

Book Review :: Four-Word Self-Help by Patti Digh

Four-Word Self-Help: Simple Wisdom for Complex Lives published by Skirt!, an imprint of Globe Pequot Press.

Review by Debbie Overton

Author Patti Digh (Life is a Verb) takes the issues of our busy days and proves that rather than “solving” a complexity with another complexity, the answer may well lie in simple actions. 

Four-Word Self-Helpshows you that life is simpler than we try to make it.  Reflecting on the power of words, Patti introduces twelve hot-button "issues" - each addressed by wise and witty four-word missives.  Each of these four-word phrases are illustrated by artists from around the world in this little 5 x 7" book filled page after page of Simple Wisdom for Complex Lives.  It is an absolute must for anyone that could use just a little bit of help and inspiration.

do work that matters, keep fresh flowers nearby, do what you can, know what excites you, leave some things undone

This little book would make a perfect gift for yourself or someone special in your life.  The book is due in stores in September or you can pre-order it here or by clicking on the book cover.

Book Review :: Ordinary Sparkling Moments by Christine Mason Miller

If you are looking for a mix of wisdom, humor and inspiration then you will find Ordinary Sparkling Moments by Christine Mason Miller a wonderful book.  It is filled with Christine’s photography, collage and from the heart writings.  Christine shares the deeper truths that await our discovery in some of life’s most mundane moments such as running errands, doing the dishes and paying the bills.  Ordinary Sparkling Moments honors all the unexpected places meaning can be found and all the surprising ways we can uncover our most authentic selves. 

The openness and inspiration I found through a phone conversation with Christine many, many years ago can be found page after page.  The day I received my copy in August 2008, I read it cover to cover and have done so many times since.  There are days when I will pick up the book and open it to a random page and find inspiration and words of wisdom as an artist and a woman.  Reading Ordinary Sparkling Moments is like sitting in your favorite café sharing your life with your best friend.

 

"Order a signed copy of Ordinary Sparkling Moments through Christine's Etsy shop through the end of August and receive a FREE set of four notecards.  Enter "MMCA" in the comments section."

 

Christine's Etsy Shop

 

Visit Christine's websiteto learn more about this extraordinary artist and author.

Book Review & Giveaway :: ART CLOTH by Jane Dunnewold

Art Cloth: A Guide to Surface Design for Fabric published by Interweave.

Review by Debbie Overton

When textile artist Jane Dunnewold released her first book, Complex Cloth in 1996, it quickly became the bible of surface design for fiber artists.  Art Cloth picks up where Complex Cloth left off, showing how to layer processes with the latest products to create stunning cloth for use in a variety of fiber art. Art Cloth updates all the techniques discussed in Complex Cloth plus adds valuable new information from Jane’s years of teaching and continuing work as an artist.

In addition to detailed step-by-step wet media surface design techniques, she demonstrates how the use of color and design contribute to successful layering. She guides and inspires artists to take their art cloth to the next level through sidebars with design tips and exercises that support the technical information. In addition, each technique chapter concludes with project ideas for the skills learned, so anyone working through the book can literally build layers on cloth as each chapter is completed.

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced fiber artist, this book will inspire you as you work your way through 176 pages and 500 photographs.

Interweave  has gifted the Marketplace with a copy of ART CLOTH and we invite you to leave a comment to have your name entered for a chance to win this amazing book.  Want another chance?  Then blog about our giveaway with a link to this post, then come back here and leave a comment to include a static link to your post.  Mention it on Facebook or Twitter and let me know and you have more chances.  Each mention gives you an extra chance to have your name drawn.  This giveaway ends Saturday, August 7th at Midnight EST.  The winner will be announced Sunday afternoon, August 8th.

To learn more about Jane, visit her website and to purchase a copy of ART CLOTH visit here.

UPDATE:  The Giveaway has ended and we have a winner!

The lucky winner of Art Cloth by Jane Dunnewold is "dolores fegan" posting comment number 10!  Please contact me via email with your mailing address. 

Thanks to everybody who entered our giveaway don't forget you can purchase a copy of ART CLOTH visit here.

Book Review :: Women and the Sea by Claire Murray

Book review by Debbie Overton

In Women and The Sea, Hearing the Siren's Song, Claire Murray has brought 16 creative and entrepreneurial women together in this 168-page full-color coffee table book to tell their stories of how they draw sustenance and inspiration from the sea. Women and the Sea tells the tales of artists, crafters, entrepreneurs, "fishin' chix," captains, scientists, a surfing school headmistress and a sandcastle sculptress.  If you have a love for the ocean, beach combing for shells and sea glass, the sounds or salty air you will be mesmerized by the photos and stories within.

To purchase Women and the Sea, visit Claire Murray's website here. 

This gorgeous book is sitting on my coffee table, will it be on yours?

Collage Playground Book Winner

Congratulations Angie Hall Haviland!!!

Thank you to each one who left a comment, tweeted, blogged and shared on Facebook about our Collage Playground book giveaway.  

After I made sure each name was entered the correct number of times, Angie's name was drawn from my Rose Fiestaware Nappy Bowl.   

 

Another book giveaway coming soon!

 

 

Book Review & Giveaway :: Collage Playground by Kimberly Santiago

Collage Playground published by North Light, an imprint of F+W Media, Inc.

Review by Debbie Overton

Remember the carefree spirit we all had as children?  Now you can recapture that sense of wonder and excitement in your art with Collage Playground with auther Kimberly Santiago.  You will be introduced to 10 simple techniques and 25 projects that take the "work" out of collage and bring back the fun.

"Find your inner child and let loose with your art.  Pull out those unfinished drawings, paintings and sketches; grab that box of loose photos and paper scraps; leaf through old books, magazines and textiles.  That's right, go back to the playground!" ~ Author Kimberly Santiago

While I go to the playground you have a chance to win a copy of this wonderful book that will have your imagination spinning!

F+W Media has gifted the Marketplace with a copy of Collage Playground and we invite you to leave a comment to have your name entered for a chance to win this amazing book.  If you blog about our giveaway with a link to this post and leave a comment with a direct link to your blog post, you will have your name entered twice!  And don't forget to let us know you mentioned our giveaway on Facebook and Twitter.  Each mention gives you an extra chance to have your name drawn.  All comments and blog posts referring to this giveaway must be made by Thursday, July 15th,  9:00 PM EST listed in the comments below.

 

To purchase Collage Playground visit F+W Bookstore here or Amazon here.

Book Review :: Artist's Color Manual

Review by Debbie Overton

I purchased this book over 6 years ago and it has been one of my "go-to" books many times. 

Artist's Color Manual: The Complete Guide to Working with Color by Simon Jennings.

Artist's Color Manual is the ultimate guide to color for visual artists. Whether they work in oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, colored pencils, or inks, artists of all stripes will find information and ideas flowing from every profusely illustrated page. Renowned art instructor Simon Jennings begins with a basic introduction to color theory, the color wheel, and the art of mixing pigments. The heart of the Artist's Color Manual is a comprehensive guide to mixing and creating each color of the spectrum, from primaries to tricky neutrals, flesh tones, and metallics. Additional chapters focus on techniques, such as mixing media, that create color in both traditional and unexpected ways. Examples of work by accomplished artists and interviews with leading painters suggest creative ideas for color use. With expert instruction, detailed information, and inspiring visuals, Artist's Color Manual is especially helpful for those who are learning to paint, yet speaks with definitive authority to all artists looking to perfect their craft.

Book Review :: A Compendium of Curiosities by Tim Holtz

Book Review by Debbie Overton

Tim Holtz - "Get ready to embark on a journey filled with ideas and inspirations to spark your creative curiosities. This compendium is a compilation of my thoughts and ideas to guide you through your own artistic adventures. I wanted this book to be different though... not your ordinary "how to make" book, but rather "how to create". I believe everyone is truly creative whether they think it or not and this book shares not only ideas on all things idea-ology, but step by step techniques on using some of my favorite Ranger products. Now what can be better than that?"

From the cover to every page inside, you feel as though this book has been around for many years.  To me it is more of an idea book rather than a project book.  I love that it is spiral bound, filled with his products and how to use than, lots of eye candy and a gallery of finished projects.  Take what he has shared and you will be able to expand upon his ideas to make it your own. 

Visit Tim here to purchase your own personalized copy.

Digital Expressions Lucky Winner

The lucky winner of Susan's book, Digital Expressions is Katie Simmons.  Thank you to everyone that visited and left your name for the drawing.  A special thank you to Susan for gifting the Marketplace with her amazing book.  If you have not purchased a copy for yourself, you are missing out on a great step-by-step digital experience!

Katie your book is ready to be mailed just as soon as I receive your mailing address.

Book Review & Giveaway :: Digital Expressions by Susan Tuttle

Review by Debbie Overton with contributing artwork by Brenda Wampler and Red Dog Scott. 

Within 5 chapters Susan practically takes you by the hand and walks not behind or ahead of you, but beside you.  The step-by-step instructions for 25 projects are simple to follow and she has included a CD containing brushes, textures, and photo files to get you started, but don’t limit yourself to just what Susan has included.  Use your own photos, make your own textures and let your imagination run wild while you manipulate images, add layers and filters.  This book is filled with extraordinary examples of digital art that you too can create.  If you have ever wanted to learn to create digital works of art, you will not be disappointed in Susan’s approach to teaching.  

Below are examples created using techniques from this amazing book.

 

Learn more about Red Dog Scott here, here & here. 

 
Learn more about Brenda here and here.

  

After receiving my copy of Digital Expressions, I opened my photo files and randomly chose 4 photos.  Within mere minutes I was hooked and I don't even use PS Elements.  I had to make a few adjustments in the steps as I use Adobe Photoshop 7.0, but it was simple and easy to work with.

Susan has gifted the Marketplace with a copy of Digital Expressions and we invite you to leave a comment to have your name entered for a chance to win this amazing book.  If you blog about our giveaway with a link to this post and leave a comment with a direct link to your blog post, you will have your name entered twice!  All comments and blog posts referring to this giveaway must be made by Saturday, May 22, 9:00 PM EST listed in the comments below.

 

Visit Susan here and purchase the book here.

 

Update 5/22/10 9:00 pm EST:  The giveaway is now officially closed, however if you are a happy camper of Digital Expressions, please share with us.