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The Little Spark - 30 Ways to Ignite Your Creativity
You were born with a creative spark inside. Do you look at yourself now and wonder if the spark has gone out? Ignite that inner fire with the 30 engaging exercises, fun activities, inspirational images, and motivating ideas in this book. Learn what your Little Spark of creative passion looks like, how to capture it, and how to make room for it in your life. Read the book cover-to-cover and use it as a month-long creative roadmap, or just dip into the exercises as your time and inclination allow. Either way, you will change your life.
- GenresNonfictionArtCrafts
128 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2014
42 people are currently reading
666 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Bloomston
5 books10 followersCarrie studied painting and glassblowing at the Rhode Island School of Design forever ago (BFA, 1994) and spent the next decade recovering from it. She is now a fabric designer, mama and the artist behind SUCH Designs www.such-designs.com. Her work has been featured widely in books like Modern Baby, Kraft-tex Style, Stitch 'n Swap and magazines including Studios, QuiltMania, Stitch, Cloth Paper Scissors, Generation Q Magazine and Quilts and More.
Now in her pajamas at the kitchen counter, she is a full-time creativity enabler. She aims to help you celebrate your inner artist and step into the life of creativity and passion you have been itching for through her new book, The Little Spark–30 Ways To Ignite Your Creativity (Stash Books, 2014).
Creativity is like a pilot light–it is always on. It sits at the center of who you are and waits for you to notice it
even if you aren't using the stove. So...ummm...you ready to turn on your stove?
Follow along on Facebook for her book updates and signings
https://www.facebook.com/artistCarrie... or for SUCH Designs here https://www.facebook.com/SUCHdesignsL...
Now in her pajamas at the kitchen counter, she is a full-time creativity enabler. She aims to help you celebrate your inner artist and step into the life of creativity and passion you have been itching for through her new book, The Little Spark–30 Ways To Ignite Your Creativity (Stash Books, 2014).
Creativity is like a pilot light–it is always on. It sits at the center of who you are and waits for you to notice it
even if you aren't using the stove. So...ummm...you ready to turn on your stove?
Follow along on Facebook for her book updates and signings
https://www.facebook.com/artistCarrie... or for SUCH Designs here https://www.facebook.com/SUCHdesignsL...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 16, 2014
I won this book while at Quilt Market, and read it through twice in three weeks. I am a professional quilter (patterns and longarm) and I guess you could say I live a creative life. Sometimes, though, I feel as if I get stuck in a rut, or get bogged down by doubts and worries about my work, which I think we can all identify with. This book is a means to help you get into a creative space within yourself, and to tap into that creativity, even if it's feeling a little hidden. Each chapter can work as a standalone unit, making it easy to find something that works for you right now, or you can start from the beginning and work through it to the end. The suggestions and practices are encouraging and supportive, and cover a wide variety of topics, including but not limited to: how to get started; how to get over doubt; how to visualize your goals, and much more.
So many of us are visual learners, or are in some form of visual art, and looking for something to be equally as visually inspiring, and the layout and design of this book provide that as well. Sometimes you see a book that is just satisfying and solidly what you need, even though you didn't know you were looking for it. That's what this book is, for me. Well, that and a definite boost to get reconnected with my own creative spark.
So many of us are visual learners, or are in some form of visual art, and looking for something to be equally as visually inspiring, and the layout and design of this book provide that as well. Sometimes you see a book that is just satisfying and solidly what you need, even though you didn't know you were looking for it. That's what this book is, for me. Well, that and a definite boost to get reconnected with my own creative spark.
April 7, 2017
I've read so many books on creativity...enough that I recognize the standard inspirational triggers. They're effective, so I'm not knocking this version. Bloomston's style will appeal more to YAs and those with more light-hearted aspirations. I found it a bit condescending.
February 1, 2015
I was hoping this book would give me more ideas on how to actually be creative. What I found was all sorts of ideas to nurture existing creativity - and I don't have that.
Bummer.
Bummer.
January 17, 2020
I did not consider this to be a bad book, though I think the author was herself somewhat confused as to what she was trying to accomplish with this book. The book is written to encourage people to be artsy and crafty, and most of the advice in the book is dedicated so such matters, but a great deal of the works that she cites deal with creativity in terms of writing, which is something that she doesn't emphasize. In this case we have someone who wrote a book and used the example of people writing books on creativity involving writing but with the intent to encourage people to be creative in other endeavors besides writing despite the relative paucity of advice she brings in such matters. One wonders if the author simply does not want more competition when it comes to writing books about creativity, of which there are admittedly quite a lot, or that the author herself is only a writer secondarily and prefers to be creative in other areas, like visual art, and so does not know enough about writing to wish to encourage others to do it just as she has. At any rate, it is a puzzling matter.
This book is a bit more than 100 pages long and is richly illustrated and seeks to provide 30 tips for what someone can do to improve their creativity. The author's suggestions begin with just starting (1), creating space for one's atelier (2), taking a class (3), avoiding the voices that tell you that you are crazy (4), and devote time to one's creativity (5). She then moves on to talk about making a huge mess (6), giving oneself permission (7), developing a process (8), being gracious about one's efforts (9), and breaking one's own rules to do something different (10). The author encourages the reader to have a jar of markers handy (11), go window shopping (12), getting in one's body (13), take care of one's inner child (14), and overcome doubt (15). After that the author encourages the reader to have a secret (16), find inspiration (17), focus on pleasure (18), make a vision board (19), and create a mission statement (20). This leads the writer to seek inspiration from fear (21), finding one's own voice (22), repeating and building habits (23), shining one's light (24), and making a Soulbox (25). Finally, the author closes with a discussion on taking a day off (26), sharing one's work with others (27), giving it away (28), leaving everything on the field (29), and trusting oneself (30), after which the author ends with a discussion of contributors and some information about the author.
It should be noted, though, that although this book is far better for those who are seeking to use it to encourage themselves to be more creative in dance or cooking or art or sculpture or something of that nature than it is for those who are writers, it must be admitted that there are still issues with this book even so. Among the biggest issues is the fact that the author herself is not really all that qualified to be an expert on creativity, given the modesty of her own achievements. On top of that, the author offers a great deal of supposed insights that come from mediocre pop psychology or New Age thinking, and if there is one thing the world needs less of it is people who use their half-baked Buddhism to promote ideas about creativity. As someone who has read dozens of such books I have little tolerance for such folly as regularly finds its way to printers who want to capitalize on the desire people have to be flattered about their creativity and given bad advice on how to hone it and improve it.
This book is a bit more than 100 pages long and is richly illustrated and seeks to provide 30 tips for what someone can do to improve their creativity. The author's suggestions begin with just starting (1), creating space for one's atelier (2), taking a class (3), avoiding the voices that tell you that you are crazy (4), and devote time to one's creativity (5). She then moves on to talk about making a huge mess (6), giving oneself permission (7), developing a process (8), being gracious about one's efforts (9), and breaking one's own rules to do something different (10). The author encourages the reader to have a jar of markers handy (11), go window shopping (12), getting in one's body (13), take care of one's inner child (14), and overcome doubt (15). After that the author encourages the reader to have a secret (16), find inspiration (17), focus on pleasure (18), make a vision board (19), and create a mission statement (20). This leads the writer to seek inspiration from fear (21), finding one's own voice (22), repeating and building habits (23), shining one's light (24), and making a Soulbox (25). Finally, the author closes with a discussion on taking a day off (26), sharing one's work with others (27), giving it away (28), leaving everything on the field (29), and trusting oneself (30), after which the author ends with a discussion of contributors and some information about the author.
It should be noted, though, that although this book is far better for those who are seeking to use it to encourage themselves to be more creative in dance or cooking or art or sculpture or something of that nature than it is for those who are writers, it must be admitted that there are still issues with this book even so. Among the biggest issues is the fact that the author herself is not really all that qualified to be an expert on creativity, given the modesty of her own achievements. On top of that, the author offers a great deal of supposed insights that come from mediocre pop psychology or New Age thinking, and if there is one thing the world needs less of it is people who use their half-baked Buddhism to promote ideas about creativity. As someone who has read dozens of such books I have little tolerance for such folly as regularly finds its way to printers who want to capitalize on the desire people have to be flattered about their creativity and given bad advice on how to hone it and improve it.
May 3, 2018
p.4 – Living a creative life means more than being an artist, writer, quilter, crafter, or chef. It is a way of living life with curiosity and openness.
p.11 – Take baby steps. It may help you to have little tiny goals – achievable, quick steps you can take every day until you are less intimidated by starting.
p.33 – “The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see.” (Alexandra K. Trenfor)
p.85 – “The grass is greenest where you water it.” (Neil Barringham)
p.89 – Fear is the boiler room in the basement of your creativity.
“You can’t be creative without being vulnerable. I believe that Creativity and Fear are basically conjoined twins; they share all the same major organs, and cannot be separated, one from the other, without killing them both.” (Elizabeth Gilbert)
p.93 – “You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover well be wonderful. What you’ll discover is yourself.” (Alan Alda)
p.117 – “Find love, then give it all away.” (Clem Snide)
p.11 – Take baby steps. It may help you to have little tiny goals – achievable, quick steps you can take every day until you are less intimidated by starting.
p.33 – “The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see.” (Alexandra K. Trenfor)
p.85 – “The grass is greenest where you water it.” (Neil Barringham)
p.89 – Fear is the boiler room in the basement of your creativity.
“You can’t be creative without being vulnerable. I believe that Creativity and Fear are basically conjoined twins; they share all the same major organs, and cannot be separated, one from the other, without killing them both.” (Elizabeth Gilbert)
p.93 – “You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover well be wonderful. What you’ll discover is yourself.” (Alan Alda)
p.117 – “Find love, then give it all away.” (Clem Snide)
February 3, 2015
This isn't just a book, it's a workbook that helps you get off your butt to jumpstart your creative juices. But the activities the book suggests also help not only with your creative juices but offer ways to help define who you are. For instance there is an activity that has you define a mission statement for yourself, which I found enlightening. You are encouraged to write and draw in the book as you go through, and there are plenty of pictures to help inspire you. This book helped me to just try stuff without having to feel that my project must be perfect, it is okay to fail and try new things.
September 25, 2014
Upon reading an advanced copy, I feel that The Little Spark has impacted the way I relate to the notion and reality of creativity. Bloomston's message of inspiration is crafted in a manner that allows the reader to discover and experience their creative process. Through exercises aimed at connecting the reader to themselves or what she terms their spark, she not only inspires creativity but understanding of self. Bloomston's message is authentic and one that any person looking to reconnect to what motivated them to freely create as a child should read.
October 15, 2015
This book had 30 ideas of how to get your creativity moving forward.
I did like a few:
The best one was - don't be stingy with your materials, it will limit your exploration.
This is sooo true. I limit my paint, my fabric, my resources.
To be inspired:
Unplug, window shop, daydream, slow down, be curious, listen to music, be present (don't think about the future or the past while creating).
Have a way to catch your inspiration: pen and paper, camera, iphone, etc.
Power Pose. Amy Cuddy TED talk June 2012 - titled Free, No-tech life hack.
I did like a few:
The best one was - don't be stingy with your materials, it will limit your exploration.
This is sooo true. I limit my paint, my fabric, my resources.
To be inspired:
Unplug, window shop, daydream, slow down, be curious, listen to music, be present (don't think about the future or the past while creating).
Have a way to catch your inspiration: pen and paper, camera, iphone, etc.
Power Pose. Amy Cuddy TED talk June 2012 - titled Free, No-tech life hack.
February 8, 2015
I think everyone should read this book... it's so inspiring! It talks about all the ways you can bring creativity back into your life. All sorts of creativity is encouraged and supported. There are so many things that I will use over and over. Even though I read it at the library, I plan on buying my own copy- especially as it is part inspiration book, part workbook. There are so many opportunities to dive into her words and suggestions!
January 10, 2015
Back in December, this book was reviewed by various sewing blogs and gushed over. I took a leap of faith and ordered it and I'm so glad I did. While the ideas aren't all new and surprising, I really liked the balance of writing and images, the snippets about various artists. I know it is a book I will be using this year with great relish!
January 29, 2015
I enjoyed the ideas, design and exercise options in this book about living a creative life. Each of the 30 sparks gets its own short chapter with an explanation and things to try. The layout is colorful and easy to use. Though I read through it quickly this time, I would return to it again and work through more of the sparks.
March 13, 2015
This book on creativity inspires creatives of all sorts to get out there and do.
February 7, 2020
Am always looking for new ways to spark. Most of these are recycled ideas, but the book is still inspiring.
October 7, 2017
This is a sad, sad, sad book.
"Creativity" from this book has NOTHING to do with creativity as used by the general public. It is about pathetic useless people who are too rich to have to do anything, who are too egotistic to have to do anything for anyone, and who are too lazy to think of anything to do themselves. And probably 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, 51 weeks a year television gets boring even to this kind of mind and they remark that humans are repetitive, so the news are repetitive, the movies are repetitive, and they need some sort of other kind of repetitive action, than walking the dog or making breakfast for the same individuals.
"Creativity" from this book has NOTHING to do with creativity as used by the general public. It is about pathetic useless people who are too rich to have to do anything, who are too egotistic to have to do anything for anyone, and who are too lazy to think of anything to do themselves. And probably 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, 51 weeks a year television gets boring even to this kind of mind and they remark that humans are repetitive, so the news are repetitive, the movies are repetitive, and they need some sort of other kind of repetitive action, than walking the dog or making breakfast for the same individuals.
September 23, 2017
I really appreciate the sentiments of this book, but for many creatives like me who have found themselves squashing their creativity or having left it behind when life got in the way, most of these are things we already know. It doesn't mean we do them though, so in that respect, it provides a lot of good reminders. Some of the style was a little too...blissful and enlightening? I prefer a more "tell it like it is" tone. BUT this book was a great way to dive into my own research on creativity and I can see how working through the exercises could help someone kickstart their own creativity.
March 17, 2018
I read this book hoping for some ideas to bring more creativity into my world, however, the book did not inspire me. Some of the ideas were ideas that I have read about previously and I have found some of the others to be quite "young" for an adult audience. At one point Ms. Bloomston speaks about her friend making a soul box to better communicate with her partner. Somehow, I cannot imagine an emotionally mature man wanting to participate in the exercise. That being said, the book is well laid out and an easy read.
December 12, 2020
Was a simple read so it probably won't appeal to folks who have already read a lot about art/creative process. I enjoyed the colors and the structure of the book. Discrete ideas ("Sparks") are described then followed up with activities to do or questions you think about or journal on. However, I don't think the book succeeds very well in it's attempt to BE a journal. I had no desire to write on the book, it didn't really feel like quite the right format. Great book anyways!
November 3, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. This was a quick read. The author wrote this book in a way that was easy to understand and also made reading entertaining. I loved all of the questions I had to asked myself throughout the book. I found myself reigniting a spark I had lost many years ago. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking to spark or reignite their creativity.
September 19, 2021
It’s rare for me to give books a true one star review. If I’m giving a low rating it’s either 0 or 2. I don’t think this book was that terrible, but I’ve read so many good books about creativity! This one feels like cliff notes of all those books and some Ted Talks combined. For being a book about creativity, it lacks creativity.
February 20, 2019
One of the best reads I've read in a long time! Great tips to really make your creativity explode! Can't wait to share!
October 16, 2019
Gorgeous book of inspiration. Some great suggestions to get creativity flowing. Beautiful just to flick through too.
March 20, 2020
Enh... If you are interested in this topic, pick up a book by SARK instead.
February 14, 2022
A lovely little book written to help spark your creative mojo.
Lovely quotes sprinkled throughout, and one that I'll probably add to my book shelf.
Lovely quotes sprinkled throughout, and one that I'll probably add to my book shelf.
October 29, 2023
A little cliche, “shine your light,” “make a vision board,” and such. Would be a good gift for a young artist as it also contains thought provoking, “fill in the blank” style questions and resources such as links to free art classes. The crafts shown could have been better, they’re a little “Nana was on Pinterest again.”
June 15, 2015
This book was supposed to help me step into a creative life through engaging exercises, fun activities, inspirational images, and motivating ideas. I was supposed to learn what my little Spark of Passion of creativity looks like and how to capture it, and how to make space for it in my life. Although I don't feel as if the book did all of that for me, it had some valid points, and great reminders, along with some quotes I really enjoyed reading. So I still got some good out of reading this book, just not what I had thought I would gain.
I liked how the book is set up that there are 30 chapters, so you could do one a day, for the month, one a week for 30 weeks, and you can do them in any order you choose, so the chapters don't have to be read in order.
Some Websites I have checked out because of the book are:
creativebug.com
escoffieronline.com
kingarthurflour.com
marthastewart.com
nicolesclasses.com
skillshare.com
The King Arthur Flour website one has some free recipes on it, so I will maybe try some of those. Unfortunately most of the craft sites have a charge to go along with them, and that is always my biggest beef as why I don't craft, or try doing more, as everything costs so much, and my entertainment budget is super small as is, so I choose to do something with my friends or go out to eat or to a movie, instead of trying to buy some items to craft. Being an adult is hard!
Some great quotes throughout the book:
"Don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle." Jon Acuff
"Forever is compared to nows." Emily Dickinson
"Let the beauty of what you love be what you do." Rumi
"The grass is greenest where you water it." Neil Barringham
We all need reminders:
I will take one risk.
I will make a mess.
I will make a cake.
I will try something new.
I will fail at something.
Make a goal for yourself every week on a Post-It note, or write it directly on the wall. That is what the author said, not me! :)
I liked this line as I have done this before:
Go to an international market: an Indian spice shop, a Japanese grocery store, or a Mexican market. Look at how different cultures approach package design. Look at how the natural world shows up in markets from different countries. This is an exercise in seeing creatively and seeing creativity.
I liked this line as well: See that kiddo with all that passion? All those ideas and dreams? That's you. See yourself as that child. Be as gentle with yourself as you would be with that young person.
Do something alone, just for you, by yourself, in the middle of nowhere, in a hidden place or out in the world - with no one else around. You can make a piece of art, do a performance or action, dance, write something, or make a site-specific installation. Whatever it is, it is your secret. Don't tell anyone about it or talk about it to anyone ever - . The teacher who told the students to do this was teaching them to work for yourself, not for some external reward. The reward is inside us. I do this more often then I give myself credit for, but I will share, I tend to dance a lot in my living room, often times when I am cleaning.
"Creativity generally yields something that we share with others - a piece of music, a piece of jewelry, a painting, or a photo. Creative people tend to want to share their work and yet tend to be shy about that sharing. your own creative voice can get a bit clouded by all the other voices you hear from peers and teachers. It can become confusing and difficult to listen to your own voice."
Although, I don't think the book helped me get my creative juices going any more then they already were (not very creative) it reminds me to do what I have a passion for and love. For me I do love to cook and try new recipes, I also really enjoy photography and making photo books, everyone seems to enjoy seeing them, so I will continue to concentrate on those things, along with being outside in Mother Nature. I don't think I will ever get the craft bug, my mom is not a crafty type of person, we didn't grow up doing crafts, I almost failed art and shop class, and it's just not in me. I like to try new things, but again, it always boils down to money for me. If I had an unlimited budget, I think I would be willing to try more things more often then not!!! But, with that said, I don't have an unlimited budget, so my entertainment per week will have to just keep me entertained the best it can...
I liked how the book is set up that there are 30 chapters, so you could do one a day, for the month, one a week for 30 weeks, and you can do them in any order you choose, so the chapters don't have to be read in order.
Some Websites I have checked out because of the book are:
creativebug.com
escoffieronline.com
kingarthurflour.com
marthastewart.com
nicolesclasses.com
skillshare.com
The King Arthur Flour website one has some free recipes on it, so I will maybe try some of those. Unfortunately most of the craft sites have a charge to go along with them, and that is always my biggest beef as why I don't craft, or try doing more, as everything costs so much, and my entertainment budget is super small as is, so I choose to do something with my friends or go out to eat or to a movie, instead of trying to buy some items to craft. Being an adult is hard!
Some great quotes throughout the book:
"Don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle." Jon Acuff
"Forever is compared to nows." Emily Dickinson
"Let the beauty of what you love be what you do." Rumi
"The grass is greenest where you water it." Neil Barringham
We all need reminders:
I will take one risk.
I will make a mess.
I will make a cake.
I will try something new.
I will fail at something.
Make a goal for yourself every week on a Post-It note, or write it directly on the wall. That is what the author said, not me! :)
I liked this line as I have done this before:
Go to an international market: an Indian spice shop, a Japanese grocery store, or a Mexican market. Look at how different cultures approach package design. Look at how the natural world shows up in markets from different countries. This is an exercise in seeing creatively and seeing creativity.
I liked this line as well: See that kiddo with all that passion? All those ideas and dreams? That's you. See yourself as that child. Be as gentle with yourself as you would be with that young person.
Do something alone, just for you, by yourself, in the middle of nowhere, in a hidden place or out in the world - with no one else around. You can make a piece of art, do a performance or action, dance, write something, or make a site-specific installation. Whatever it is, it is your secret. Don't tell anyone about it or talk about it to anyone ever - . The teacher who told the students to do this was teaching them to work for yourself, not for some external reward. The reward is inside us. I do this more often then I give myself credit for, but I will share, I tend to dance a lot in my living room, often times when I am cleaning.
"Creativity generally yields something that we share with others - a piece of music, a piece of jewelry, a painting, or a photo. Creative people tend to want to share their work and yet tend to be shy about that sharing. your own creative voice can get a bit clouded by all the other voices you hear from peers and teachers. It can become confusing and difficult to listen to your own voice."
Although, I don't think the book helped me get my creative juices going any more then they already were (not very creative) it reminds me to do what I have a passion for and love. For me I do love to cook and try new recipes, I also really enjoy photography and making photo books, everyone seems to enjoy seeing them, so I will continue to concentrate on those things, along with being outside in Mother Nature. I don't think I will ever get the craft bug, my mom is not a crafty type of person, we didn't grow up doing crafts, I almost failed art and shop class, and it's just not in me. I like to try new things, but again, it always boils down to money for me. If I had an unlimited budget, I think I would be willing to try more things more often then not!!! But, with that said, I don't have an unlimited budget, so my entertainment per week will have to just keep me entertained the best it can...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2017
I wish I could say 3.5 for this book -- it's more than a 3 but not *quite* a 4, for me anyhow.
It has lots of fun creative activities to try out, a positive vibe, and includes textile arts alongside other ones, which is important to me. I liked it; but it's a little light.
It has lots of fun creative activities to try out, a positive vibe, and includes textile arts alongside other ones, which is important to me. I liked it; but it's a little light.
November 13, 2015
One of the things I try and do with the creative prompt project is spark your creativity. The regular habit really helps keeps you going. I was intrigued to see what Carrie Bloomston thought on the subject when I saw her book.
The book starts out by saying that it is an interactive workbook. When I write reviews, I read the whole book straight through and it was hard to stick to that practice with this book. The book contains 30 'sparks', which are exercises to ignite your creativity. the book gives options for doing those exercises, but does not demand a certain way of doing them. Do one a day, one a month or dip in and out.
The author's definition of living a creative life is a definition I enjoy. "It is a way of living life with curiosity and openness. It means thinking from your heart, thing for yourself, and thinking outside of the box." It is actually definition that I am also a little afraid of. She tells the reader right upfront that we will be getting out of our comfort zone.
The Introduction is a kind of call to arms. Bloomston talks about the earliest examples of people making things and of many different ways people have expressed themselves through the ages. Then she says ..."your desire to make things is bigger than you." That line startled me, because I often think about why I need to make quilts and sew things. Yes, to use up fabric. Yes, to try something new, but there is something even deeper that demands I have something in my hands on which to work. I suspect is has to do with not being forgotten.
Spark 1 has the old creative adage: just start and goes on to explain how starting is hard. We have all heard it before, but it doesn't make it any less true and it is a good place to start.
The general format of the chapters (sparks) is to introduce the spark, provide directions for the exercise and then providing tips. The tips for getting started are things like don't hoard materials, do some warm-ups (creative prompt project anyone??) and take baby steps. All of these are sensible and we have heard them before. Still gathering all of these pearls of wisdom into one book is handy.
The sparks are all different and many are things I didn't think of in this context. Space, classes, messes, permission, grace, rule-breaking, time and many other things. Yes, I have heard of some, but some were surprising to me. The author also does not whitewash this process and talks about issues such as "The Crazies" and self-doubt.
The book just ends after the 30th spark. No sad farewell, drama or an index. The book just ends, which I think is appropriate, because if you have done the book right, then you will be off on a new journey.
I like the layout, colors and photos used in this book. I think it will work well for those of you concerned about creativity and encouraging it in yourself.
The book starts out by saying that it is an interactive workbook. When I write reviews, I read the whole book straight through and it was hard to stick to that practice with this book. The book contains 30 'sparks', which are exercises to ignite your creativity. the book gives options for doing those exercises, but does not demand a certain way of doing them. Do one a day, one a month or dip in and out.
The author's definition of living a creative life is a definition I enjoy. "It is a way of living life with curiosity and openness. It means thinking from your heart, thing for yourself, and thinking outside of the box." It is actually definition that I am also a little afraid of. She tells the reader right upfront that we will be getting out of our comfort zone.
The Introduction is a kind of call to arms. Bloomston talks about the earliest examples of people making things and of many different ways people have expressed themselves through the ages. Then she says ..."your desire to make things is bigger than you." That line startled me, because I often think about why I need to make quilts and sew things. Yes, to use up fabric. Yes, to try something new, but there is something even deeper that demands I have something in my hands on which to work. I suspect is has to do with not being forgotten.
Spark 1 has the old creative adage: just start and goes on to explain how starting is hard. We have all heard it before, but it doesn't make it any less true and it is a good place to start.
The general format of the chapters (sparks) is to introduce the spark, provide directions for the exercise and then providing tips. The tips for getting started are things like don't hoard materials, do some warm-ups (creative prompt project anyone??) and take baby steps. All of these are sensible and we have heard them before. Still gathering all of these pearls of wisdom into one book is handy.
The sparks are all different and many are things I didn't think of in this context. Space, classes, messes, permission, grace, rule-breaking, time and many other things. Yes, I have heard of some, but some were surprising to me. The author also does not whitewash this process and talks about issues such as "The Crazies" and self-doubt.
The book just ends after the 30th spark. No sad farewell, drama or an index. The book just ends, which I think is appropriate, because if you have done the book right, then you will be off on a new journey.
I like the layout, colors and photos used in this book. I think it will work well for those of you concerned about creativity and encouraging it in yourself.
February 3, 2026
A great book to start the new year. A reminder that we are all creative and can embrace that.
July 18, 2015
I had to rush through this, but I think if I had had time to do the exercises, I would have gotten more out of it. Still, it was helpful to me as an aspiring writer, so I'll read it again when I have more time to spend on it.
July 24, 2015
I really only skimmed this book. It would be great if I was wanting to start a creative business, but I was just looking for some fun ideas to make me feel more creative. I did like the parts I skimmed, it just wasn't what I was expecting.
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