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1,001 Ways to Be Creative: A Little Book of Everyday Inspiration
Written for those looking to unleash their inner genius, this enchanting interactive "list book" reveals how to set your brain free -- and find the time and energy to play, dream, imagine, breath, and explore.
In today's overscheduled world, there is often little room for creativity in our daily lives. This inspirational collection of lists - the third entry in bestselling author Kipfer's 1,001 Ways series -- offers a treasure trove of new strategies to bring a little ingenuity into your life. Packed with practical tips, suggestions for new activities, thought-provoking quotes, and interactive prompts, this energizing, beautifully illustrated book will inspire art projects, storytelling, innovative thinking, and more. So open your mind, hold onto your hat, and dive your next Big Idea could be just around the corner!
In today's overscheduled world, there is often little room for creativity in our daily lives. This inspirational collection of lists - the third entry in bestselling author Kipfer's 1,001 Ways series -- offers a treasure trove of new strategies to bring a little ingenuity into your life. Packed with practical tips, suggestions for new activities, thought-provoking quotes, and interactive prompts, this energizing, beautifully illustrated book will inspire art projects, storytelling, innovative thinking, and more. So open your mind, hold onto your hat, and dive your next Big Idea could be just around the corner!
- GenresSelf HelpNonfictionArt
320 pages, Hardcover
Published March 27, 2018
7 people are currently reading
1253 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Ann Kipfer
129 books249 followersDr. Barbara Ann Kipfer (born in 1954) is a lexicographer,as well as an archaeologist. She has written more than 60 books, including 14,000 Things to be Happy About (Workman), which has more than a million copies in print and has given rise to many Page-a-Day calendars. The 25th anniversary edition of the book was published in October 2014. She is the editor of Roget's International Thesaurus.
Kipfer is Chief Lexicographer of the company Temnos. She has worked for such companies as Google, Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com, Answers.com, Ask Jeeves, Bellcore/Telcordia, Federated Media Publishing, General Electric Research, IBM Research, idealab, Knowledge Adventure, Textdigger, The Chicago Tribune, and WolframAlpha. Barbara holds a PhD and MPhil in Linguistics (University of Exeter), a PhD in Archaeology (Greenwich University), an MA and a PhD in Buddhist Studies (Akamai University), and a BS in Physical Education (Valparaiso University).
(from Wikipedia)
Kipfer is Chief Lexicographer of the company Temnos. She has worked for such companies as Google, Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com, Answers.com, Ask Jeeves, Bellcore/Telcordia, Federated Media Publishing, General Electric Research, IBM Research, idealab, Knowledge Adventure, Textdigger, The Chicago Tribune, and WolframAlpha. Barbara holds a PhD and MPhil in Linguistics (University of Exeter), a PhD in Archaeology (Greenwich University), an MA and a PhD in Buddhist Studies (Akamai University), and a BS in Physical Education (Valparaiso University).
(from Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 27, 2022
So often when we think of creativity we think of making something like artwork or composing a song. But being creative isn’t just about artistic talents such as painting, writing, sculpting and the like. Being creative is about imagination and inventiveness, thinking outside the box and seeing things in new ways.
1001 Ways to Be Creative explores the many unique opportunities there are for making and thinking new things. From plating your dinner with flair to listening to a different radio station each day, you’ll discover an abundance of new ways to spark and express your creativity. You’ll also come across special inspirational idea sections to help you re-energize your creative flow. Things like making a wish list for the future or things you can create to make you happy.
If you’ve been bored or just been feeling in a rut lately, this book is sure to stimulate your imagination and originality. Peruse at your leisure, give pause, and consider a fresh approach.
I enjoyed this book most for the novel ideas. Sometimes I just want to do something new and now I have a whole range of possibilities awaiting me. I recommend this to anyone looking to be inspired in either creative endeavors or simply in exciting new adventures.
1001 Ways to Be Creative explores the many unique opportunities there are for making and thinking new things. From plating your dinner with flair to listening to a different radio station each day, you’ll discover an abundance of new ways to spark and express your creativity. You’ll also come across special inspirational idea sections to help you re-energize your creative flow. Things like making a wish list for the future or things you can create to make you happy.
If you’ve been bored or just been feeling in a rut lately, this book is sure to stimulate your imagination and originality. Peruse at your leisure, give pause, and consider a fresh approach.
I enjoyed this book most for the novel ideas. Sometimes I just want to do something new and now I have a whole range of possibilities awaiting me. I recommend this to anyone looking to be inspired in either creative endeavors or simply in exciting new adventures.
March 30, 2018
I started my blog ten years-ago in April of 2008 (yikes!) as a creative outlet. I felt that my job didn't offer much creative inspiration most days, but coming up with recipes to make or trying recipes and adapting them to my dietary preferences, then plating the food to look pretty and taking pictures of it gave me a chance to express myself. Besides food & blogging and the occasional paper craft, I dabble in writing and often find myself stuck looking for new ideas. 1,001 Ways to Be Creative is an anecdote for when you feel your creativity is blocked and you need a bit of inspiration. It's gorgeous--colorful and fun--and, more importantly, it actually has some really great and usable ideas mixed in with inspirational quotes and lists of inspirations for journal and writing prompts.
Sometimes these little "idea" books are just bookshelf filler, but this one is worthy of keeping out--in your office, on your coffee table, or on your nightstand and actually use. There are simple things to think about, thought-provoking questions to ask yourself, and activities both big and small to try. I used my (colorful) tape flags to tab a few dozen tips that I especially liked or wanted to try--as well as identifying the food-related ones to come up with my usual book-inspired dish.
Here are just a few of my favorites:
#4 Find an intriguing item in an antique store and seek out its history.
#6 For one day, bestow a unique and truthful compliment on each person you see.
#55 Paint something in your house that could use a face-lift.
#147 Draw happiness.
#182 Adopt a shelf at the library and read everything on it.
# 322 Stroll along a street that you have never seen before.
#477 In a word, sentence, or drawing, recreate a memory from each year you have been alive, as far back as you can remember.
#544 Try taking photographs from unusual angles.
#839 Use paint swatches as inspiration.
#859 Open this book to a random page and perform one of the entries.
With its bright colors and colorful illustrations and page borders (by Francesca Springolo), 1,001 Ways to Be Creative would be a fun gift (maybe with a journal or sketch pad, and/or a set of colored pencils or paint) for a friend or family member in need of a little colorful creativity in their lives. I know that I will be keeping and using my copy. In fact I am headed off to eat a Berries & Cream Crispy Rice Treat (inspired by #134: Make a big batch of Rice Krispies Treats with creative fillings) while I try #534--Create a new Pinterest Board. ;-)
You can see my review and recipe inspired by my reading on my blog post here: http://kahakaikitchen.blogspot.com/20...
Note: A review copy of "1,001 Ways to Be Creative" was provided to me by the author and the publisher, via TLC Book Tours. I was not compensated for this review and as always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sometimes these little "idea" books are just bookshelf filler, but this one is worthy of keeping out--in your office, on your coffee table, or on your nightstand and actually use. There are simple things to think about, thought-provoking questions to ask yourself, and activities both big and small to try. I used my (colorful) tape flags to tab a few dozen tips that I especially liked or wanted to try--as well as identifying the food-related ones to come up with my usual book-inspired dish.
Here are just a few of my favorites:
#4 Find an intriguing item in an antique store and seek out its history.
#6 For one day, bestow a unique and truthful compliment on each person you see.
#55 Paint something in your house that could use a face-lift.
#147 Draw happiness.
#182 Adopt a shelf at the library and read everything on it.
# 322 Stroll along a street that you have never seen before.
#477 In a word, sentence, or drawing, recreate a memory from each year you have been alive, as far back as you can remember.
#544 Try taking photographs from unusual angles.
#839 Use paint swatches as inspiration.
#859 Open this book to a random page and perform one of the entries.
With its bright colors and colorful illustrations and page borders (by Francesca Springolo), 1,001 Ways to Be Creative would be a fun gift (maybe with a journal or sketch pad, and/or a set of colored pencils or paint) for a friend or family member in need of a little colorful creativity in their lives. I know that I will be keeping and using my copy. In fact I am headed off to eat a Berries & Cream Crispy Rice Treat (inspired by #134: Make a big batch of Rice Krispies Treats with creative fillings) while I try #534--Create a new Pinterest Board. ;-)
You can see my review and recipe inspired by my reading on my blog post here: http://kahakaikitchen.blogspot.com/20...
Note: A review copy of "1,001 Ways to Be Creative" was provided to me by the author and the publisher, via TLC Book Tours. I was not compensated for this review and as always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 15, 2019
I only found this book because I read her other book, "1,001 Ways to Live Wild", and I wanted to read more by her, so I looked and found this! It made me feel like Living Wild did. I felt good. It opened up my mind to be more creative. Like, paint instead of write. Be inspired by all the little things. I love it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a bit of inspiration!
April 15, 2018
Creativity is a funny thing. I look around and see all these people who are tremendously creative. Both of my children are talented artists. My daughter spent many years studying ballet and is a beautiful dancer. Both my children are musical; my son taught himself to play guitar. I have other friends who are artists, painting with words or yarn or fabric or glass or clay. Some put their art on a plate. But I am probably not the only person on the planet who feels like they don’t have a creative bone in their body. I don’t draw or paint. I don’t dance. I can’t sing. The one thing I do like to do is write. I love to do it and have been doing it for as long as I can remember.
In her book 1,001 Ways to Be Creative, Barbara Ann Kipfer suggests that creativity “isn’t only about artistic skills; it is a way of seeing the world. It gives you the power to shape your life, unify and balance your interests, and emphasize your uniqueness.”
I love that Kipfer gives readers permission to explore their creativity. Honing it, she suggests, gives you “that inexplicable burst of inspiration that suddenly allows you to see from a new angle or bring something new into existence.” We might call that ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking and its value to every-day problem solving should not be under-estimated.
1,001 Ways to Be Creative offers is a lovely little book that will surely offer inspiration to people like me who probably don’t realize that they are creative (or could be) in a million different ways (or a 1,001) every single day. It’s all in how you look at it.
Kipfer’s suggestions include things like:
356. Ask a stupid question.
429. Look for the unusual in everything you do.
464. Use sealing wax as a dramatic way to end a letter.
494. Change your look for one day.
764. Observe, collect, analyze, and compare patterns.
868. Carve a face in a fruit or vegetable.
Kipfer “speaks to all who seek greater creativity in their lives.” You can easily start your creative journey with this book.
In her book 1,001 Ways to Be Creative, Barbara Ann Kipfer suggests that creativity “isn’t only about artistic skills; it is a way of seeing the world. It gives you the power to shape your life, unify and balance your interests, and emphasize your uniqueness.”
I love that Kipfer gives readers permission to explore their creativity. Honing it, she suggests, gives you “that inexplicable burst of inspiration that suddenly allows you to see from a new angle or bring something new into existence.” We might call that ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking and its value to every-day problem solving should not be under-estimated.
1,001 Ways to Be Creative offers is a lovely little book that will surely offer inspiration to people like me who probably don’t realize that they are creative (or could be) in a million different ways (or a 1,001) every single day. It’s all in how you look at it.
Kipfer’s suggestions include things like:
356. Ask a stupid question.
429. Look for the unusual in everything you do.
464. Use sealing wax as a dramatic way to end a letter.
494. Change your look for one day.
764. Observe, collect, analyze, and compare patterns.
868. Carve a face in a fruit or vegetable.
Kipfer “speaks to all who seek greater creativity in their lives.” You can easily start your creative journey with this book.
April 12, 2018
1,001 Ways To Be Creative is a charming little book filled with plenty of ideas, thoughts, reminders and projects to keep your creative juices flowing. The perfect size for the coffee table, desk or bringing along with you in a bag, 1,001 Ways To Be Creative offers a list of starting points, activities and new perspectives for when you are stuck in a rut, just plain bored or looking for a new approach.
When I first got this book I dug right in and started noting which things I wanted to try! I absolutely loved that the very first item on the list is simply "Play." Other items that I tagged included: "Make today the first day of your new hobby," I have a back-list of things I would love to do, "Volunteer for archaeology digs in your area...", this combines my love for outdoors, history and mystery! "Delve into the study of design in nature, called teleology," a new word and something that sounds fascinating, and "Lose your fear of being wrong," a good reminder to tell myself every day. These are not just ideas for artists, but ties to creativity in general, creativity in how you live, work and relate to others as well as nature. Aside from just the list, there are motivational quotes as well as "Inspirations" pages which asks questions as well as some fill in the blank spots. My only wish is that the book came in journal form so I could fill in more of the things that I tried or at least check them off and make some notes!
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
When I first got this book I dug right in and started noting which things I wanted to try! I absolutely loved that the very first item on the list is simply "Play." Other items that I tagged included: "Make today the first day of your new hobby," I have a back-list of things I would love to do, "Volunteer for archaeology digs in your area...", this combines my love for outdoors, history and mystery! "Delve into the study of design in nature, called teleology," a new word and something that sounds fascinating, and "Lose your fear of being wrong," a good reminder to tell myself every day. These are not just ideas for artists, but ties to creativity in general, creativity in how you live, work and relate to others as well as nature. Aside from just the list, there are motivational quotes as well as "Inspirations" pages which asks questions as well as some fill in the blank spots. My only wish is that the book came in journal form so I could fill in more of the things that I tried or at least check them off and make some notes!
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
July 29, 2018
This is an assortment of brief, random ideas. I was expecting something with a little more substance, but what you get in this book are one or two line thoughts and ideas meant to spark inspiration or motivate you to do something you hadn't thought of doing it. Pages have whimsical illustrations in cheerful colors. This would make a nice gift for all ages.
June 9, 2018
This is a little book of big creative and fun inspiration. You will want to spend time each day being challenged and prompted to live a more creative life. My thanks to the author
Barbara Ann Kipfer and Goodreads Giveaways.
Barbara Ann Kipfer and Goodreads Giveaways.
November 5, 2018
I enjoyed this book, though it took a while to get through. As you can probably tell from the title, it's a book of daily inspirations for creativity. When I tried reading it straight through, all of the information jumbled, but opening it and reading a page or two at a time was more helpful.
May 3, 2018
I love these kinds of books. Who doesn't? 1,001 Ways to be Creative: A Little Book of Everyday Inspiration by Barbara Ann Kipfer is one of those adorable books that make for a great many things. Great coffee table book, Great book to tote-around with you, Great book to give as a gift, Great stocking stuffer. I buy at least 10 books like it a year for all those reasons. I give them as gifts to my kids teachers. I give them as gifts to family. I decorate my house with them, decorate the table, and my shelves. They are just the kind of books that most people will pick up out of curiosity and breeze through it..and I think that's just the intention of them.
Naturally for a book like this to get picked up by someone it has to look appealing. Appealing? Yes this book is. Perfect quaint size. It's also a chunker at 320 pages...which lets you know there is plenty of inspiration in there. Bright...eye capturing....attention grabbing. Beautiful inside and out. Every page is fun and unique and just gorgeous in illustration. The content...just as beautiful. Snippets of inspiration, mantras and quotes, motivational and thought provoking. Inspiration and motivation to be creative. It's not unrealistic creativity either...it's things that can be done..something right at our finger tips most times, most things free to do and if not, most things that are easy enough to aspire to do in the future. A lovely read that a reader can sift through over and over and over again.
Thanks to the great peeps of goodreads, to Barbara Ann Kipfer and to National Geographic for my free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review to which I gladly and voluntarily gave.
Naturally for a book like this to get picked up by someone it has to look appealing. Appealing? Yes this book is. Perfect quaint size. It's also a chunker at 320 pages...which lets you know there is plenty of inspiration in there. Bright...eye capturing....attention grabbing. Beautiful inside and out. Every page is fun and unique and just gorgeous in illustration. The content...just as beautiful. Snippets of inspiration, mantras and quotes, motivational and thought provoking. Inspiration and motivation to be creative. It's not unrealistic creativity either...it's things that can be done..something right at our finger tips most times, most things free to do and if not, most things that are easy enough to aspire to do in the future. A lovely read that a reader can sift through over and over and over again.
Thanks to the great peeps of goodreads, to Barbara Ann Kipfer and to National Geographic for my free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review to which I gladly and voluntarily gave.
April 7, 2018
Charming book with lots of ideas for ways to be creative. The book is lovely, hardbound and about 7x7 inches in size. It would be a great present or addition to a gift basket.
May 20, 2018
Pretty beautifully designed book. Great for inspiration and great as a gift.
October 24, 2018
Excellent book!!!!
October 14, 2021
I absolutely love this adorable little book. When I need a spark of creativity I just open to a random page and I'm good!
December 30, 2021
I have been able to use different ideas all year to give me inspiration and encouragement for my art and just simply rebooting and refreshing my creativity.
May 28, 2022
Most people do not know that they are creative. This book tells them how to be.
February 14, 2020
Some really great ideas, tips, and motivating quotes in here! Just what I needed to fuel my creativity fire <3
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews