Carol Owen, a shrine maker for more than 20 years, offers easy instructions and inspiring photographs that will guide anyone through the process. The work begins with a basic frame for mounting treasured mementos. There are suggestions on embellishments to personalise the shrine and even ideas for possible objects to include. In addition to the author, eight renowned shrine artists provide hands-on information about how they create their distinctive structures and another two dozen experts offer insights into their creative practices. The vibrant gallery of work will spark anyone's imagination.

As our world has become increasingly dependent on technology, and our Western societies have become woefully “Crackberried”— to use the title of a recent documentary on the emotional and social pitfalls of our too-wired ways—an intriguing phenomenon is occurring: There is an increasing amount of interest in returning to some of the simpler arts that were neglected or left behind with the onslaught of technology. Artisans and everyday crafters are finding a renewed satisfaction in making something with their own hands; some are even communicating about the inherent physical- and mental-health benefits found in handwork—and, even more than that, they are framing their handwork as meditation or spiritual practice. In today’s sophisticated and pluralistic society, people are more aware than ever that spiritual practice can be defined more expansively—and the popularity of books focusing on alternative spiritual practices demonstrate that readers are hungry for new (or ancient) ways of enhancing their inner lives. In Crafting Calm the author will explore these new forms of creative spiritual practice and the benefits they provide. The format of With Shannon's book will itself be creative, a rich “potpourri approach” that weaves together interviews, historical facts, projects for readers to do themselves, quotations, and suggested resources. Crafting Calm will serve as an inspirational resource guide to a broad assortment of spiritual practices gathered from the global arts-and-crafts communities, as well as from people who don’t consider themselves artists but who have adopted creatively expressive forms of spiritual practice. While there have been a few books published focusing on a particular form of creative spiritual practice (Skylight Paths, for example, has published books on beading as a spiritual practice; painting as a spiritual practice; and using clay as a spiritual practice), no one has yet explored the breadth of possibilities for creative spiritual practices contained in Crafting Calm.

The resource is designed to help spiritual directors and others use expressive arts in the context of spiritual direction. It is the latest book in the unique SDI series, designed for professional spiritual directors, but also useful for clergy, therapists, and Christian formation specialists. The Spiritual Directors International Series – This book is part of a special series produced by Morehouse Publishing in cooperation with Spiritual Directors International (SDI), a global network of some 6,000 spiritual directors and members.

Jewelry Lab uses brevity to ignite a passion for working the metals processes and learning about all the ways metal can be used. It provides aspiring metalsmiths and jewelry makers a way to learn fundamental techniques that is quick and fun. In addition to the basic skills such as sawing, drilling, soldering, and finishing, the book covers texturing, etching, rolling, coloring, patinas, forming, connections, findings, solders, bezels, rivets, and other experimental techniques. This is not a project book; rather, it is an approachable, unintimidating workbook that breaks metals processes down into very specific experiments, such as texturing or plastic deformation of metal, with no goal in mind other than to experience how metal moves. Readers learn to understand more about metal, how to master it, and gain a deep, thoughtful underlying appreciation for process and method, becoming entranced with finely crafting objects with great care.

Experience art retreats without leaving your home! There's a community of passionate, creative souls looking to connect, and the art retreat is where is happens. In Destination Creativity, Ricë Freeman-Zachery brings the life-altering journey of the art retreat from venues all across the country straight into your hands and the comfort of your favorite chair. Maybe you've heard about the many different places you can go to take art workshops from a variety of talented artistic instructors, but you haven't been sure which retreat experience is right for you. Ricë has done your homework! From Port Townsend, Washington's Artfest to Hampton, Virginia's Art & Soul, from rural Wisconsin to the strip of Las Vegas, from beads to quilts to painting with your hands, she has the inside scoop for you in Destination Creativity and a first-hand account of nine inspiring art retreats. • Take five workshops right alongside Ricë with step-by-step instruction and a glimpse into the actual classroom experience. • Hear from a variety of attendees—creative types just like you—what it is that drew them to attend their chosen event and be inspired by their life-changing stories. • See what the retreats actually look like with plenty of atmospheric photos taken by Ricë's favorite sidekick, Earl Zachery. • Discover ideas for hosting creative get-togethers in your own hometown including naming your retreat, picking a venue and planning meals. Destination Creativity is your chance to see what all of the buzz is about. Pull up a chair and take the journey.

Mixed media in all its forms—not just traditional two-dimensional, paper-based collage but three-dimensional pieces that include fiber, fabric, a variety of embellishments, found objects, and even repurposed and recycled materials—offers artists an opportunity to move freely across the boundaries of art, craft, painting, quilting, and collage. In Adventures in Mixed Media, Jane Davies shows you how to use this art form to enrich your creative expression. In lessons that inspire creativity, Jane demonstrates a variety of techniques using paper, fabric, embellishments such as beads, feathers, and ribbons, fusible and nonfusible fibers, and even foamcore. Books, bags, mini-quilts, personal shrines, and paper dolls are just some of the projects inside—and of course Jane emphasizes ways to incorporate photos and other personal memorabilia and details into your art. Whether you are a beginner and want to start with techniques like “scribble painting” or “basic collage,” or an expert collage artist eager to learn new uses for familiar materials, this is the book to guide your creative explorations in collage and mixed media.

DIVJewelry Lab uses brevity to ignite a passion for working the metals processes and learning about all the ways metal can be used. It provides aspiring metalsmiths and jewelry makers a way to learn fundamental techniques that is quick and fun. In addition to the basic skills such as sawing, drilling, soldering, and finishing, the book covers texturing, etching, rolling, coloring, patinas, forming, connections, findings, solders, bezels, rivets, and other experimental techniques. This is not a project book; rather, it is an approachable, unintimidating workbook that breaks metals processes down into very specific experiments, such as texturing or plastic deformation of metal, with no goal in mind other than to experience how metal moves. Readers learn to understand more about metal, how to master it, and gain a deep, thoughtful underlying appreciation for process and method, becoming entranced with finely crafting objects with great care./div

Looking for some fresh program ideas for your teen patrons? Want to change those bored expressions on teen faces to eager smiles? This guide offers a stimulating selection of program ideas that will appeal to teens between the ages of 12 and 18 throughout the year! Recognizing that there is no such thing as a typical teenager, the programs represent a broad range of interests, from arts and crafts workshops to educational programs to purely recreational activities—from serious to serious fun. Programs for all seasons include Goth Gathering, Intolerance Forum, Night at the Oscars, Library Fear Factor, Find Your Future, and Cyber-Safety. Everything you need to get started is here—from the nitty gritty details like supply lists and approximate costs to practical, step-by-step instructions. Collection connections and ideas for promotion enhance the guide. And there are also suggestions for those times when time is short and money is tight. A wonderful combination of inspiration and practicality, and of start-to-finish guidance for successful teen programming. Grades 6-12.