The text was disjointed, and the "diy" sections were nearly useless. The author has some interesting things to communicate, but does a poor job of it in this particular book. I suspect her workshops are much more effective. ( )

While none of the projects or practices in this book particularly spoke to me, I really liked the overall approach, and it's given me some new ideas for ways to think about what I'm already doing. ( )

This is yet another Early Reviewers book where I did not get what I thought I was getting. I thought, even from the subtitle, that I was getting a how-to book. Instead, it is an idea book. Rather than steps on how to do a project, there are references to other books and websites. And there aren't references for all the projects either. For a good many, you are told to go do research on your own or given vague directions. Lastly, there was no clue that you were going to get a big portion of spirituality. Thankfully, it was non-denominational, but it was too navel-gazing frou-frou for me. It wasn't all bad. While only an idea book, I really liked the ideas and the references were good. I will certainly be doing some of the projects in future. ( )

This book is a wide ranging collage of quotations, reflections and instructions on the theme of finding the spiritual in the act of making things by hand. It’s strength is the variety of examples and insights by various creative people. For a reader seeking a path to meditative exercises in the form of art or craft, it is a useful guide. For someone already tuned into the spiritual element of their art or craft practice, it provides some affirmation and inspiring quotations.

The book could be disappointing to some readers who are deeply engaged in spiritually inspired arts or crafts because it remains superficial in terms of the craft projects themselves. It never seems to get beyond easy ornamentation with glitter, yarn or beads. A glaring error in the section on Icons states the first Icon is attributed to “the apostle Paul”. This suggests poor proof reading or research. Paul was not an apostle and the first Icon is actually attributed to the apostle and evangelist Luke. If the reader can get past such flaws, the book serves as an excellent source of interesting resources and a great introduction to the concept of creativity as spirituality. ( )

The drive to create is innately human along with the deep satisfaction that comes from fulfilling that drive. For most people this drive is used in their job or their hobbies and the focus is on visible/tangible results. Seldom is creating/crafting spoken of in spiritual terms unless you are a "serious" artist getting inspiration from your muse. Yet the spiritual/transformative component of the creative process is one of its greatest benefits and author Maggie Oman Shannon wants to show you how to bring it about.

The book is divided into eight sections with five crafts assigned to each section. The crafts are used to to work with the concept focus of the section (such as calm, comfort, connection, etc). Each section is organized with a short discussion of the focus concept leading into the individual crafts. The crafts are presented with how they work in bringing about the concept, along with a set of questions for journaling/reflection and then there is a short DIY section. To conclude there is a resources section at the end of the book listing websites, books/magazines, and short bios of crafters and others who contributed to the book. Scattered throughout the book are quotes and personal crafting stories.

Two things need mentioning in reviewing this book - first is this is NOT a how-to crafting book. No step-by-step instructions or detailed photographs. The crafting DIY is short and meant to inspire, not to instruct. The only visuals are a few line drawings. The second item is that this is not a secular book. While it is non-denominational, it is nonetheless a religious writing. I was a bit surprised about this as the cover and book description seemed on the more secular side even though the author is a minister.

I enjoyed this book and found it rewarding. As an experienced crafter the crafts presented were wide in scope and the tone very encouraging - even a beginner would feel confident in attempting the craft. The author presented her material and ideas very well and I discovered many new things to contemplate. My complaint would be in the resources section/s - many of the resources were out-of-date. While classics in a particulair field would (and should) be presented, too many of the items were older and difficult to obtain.

The ideal reader for this book would be the crafter that wants to add a new dimension to their crafting practice or for a religious/spiritual person who wishing to explore new avenues for devotionals. This book would be perfect for a devotinal group looking for new activities (also youth ministries would find a great deal of material here). Recommended. ( )