Inspiration is a constant need!

Whether you’re a beginning crafter, just trying your hand at knitting, paper crafts, or mixed-media collage, or a seasoned craftsperson who has been creating pieces and artwork for years, finding—and harnessing—inspiration is constant.

Although there are as many sources of inspiration as there are means of expression, we all hit dry spells. Creative block can take the form of a blank canvas, idle knitting needles, or an untouched stack of paper—waiting, hoping for that spark to reignite the flames of creativity and allow the process to flow, unencumbered, from your brain to your chosen tool and beyond.

When you hit that dry patch—and it will come, however brief—reach for this book, open to any page that resonates with you, and allow the creative fire to reignite. The lessons, writings, quotes, meditations, rituals, and techniques here can be used as is, used as a jumping-off point, or just used as fodder for your own creative process.

Enjoy, create, and ride the wave of inspiration—it will set you free in innumerable ways.

There are 365 days in a year, but this book does not contain 365 individual entries. Fifty-two weeks’ worth of inspiration lies within the book’s cover. Each week features six entries: one for each weekday and one entry for the weekend (Saturday and Sunday).

The weekend entries are designed to accommodate exploration that takes more time, such as collaborating with another person, taking a class to learn new technique, or visiting and exploring nature. Throughout the book, each day will be centered on the following categories:

• Monday: Journaling
• Tuesday: Recycling, Reusing, or Reviving
• Wednesday: Collecting, Stash, and Materials
• Thursday: Personal History
• Friday: Noncraft Inspiration
• Saturday/Sunday: Collaborating, Gathering, and Experimenting
  

• Collaborating
• Exploring nature
• Shopping, hunting, and gathering
• Researching, learning, and/or trying new techniques

Throughout the book you’ll also find miscellaneous bits, including quotes, how-to tips or techniques, stories, exercises, brainstorming prompts, visuals, and more. We’ve also included a few examples of creative or artistic rituals that may provide inspiration or encourage you to seek out (or create) your own rituals surrounding your work.

Barbara Call is a professional writer and editor specializing in crafts, food, and health and wellness. She is the author of five books including Beyond Scrapbooks, and a 4-book series for children called Get Active!