The Little Spark

Starred review from October 6, 2014
Don’t judge this book by its understated cover; open it and plunge into a riot of color and shape, slathered with a big helping of encouragement. Bloomston, a fabric designer trained as a painter, offers 30 tips for finding and nourishing the inner artist. Creativity books can be a bit pious, but this one emphasizes the fun of creation. The book is chock-full of concrete, hands-on tips that can help the newbie develop habits of creativity by making things and then making some more things, the principle of repetition (spark #23). It’s less strong on the psychology of creativity, and specifically the demon of inner criticism, who doesn’t go away after a single stern talking-to. But art is about making, not just thinking about making, and Bloomston’s book is prettily made. There’s nothing particularly new here, but makers can enjoy this as a small manifesto that affirms them, with just a little theory and a peek inside a number of creatively different studios.

A professional artist presents a guide to unlocking one's inspiration and inventiveness.In her debut how-to manual, fabric designer and artist Bloomston offers hands-on techniques and hand-holding encouragement to help overcome an inert imagination. The author recognizes that inspiration can be blocked, and that creativity is sometimes offset by procrastination. In this book, she presents practical advice, motivational words, fun suggestions and write-in exercises in a colorful, highly attractive format designed to produce tangible results. The book's design beautifully weaves together text, blank write-in spaces, stellar photos and a host of other charming design elements. The titular "spark" refers to a person's creativity, which the author says is "like a pilot light-it's always on, even if you aren't using the stove." She explores how to get cooking creatively in 30 short chapters that advise readers to, among other things, not be stingy with materials, begin with tiny goals ("achievable, quick steps you can take every day until you are less intimidated by starting"), carve out workable work spaces, discover personal learning styles and disrupt normal patterns of activity to "see the world with new eyes." Along with encouraging quotes, the author offers practical ideas, such as keeping mugs and jars filled with markers and colored pencils at the ready for when inspiration strikes. The book also offers ways to "share your creations with the world." Extremely valuable "Do This" exercises in each chapter invite readers to make specific items, such as a "soul box" or a "vision board"; to answer soul-searching questions; and to do activities outside the home that may be beyond one's comfort zone: "Step outside the normal. Step outside the expected to find your creative self. Be curious." Bloomston also offers her own personal anecdotes, as well as stories and tips from numerous others; the extensive list of contributors includes designers, artists and business owners.A sparkling blueprint for stimulating creativity. COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

December 1, 2014

According to fabric designer Bloomston, creativity is not something you do, it's who you are. Therefore, the author's exercises are designed to help readers think from their hearts and outside the box. Some of her "sparks" advise to get involved with physical materials by looking online for craft or community education classes or creating a ritual or talisman. Other ideas comprise removing doubt through positive self-talk and developing a sense of wonder through slowing down. The color photographs and layout of the book are particularly pleasing and inspiring. VERDICT A beneficial and enjoyable title for people who need a bit of a nudge to try something creative, or those who used to paint, write, or sew, who want to do it again.

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2015
A professional artist presents a guide to unlocking one's inspiration and inventiveness.In her debut how-to manual, fabric designer and artist Bloomston offers hands-on techniques and hand-holding encouragement to help overcome an inert imagination. The author recognizes that inspiration can be blocked and that creativity is sometimes offset by procrastination. In this book, she presents practical advice, motivational words, fun suggestions and write-in exercises in a colorful, highly attractive format designed to produce tangible results. The book's design beautifully weaves together text, blank write-in spaces, stellar photos and a host of other charming design elements. The titular "spark" refers to a person's creativity, which the author says is "like a pilot light-it's always on, even if you aren't using the stove." She explores how to get cooking creatively in 30 short chapters that advise readers to, among other things, not be stingy with materials, begin with tiny goals ("achievable, quick steps you can take every day until you are less intimidated by starting"), carve out workable work spaces, discover personal learning styles and disrupt normal patterns of activity to "see the world with new eyes." Along with encouraging quotes, the author offers practical ideas, such as keeping mugs and jars filled with markers and colored pencils at the ready for when inspiration strikes. The book also offers ways to "share your creations with the world." Extremely valuable "Do This" exercises in each chapter invite readers to make specific items, such as a "soul box" or a "vision board"; to answer soul-searching questions; and to do activities outside the home that may be beyond one's comfort zone: "Step outside the normal. Step outside the expected to find your creative self. Be curious." Bloomston also offers her own personal anecdotes as well as stories and tips from numerous others; the extensive list of contributors includes designers, artists and business owners.A sparkling blueprint for stimulating creativity.