'The Elemental Journal' by Tammy Kushnir

This is a delightful book.  But for those who are wanting to create super-tidy bits of art, the quirky and messy techniques won't suit.  The subtitle being 'composing artful expressions from items cast aside' does dignify what the book is all about.  The author, Tammy Kushnir, has scoured her home and other areas for cast-offs that wouldn't have a place to be but for her art projects, and it appears that she has lots of fun with it.  I enjoyed the writing that goes along with the pieces as well---Tammy appears to be a very down-to-earth person and that is apparent in the very appealing way she writes.

She's joined by 9 other mixed-media artists whose art is shown as well.  I found it interesting to see how they each had definite styles in what they produced.  Of course this sort of artwork is very personal and dependent on what's around, and because of that, is very appealing to look through.

My only criticism of the work is the almost deliberate messiness.  The stitches used in sewing parts of the pieces together is very crude, as is the hand-lettering.  The thing is, though, that all of this work is personal, so everyone has their own rules as to what is acceptable and what isn't.  A perfectionist won't be able to be as half-hazard as one who's more lighthearted about their creations.  All in all, the book made me smile, and even caused me to want to ease up on my own tendencies to be overly tidy.  Well-done, Tammy. :)

(this book was provided free for a review from thomas nelson/booksneeze)