Sketchbook Explorations: for mixed-media and textile artists

I am so glad I took the leap of faith in ordering this book unseen. It has more than lived up to my expectations. It is a brilliant and beautifully produced book full of ideas for both the beginner in the gentle art of sketchbooking and for those more experienced and wanting to consider things afresh. Just gazing at the illustrations is a pleasure and many of the examples shown throughout are little art works in their own right. Many have provoked new thoughts and ideas for my own work. The sections discussing the use of photographs and digital technology bring the sketch book up to date and were of particular interest to me as I use the techniques in my own work. The idea of including sketchbooks from other artists in the field gives insight into a wider range of approaches and gives further scope for inspiration. And then there is the thoughtful, helpful text to offer further explanation and to introduce new techniques. Although I'd come across some of the techniques before, it was interesting to see them in a new context. Shelley Rhodes has a clear informative writing style which brought them to life again and there was plenty that was new to inspire me. This is a book I will treasure and refer to time again. I'm just sorry I didn't buy it when it first came out!

Shelley Rhodes work is beautiful and this book is a must have for any textile or mixed media artist. The images are inspirational and there are lots of them. The ideas are great for individual work but also good for teaching new techniques to students. The promotional images do not do this book justice. A definite recommend for the bookcase, I can't stop looking through it. I love the section on making your own mark making tools. I love this book and think you will too.

I have always wanted to keep a sketchbook but did not know where to start and this book gets you going! It has a huge amount of inspiring photos, information on different types of sketchbooks, different mediums to use and how to overcome that blank page. It really is an excellent resource that you can come back to time and time again. It is well laid out and makes it possible to start on your own creative journey.

This took a while to come but it was worth it. it's a really interesting book & I'm really glad I ordered it, however I wish Shelly Rhodes gave more details over her dyeing processes. Fenella

I bought this mainly on the basis of the good reviews although I very seldom buy anything that does not allow "look inside". The very few images do not do it justice. It is a beautiful book/object in its own right with a satisfying feel to complement the visual impact. Inspirational no matter what your medium and certainly not limited to textile artists. I have a feeling this will become a treasured addition to my library. In fact, I am so impressed that I have ordered another to be sent to an artist friend as a surprise gift.

So much inspiration here and encouragement to think outside the box. As a stitcher and lacemaker i wanted to move beyond using patterns to more self designed work. I certainly found fresh ideas in this book and although I found some of the techniques a little daunting as clearly the work of trained artists there are plenty of ideas I feel I can try. Even though most of the work illustrated is mixed media there is plenty of scope for stitches to develop creativity. The book itself is a work of art clearly set out and beautifully illustrated. A pleasure to read for it's own sake and the hard ack version is tactile too with its gorgeous cloth cover. Cant stop touching it and cant wait to start my own first sketchbook.

This Is an excellent book ,informative and inspirational . I read it from cover to cover. Lots of photographs of the authors work and that of other artists. The title is 'sketchbook explorations ' which it certainly is , although , it is much more than that. Lots of practical ideas on how to get the most out of sketch book work, to progress to finished pieces, and to encourage experimentation. She uses mixed media ,paper , textiles ,paint etc seemlessly.

Inspiring and informative for anyone who has, or wants to start using a sketchbook. Packed with ideas for creating a unique book to record daily happenings, a holiday or just doodle - thinking’ outside the box’ regards shape, size and material. LOVE, love, love this book, cannot recommend highly enough for all creatives to enjoy.

I never buy two copies of the same book, but Sketchbook Explorations is so inspiring and beautiful (soft fabric cover!) that I purchased for the bookshelf and one for my studio. Now I won't be hesitant anymore to pick it up with paint-stained fingers when I need a quick dose of inspiration for my mixed media art. Every time I flip through the pages, I notice something different, something inventful. It's one of those rare books that won't get boring.

Magnifique livre, une belle couverture en tissu imprimé et du contenu très beau, très créatif et très inspirant

Right from opening the package, this book excites. The cover is a soft luscious printed fabric and the book is full of inspiring images and prompts. It is now one of my prized bookshelf possessions and I will use it a lot.

Contiene técnicas mix media y como llevar un sketchbook como parte del proceso creativo.

I found the book , author’s work, along with other artists to be beautifully presented. My thoughts are that it is packed full of visuals and information that create a jumping off place for the reader to create their own meaningful work. There are many exercises. Today I chose the walking sketches. I took myself to our botanical gardens and enjoyed the focused, peaceful process of mark making which I will develop with various media. I tend to be more visual so I don’t spend a lot of time on text. I did NOT find the text painful as another reviewer commented. I found the text held my attention and a delight to read. This gem has already found its way into my mixed media/ textile/abstract library. Thus far,it is my most cherished- Thank you Shelly!