Living Artfully

Book excerpt: Living Artfully is expressing who you are and connecting with others in inventive new ways, through caring gestures -- an unusual, encouraging card, some homemade treats, a shared cup of tea, an uplifting song emailed during a difficult day. Living Artfully explains how you can create your own messages from the heart to celebrate the people, places, and moments that make your life truly meaningful by using everyday things -- a note in a lunchbox or suitcase, a scrapbook of a trip, a favorite comfort food made on the spur of the moment. This beautifully illustrated, transformative book shares the inspiring stories of people who pursued their own creative impulses or their desires to connect with others and were rewarded with unexpected, delightful results. Here are their secrets, which you can adapt to your own aims and means, people and preferences. Living Artfully also presents ten principles of creative thinking that lead you on an exciting journey of self-discovery. You'll learn to dream big, believe in yourself, and make each day count. Each chapter is filled with practical, fun ideas, from decorative touches (an empty wine bottle can be a unique picture frame) to simple ways to make one-of-a-kind gifts (quotes for hilarious birthday cards) and celebrations your loved ones will never forget (a surprise baby shower in which everyone participates; an anniversary filled with sweetness). Sandra's multitude of appealing ideas and her beautiful artwork will jumpstart your own creativity and invigorate forgotten talents so that you can create the life of joy and beauty that you want -- for yourself and others.