Here I am at page 20 of Where Women Create. Still with almost 140 pages to read yet I can confidently post a rave review!


This is a book to be savoured, poured over, inspired by.
Each page will be turned without peeking ahead... completely taking my time. There is no question I would love this book. I adore looking at artist workspaces. The craftspersons workbench is where the magic begins! Plus don't get me started on my penchant for storage, decorative boxes, indexes, colour, memorabilia, history, stories... Where Women Create has it all. Perhaps if I read it hard enough some of it will spill over into my own work space.



I liked this quote by Rebecca Purcell, artist behind the first featured studio.

Exercise for honing aesthetic skills: Find an object that you are immediately drawn to and decipher why it attracts you. Do NOT settle for "I just like it!" Explore both the physical and psychological affects, as well as every detail. You may be surprised with what you learn.

... back to my coffee and magazine!

Where Women Create is available at NZ Scrapbook

Labels: Book-Reviews, Studio-peek

Also posted at NZ Scrapbook Blog

The four word by-line really sums this magazines contents: Visually. Inspiring. Online. Journals.
Somerset Studio have put together a collection of some beautiful art orientated blogs into this publication.

Reading through the pages it is obvious they were looking for great images, meaningful art and sharing from the authors about the impact and benefits blogging has rewarded them. And this magazine is full! I appreciated not having to flick through pages of advertising - in fact the only advertising I noticed was some promotion of other titles they run and that was it.

When Artful Blogging first came out I was rather skeptical, using the logic that if people wanted to look at Blogs they would look online. However as I continue to develop this Blog and my store one this title became of special interest. Reading through its pages I enjoyed learning how other people approach their blog entries, their unique focus and there is some lovely art eye candy and beautiful photography throughout.

Towards the back of the mag there is some helpful information about starting your own Blog (its way easy!), using photographs and Blog ettiquette.


By the end of the magazine I had added some new Blogs to follow in my Bloglines, made a note to find out more about Technorati and wondered if I had time to submit for Illustration Friday! Ohh and then there was the mention of Vegetable paper... must find that blog!

Recommended for current bloggers who want to read about others blogging experience, readers considering starting their own blogs (though don't be scared looking at the lovely pages within - just start), or readers who just want to find some new art inspiration online.

~ Kathleen

~Available now in store at New Zealand Scrapbook

Labels: Blogging, Book-Reviews