I received this DRC from NetGalley.

I think the part I enjoyed most about this book was the section where there were close ups and explanations of pictures of embroidery from various cultures. There are helpful tips for beginners about things like floss thickness and color theory stuff. The part about textures is good. There are no actual designs to follow. This is more about how to get yourself to be creative with a few prompts and some generic language about visualizing things, which, of course, not everybody can do. I don't know if this is truly a book for beginners, but maybe more for people who have a little experience but are in a creative rut and need some suggestions for inspiration. Of course, the suggestion of look at what's around you is included. But I thought the examples of modern artists' work was more inspiring, in how varied embroidery can be.

I was so taken with this gorgeous book that I am considering taking up embroidery -- an art my mother and grandmother loved to do. But Christi Johnson brings a whole new dimension to the art, with glorious examples that took my breath away. Will make a tremendous gift for all the embroiderers in your life! I'm also buying it for my own birthday present. Hurrah!

Thank you NetGalley for the arc. Technically I was expecting a more to the point/pattern filled rather than an inspiration filled personal book. I liked it. It was detailed and every photo was obviously selected with deliberation. It is also a cultural and ethnical book of handwork, which I was not very familiar. Also very colorful too. I enjoyed it. Thanks

Embroidery was my covid hobby and it has not gone away. I love learning new stitches and techniques and this book was fun and interesting. Would definitely recommend to my crafty friends.

Christi Johnson is like that one art teacher you had growing up who encourages and finds creativity in everyone. Her books are like a cozy, colorful library of creativity that you want to just climb inside and stay forever. From picking a sketchbook to write down your ideas to overcoming perfectionism, The Art of Embroidery Design is your opportunity to learn more about who you are as a creative person and then create your individual style. There's no judgement here, just encouragement, new ways of thinking, and gorgeously colorful pages of inspiration.

This was a fun embroidery book that would be great for a beginner who doesn't view themself as an artist. Johnson walks the reader/crafter through the stages of reaching a point of being confident in making your own designs. She talks about looking for inspiration and various historical embroidery styles from around the world. I especially liked that chapter with the embroidery from around the world, because it really reminded me that this is a craft that connects you to generations of those before you. Johnson then walks you through the elements of design, just like you would in a high school art course, but with a focus on how specifically to incorporate colors and textures and line into embroidery as a medium. She ends with a few project ideas. Throughout, she provides sketchbook activities and the steps to build a sampler as you go, practicing her teachings. She also showcases different artists, highlighting the many, many directions you can take your embroidery. The one thing I'll say is that, if you're an absolute beginner, all of her beginner teaching is parked at the back, the important things like how to set up an embroidery hoop and what the different stitches mean. But if you've got all the basics down, then just start at the beginning.

This book is very different from other embroidery books I have read. This one is more creative and stresses making your own designs and stretching your imagination. There are some beautiful pictures of original works and many ideas to help get you started. This is a great book if you are ready to try something new with embroidery.

I really found this to be quite inspirational! I just started embroidery about a month ago and saw this pop up on NetGalley! I really enjoyed this, the ideas and tips! It was great!

This was not exactly what I was expecting. It seems well researched and put together. I like the stitch explanations at the end. Overall, not my style though.