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.