:REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Elemental Journal by Tammy Kushnir [CONTEST CLOSED]

The Elemental Journal: Composing Artful Expressions from Items Cast Aside by Tammy Kushnir is certainly a lesson in giving something old new life again!

Amazon.com description:

"Rusty doorknobs, cardboard containers and plastic packaging may seem like trash to some, but through the creative mind, they are transformed into beautiful expressions - equally parts artful book and assemblage. The Elemental Journal will show you how to craft a wide variety of journals to hold your secrets or express your inner thoughts, and discover new ways to use wood, paper, fabric, plastic and metal in your art."

Within the pages of this book, there are 30 featured projects that are a feast for the eyes by inspirational mixed-media artists such as Jill Berry, Tonia Davenport, Sarah Fishburn, Judith Hoffman, Karen Michel, Geraldine Newfry, Jen Osborn, Kristen Robinson, Susan Tuttle, and, of course, the author herself.

In case you're new to this type of crafting, Kushnir starts off the book with an introduction on the materials and tools that are par for the course.

Fifteen of the featured projects include step-by-step photo tutorials that show you exactly how to recreate to the look for yourself as well as numerous favorite tips from the artists throughout the book for creating this type of mix-media art.

Now, anyone who follows my blog knows that this style of crafting isn't really my style. And, honestly, I don't expect that I'll be rushing into my backyard to find tree bark to use as a mini-book cover anytime soon.

HOWEVER, as an artist in my own right, I do believe that inspiration can be found everywhere, just as the author states in her introduction:

"Throughout this book you will feast on projects that will hopefully aid you in your search for inspiration. You will find it in various sources, both external and internal. Personal battles and triumphs will be explored in imagery and writing in an attempt to drew your own experiences to the surface. None of us are unscathed and no one is beyond attaining bliss. Our deepest feelings are often overlooked, just as many of the castaway objects used in these journals are. However, once you discover them and really examine them, you will see something you never did before. You will find acceptance for yourself in your art-in-progress."

With that said, I DID find several material uses and techniques that I do hope to use on a, perhaps, smaller scale such as a wonderful technique for journaling on fabric, using pockets from discarded clothing, printing photos on transparencies and more.

If you are already an avid mixed-media artist and are looking for some new inspiring ideas, then this book is for you!

If you have not yet dipped into this wonderful realm of artistry, but are a lover of flea markets, yard sales and have a hard time letting go of found treasures, then this book might be just for you, too, so that you can start creating beautiful treasures that anyone can appreciate.

GIVEAWAY:
Now one lucky reader has a chance to get their hands of a free copy of The Elemental Journal! All you have to do is answer the following question by 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 21st, 2011.

What is the most unusual type of memorabilia or found item that you've used in your crafting?

Random.org will choose and I will announce the lucky winner on Friday!

GOOD LUCK!!