52 Projects: Random Acts of Everyday Creativity

So if you've taken a look at the mags Readymade and Make and noticed how the stuff they suggest you do is mostly too kooky or too costly, you should definitely check out this book. They're projects that you make very personal, often heartfelt, either using the stuff of your own life that you already have at hand or joining with a friend or family member to exchange and share and create things with lasting meaning. The ideas get you going, and the direction is up to you. You have to follow how it plays out (which suggests that future editions should include some road-test feedback from readers). There is no requirement that you hunt down a billion little gadgets from Home Depot or invest in a circular saw or squint at four pages of diagrams. None of that. These are cool, imaginative ideas for making art out of the materials of your own life.

I like the fact that this book has simple instructions on how to be creative. There are no ideas that call for complicated supplies or techniques (not that I have a problem with that, since that is also a challenge). But for those who are get put off by that kind of activity, 52 Projects gives the reader basic ideas that can enhance the readers creativity. e.g., you can just take a camera and get simple shots and start to see how you progressed is something we learn in school - most pre-schoolers just do it and get it over with. I have been a fan of Mr. Yamaguchi's website for a while now, as well as various other creative websites, and each time I am inspired to write, paint, mosaic, whatever gets my creative juices going to help me maintain my sanity. For that alone, I give this book 5 stars.

I read this book and was surprised by how much I liked it, given its simple premise. But its really rich, with thought provoking, sometimes quirky projects. Jeff's writing is engaging too, its not just some bullet point list. I even think I liked the opening chapters the best, where he writes about the joy and value of projects. Kind of gets your juices flowing. Its pretty smart and sophisticated, but the book has its heart in the right place. I actually liked it so much I bought one for xmas for my neice, I think she'll really like the book. It's a put together really well, and has a great look- it's a good gift I think. I'd recommend it for anyone.

Ours would be a richer world, if every citizen between the ages of 11 and 93 kept a copy of 52 Projects atop his or her toilet tank, where it could be referred to constantly and spontaneously. Full of high pranking spirits and sentimental recognition of the most deserving stripe, Jeffrey Yamaguchi's suggestions reduced me to tears even as they sent me scuttling for the padded envelope in which I happily mailed my first project to a stranger.