The Bookshelf

Recommended Reading on arts, crafts, creativity, and life




Books on Crafting and Making
Sewing By Machine (The New Version) by the Singer company was the first book on quilting I ever bought.  It is a great resource for basic machine sewing techniques. Nothing is better than taking a course at your local quilt shop, but his book will give you a good start. 

Fiction for Inspiration and Insight
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers is a gentle, thought-provoking tale about a tea monk and a robot exploring purpose and meaning in a world that values connection over productivity. For artists, it offers profound insights into the importance of rest, curiosity, and embracing the journey of creativity without the pressure of constant output.

On Creativity, Creative Practice, and Life
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott If you read one book on this list, read this one.  It has profoundly affected how I look at life and creative work. Anne Lamott is a master and her words speak to my soul. This book is not just for writers! It's for humans. 
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is an inspiring exploration of creativity, encouraging artists and creatives to embrace curiosity, conquer fear, and pursue their passions with boldness. Through personal anecdotes and practical wisdom, it invites creators to view their work with playfulness and resilience, unlocking the "big magic" of a fulfilled creative life.
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron is a transformative guide that helps artists and creatives unlock their potential by overcoming blocks and reconnecting with their innate creativity. Through its practical tools like Morning Pages and Artist Dates, it nurtures self-expression, builds confidence, and fosters a sustainable creative practice. This book is at its core faith-based, and although she references "God," throughout, she encourages you to tap into what is spiritual to you. Some parts of her method, like morning pages, I loved, but others, like data deprivation, I had trouble with.  But, it is a classic, and many stuck creatives have found their mojo using this book. 
The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp All it takes to make creativity a part of your life is the willingness to make it a habit. It is the product of preparation and effort, and is within reach of everyone. Whether you are a painter, musician, businessperson, or simply an individual yearning to put your creativity to use, The Creative Habit provides you with thirty-two practical exercises based on the lessons Twyla Tharp has learned in her remarkable thirty-five-year career.
 
The Heart to Start by David Kadavy is a motivating guide that helps creative individuals overcome fear and perfectionism to turn their ideas into reality. Through actionable insights and inspiring anecdotes, it empowers artists, writers, and dreamers to embrace the messy process of starting, so they can unleash their true potential.
In The Let Them Theory, Mel Robbins offers a liberating perspective that encourages artists and creatives to release control over others’ opinions and actions. By focusing on their own goals and staying authentic to their vision, creatives can find freedom to take bold steps, overcome self-doubt, and truly thrive in their craft. I recommend the audio book version read by the author. 
Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical framework for artists and creatives to build lasting habits that support their craft. By focusing on small, incremental changes and aligning habits with identity, it empowers creators to break through procrastination, stay consistent, and achieve meaningful progress in their work. I found this book especially helpful in setting a realistic daily routine with the goal of nurturing creativity in small ways.