Craft for the Soul: A Book Review

Craft for the Soul

Pip’s gorgeous book, Craft for the Soul, defies pidgeon-holing. It’s not a craft project book, although it contains beautiful things to create. It’s not a recipe book, despite being filled with yummy food. It’s not a self-help book, but it is filled with excellent, practical advice on living a creative and inspired life.

Perhaps rather than trying to allocate the book an ISBN, I should tell you about how it feels.  It feels like a cosy chat with a wonderful friend. Someone wise and generous with their ideas and experience. Pip’s book is filled with realistic advice delivered in her cheery voice. She doesn’t pretend it’s all sunshine and rainbows but she does encourage a positive attitude. More than that, she gives you ways to make that kind of life happen. 

I read the book within a day. Not because it’s a slight read, but because I didn’t want to leave its company.  The first two chapters made me feel inspired and open to a world of a new ideas. Excited about what the future held. Much as I felt when hearing Pip speak. You can read more about that here. The latter chapters spoke to a quieter part of me. The part I often neglect. Pip is a busy lady, constantly creating and learning but she gives herself permission to take time out. The chapter entitled “Stay Home” struck a real chord with me. It’s something I need to do more of. Just chill out.

The best way to read this book is with a cup of tea and something yummy to eat. Perhaps even make something from the book’s recipe pages. Have a notepad and pen nearby to capture the inspiration that will no doubt come your way when reading. Pip also helpfully includes some exercises to get you on your way to a creative life. If you’re like me, and quite partial to a workshop-y style change, you’ll want your stationery nearby.

One of the things I really love about this book is Pip’s broad definition of creativity. It’s not just for crochet aficionados, foodies or people handy with a sewing machine. It’s really for anyone wanting to incorporate a creative element into their life – it doesn’t really matter how that creativity is manifested. What matters is giving it a go: making things, noticing things and being aware of how you are living your life.

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Some other friends have read Pip’s book and loved it. For different (and some similar) reasons to the ones I have written about.

You can read their reviews here:

Sarah from Sarah’s Heart Writes
Sarah from Sarah Gooley.com
(yes that Sarah – she is writing again and will pop in and say Hi here soon)

NB: I promise that not all my friends are called Sarah

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Have you read Pip’s book, Craft for the Soul?
Did you just love it? If you wrote a review, pop it in the comments and I will link it up in the post.

4 thoughts on “Craft for the Soul: A Book Review

  1. yourkidsot says:

    This books sounds really interesting! I just taught myself how to crochet! Is this a “read on a plane/holiday” sort of book? Seems that is the only time I can prioritise reading!

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