Hypertufa Containers Creating and Planting an Alpine Trough Garden by Lori Chips

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
I remember reading about hypertufa and making a pot about 20 years ago - so it was great to be reminded of the simple process of creating a plant container. The rough look, the natural colors, and the flexibility of size and shape make this a worthwhile DIY.

Though the idea is not new, it's still fun. Clear instructions and good illustrations will put you on the way to your own creative garden. Give it a try! This book will help you figure it out.

Pocket Art: Portrait Drawing The quick guide to mastering technique and style by Joanna Henly

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
I've enjoyed this modern look at perspective and personality in portrait drawing. If you've ever wanted to make faces come alive, you'll find a lot of ideas here.

There are great illustrations, how-tos, and tips that will boost your work and help you appreciate existing portraits. The movement, style, and fresh look at drawing faces will make you smile - and grab your sketching tools.

Recommended. 

Modern Drawing by Chelsea Ward

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
The ideas, clear illustrations, and finished artwork make this book a pleasure.

If you've wondered about recent trends in drawing and illustration, Ward's book is a treasure trove - from sketchbooks to architectural sketches, everyday objects, to figure drawing with various mediums ... you'll find it here and have fun following the lessons.

Interested in pursuing the basics? Here's a great start.

Artists and Their Books / Books and Their Artists by Marcia Reed and Glenn Phillips

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

Many artists have expressed their creativity by creating or recording in a book.

The author presents artists from various fields, including their intentions, how they worth through their creative processes, and the development of ideas to art in their book or books.

Love books? You'll enjoy this walk into the creative life of those who love and work as artists.

The Missionary Call by M. David Sills

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review

The book's forward says, "Many of us have misunderstood that there is only one priority in serving God. We are to be His faithful servants and good stewards of his mysteries. We are supposed to obey." (Nick Saint)

What does that mean when one feels called to obey as a missionary? In the changing mission landscape, danger and other challenges are realities for those who go across culture, whether through creative access, willing to be martyred, or more traditional options.

Missionaries may be motivated by the lostness of souls, obedience to the Great Commission, human need, or possibilities to tell the Story. However, the author says that scripture mandates that each person is responsible to serve the world, whether by going, giving, or praying. Sills also traces the missionary call in history and its effect on the nations.

This examination of what it means to be called into cross-cultural ministry will benefit those who feel called to go, those who call them to go, and those who send them.

Modern Watercolor by Kristin Van Leuvin

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
I'm enjoying a few art books this weekend, between academic assignments.

This one is such fun - why not try your hand at animals, flowers, landscapes, etc.? The text demonstrates different kinds of paints (granular, smooth, etc.) as well as brushes and other tools.

The pictures are great and instructions are easy to follow. This gives a jumping off point for your own creativity. It's a really pretty book with great colors and design. Enjoy!

Expressive flower painting by Lynn Whipple

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
What would you like to splash on canvas? Are you in love with flowers and enjoy time with friends?

This reads like a DIY party book - great fun and beautiful photos. You'll enjoy doing these projects, customizing them to what makes you smile.

Made me happy to read it.