Got this because I've been on a big hygge bender and just really digging into the enjoyable simplicity that is ingrained in so much of Scandanavian living.

The folk art aspect is exactly my jam these days, the whimsical country-esque illustrations and inspirations. I loved most of the art prompts and the reminders that "yes this is simple and you can totally do it".

I will most certainly be stuffing this one under the Holiday tree for my crafty sister that loves these sorts of things.

Great book if your a crafty type and looking for new ideas or just an injection of enthusiasm for your next projects... a good aid for a kind of "crafters block" .

It was great to read about scandinavian folk art...........

I would like to thank Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster for providing me with a free electronic ARC of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an open and honest review.

This is another book I read back in January, but am only just now getting a chance to leave a review for. As some of my other reviews show, I do love a bit of folk art and so thoroughly loved reviewing this book. Though, I have to say it would work far better as a paper book, rather than the electronic version I had as, quite simply, I had itchy fingers each time there was a “try and draw that here” exercises as I couldn’t always do them. Yes, I sometimes tried on a blank piece of paper I had on hand, but some days I was reading ‘Creative Folk Art & Beyond’ on the school pick up so had no chance to draw along too. Oh the inhumanity! :-D

But, other than that personal self-pity whinge, this was a fantastic book to read. The combination of different artists and their specialities, the exercises, projects and suggestions – wonderful all round.

Oh, and I am officially in love with Hygge! That is what you call the sorts of everyday objects around your home that bring you comfort and joy… which you then use to inspire and influence your art. And ‘Creative Folk Art & Beyond’ will indeed encourage readers to also fall in love with Hygge too.

It doesn’t matter your skill level as I felt there were exercises and examples suitable for all levels within this creative tome. I am not that skilled at Folk Art but, rather than be intimidated by the exercises, the way ‘Creative Folk Ark & Beyond’ is written you find yourself encouraged to give it a go. The wording is friendly and helpful all at once so you never feel like an idiot, more someone being shown by a friend how to create some gorgeous art.

To the formatting and layout side of things – clear, precise, easy to follow and really just added to the overall feeling of being a welcoming, friendly, fun and easy to use book.

Would I recommend this book to others?

Yes I would – as if you hadn’t already guessed that! ;-)

As I have said already, this is a great, helpful, easy to follow book that really inspires the reader to pick up and pencil and give it a go.

It wouldn’t matter the skill level of the person, as I feel beginners would learn a lot while those more experienced in folk art would find inspiration in trying new ideas.

Would I buy this book for myself?

Oooooh YES! It is on my list! I want a copy that I can dawdle in, try out and have a go at. I want to do the projects, decorate my cupboards and, well, go a tad folk art crazy. Because that’s exactly what ‘Creative Folk Art & Beyond’ does – want to go out and give folk art a go (not the crazy bit, that’s just me) ;-). A fantastic book well worth a read.

In summary: A book for all skill levels that will inspire you to try and create folk art of your own. Highly recommended.

A lovely book for all ages, to inspire and instruct. It features the charming Scandinavian folk art images of birds, flowers, teacups, etc, and is inspired by 'Hygge', that is the concept of 'cosiness'. It has beautiful images and lots of projects to try, with practice pages to work on. I think children and young adults would also love this book, and it would make an excellent gift along with a box of paints.
Thanks to the publisher for a digital review copy.

It focuses on Scandinavian art styles. It was fun and inspiring to create some folk arts.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher

Lovely book but I mat purchase the physical book as not great in ebook form

The Hygge concept that we've read so much about in the past year or so, and often tried to apply it in our own lives (with more or less success), is also the backbone of this colorful and playful book, the work of prominent artists and experts in this area. Only one look at the cover was a good enough reason to read it, and in the end, the simplicity and comfort that the book draws from the first to the last page has completely fulfilled all my expectations.

"Creative Folk Art & Beyond" is a short manual divided into four equally interesting sections, in which Flora Waycott, Olan Befort, Marenthe Otten and Terri Fry Kasuba, each in their own way, provide short and practical instructions for various small art projects in the area of folk art inspired by the Scandinavian concept known as "hygge".

Each small project is explained in several steps, corroborated by photographs and examples, followed by pages intended for exercises. As I have an e-edition of this manual in my hands, my exercise pages have remained unfulfilled, but the ideas for small art projects have been preserved for the first opportunity when they are needed.

Scandinavia ranks very high on the international 'happiness index'. The folk and primitive art of Scandinavia has regional differences of course, but in general reflects the happy, relaxed, and natural 'vibe' most Scandinavians enjoy. The motifs are 'hyggelige' (cozy) and colorful and most of them represent things found in nature: birds, flowers, natural features, etc.

This book is one of a series of how-to books from Walter Foster called Creative ____ & Beyond. For another example in this series, I reviewed Creative Marker Art & Beyond back in October 2017.

This book is split into four sections, from four different artist designers; each section includes projects and inspiration pages, along with tools and materials. A short basic introduction covers general info about the supplies necessary for the projects in the book. The designers' work varies quite a lot, from more primitive folk art to more polished. The projects are a very accessible source of inspiration, there's plenty here to inspire and reassure even the most novice would-be artists.

The four included designers are Flora Waycott, Oana Befort, Marenthe Otten, and Terri Fry Kasuba. They each have varying styles and projects. Most of the actual art appealed to me, however, there weren't many of the included projects that grabbed me and insisted to be made. All of the included project designs are full of inspiration to be used elsewhere though. The cover gives a pretty good indication of the contents.

147 pages, paperback format. It's worth noting that roughly 13% of the page content is given over to practice pages.

Accessible, doable, beautiful and fun projects and inspiration. I really like art project books which are doable by anyone. For what it's worth, none of the included designers is actually Scandinavian, proving that anyone can enjoy and produce hygge for themselves.

Four stars, a very happy book.

Full of gorgeous illustrations and step by step guide for creating Scandinavian inspired folk art and decor for your life.

I enjoyed this and found the prompts helpful to get my head thinking stylistically like traditional folk art but with my own twist.

(I had the chance to read this via Net Galley)

Cute little book, some of the ideas were really sweet. I am not a fan of the blank pages to practise on - it is more suitable for children books. This would make a great follow on from the colouring book faze a DIY version.
The designs are very pretty and I do like the block making and printing information.

This book is something that I would love to take a few hours wrapped in something cozy with my art supplies next to me and doodle away. I enjoy the art and the styles so much. I also like how the book covered the different artists and showcased their work and talents.

This book is so wonderful. It makes me want to just curl up by a fire and break out the colored pencils and hot cocoa. This book focuses on Scandinavian art styles and subjects. It explains the concept of "hygge" which loosely translates to "coziness." It has tons of adorable projects to do, like making ornaments, painting cozy sweaters and socks, making a stamp, and other fun crafts. It's formatted really well and is accessible to anyone. It lets you know what supplies you might need and gives you blank pages to practice on! If you're looking for a fun winter project this is it.

I received an advance copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalleyfor letting me review this title!

The cover of the book is very cute and sets the tone for the rest, the theme of the book is hygge, now I didn’t know what that was but it is apparently a feeling of coziness! Well the book certainly gives that feeling! It is filled with beautiful guides of how to create projects and gain skills.

Inspired by the colours, patterns and subjects of Scandinavian folk art the pages are filled with skills that have been passed down through generations.

A very quick guide to basic tools you will need is shown however each project shows independently which tools are required. Items including H pencils are explained, while people who enjoy crafting can skip these pages it gives a nice explanation to beginners.

The book is split into four different designers, each bringing their own style to the projects they are presenting. You are given the chance to doodle in many of the sections giving you a feel of the craft ahead. The subjects are varied from teapots to foxes and flowers, each a different project to create including a stamp, wrapping paper, tags and a garland.

There are step by step guides to each project including beautiful pictures to clearly how to create and thoughtfully written instructions.

The beautifully decorated pages are charming to look at. Each section is by a different artist, providing a nice variety.
I think the book is too hard for the dabbling crafter. It’s good for those who have some drawing talent and time. For example, it has you drawing teapots instead of simpler tea cups. The adorable patterns become complex very quickly. Seriously, how many people in this busy age are going to draw, cut out, and paint shapes to make a paper garland to decorate their home? And I suppose that’s the whole point. Slow down and enjoy the process. They even suggest having a cup of tea.
I love the floral wrapping paper an artist shows, but anyone who spent hours on the project probably would not want to see it torn open quickly. At least the cute hand painted and cut gift tags might be saved for a while. One project has you cutting a dala horse pattern into a carving block. I’m safer off looking online and buying a dala horse to stamp and color.
Creative Folk Art and Beyond would have benefited from more examples for a novice to Scandinavian folklore patterns. Or maybe I’m just not hygge enough - yet.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for granting access to an arc of this book for an honest review.

Full of beautiful designs to inspire both experienced and novice needlecrafters. Traditional methods translated into up to date patterns. Great gift.

I am writing this because the download to my. Updated I device was blank and I would be excited to get the book in a different format if that is possible, the star
rating is just because it’s not optional

Thank you for sending me this book. However, I am unable to review it as I am not able to open it on my device.

Four artists showing four different ways to make lovely folk art to express yourself and beautify your life. I really enjoyed the ideas in this book and found the instructions for making cards and gift tags easy to follow and useful for the upcoming holiday season. Best of all, the ones I tried were satisfying to do.

After enjoying the recent coloring craze, I was looking for something that was simple to do but also offered more self-expression. This ideas offered in Creative Folk Art & Beyond offer a fun and creative next step.

Thanks to netgalley for offering me a free review copy.

Embrace hygge. This book is an excellent source of ideas to integrate hygge in our current home decor, school and office area.