A lovely book. The author turned a deep grief into creativity in order to process her emotions. This book leads the reader through a similar process. Beginning with personalizing a simple bound journal, the art projects encourage the reader to focus on different aspects of healing. Each project includes a significant quote, a project description, clear photographs, detailed description of the steps, and a heart prompt for journaling (hence, the journal is the first project). A couple of the projects were recipes, encouraging the readers in self-care by providing the body with good but simple nourishment.

At first, I thought the projects would be unreachable, as I'm not terribly artistic. But each of them was simple using many objects commonly available, upcycle-able, or inexpensively bought. Some sewing is used in a couple of the projects, but one could adapt or ask for help with those. The book ends with a resource list for helping readers to find other avenues for healing from grief.

After having just gone through an intense period of grief myself, I found this book refreshing. I felt like I simply didn't have the strength or creativity to craft anything. Most days, it was all I could do to get dressed and put a meal or two on the table for my family. I had no space for creativity. I simply couldn't think of anything creative. Instead, I used what little strength I did have to serve others. But I see the value in using some of the precious strength available to care for one's own self in these simple, gentle ways. I wish I had had this book during that time. It would have helped, I think.

I gratefully received this book for free from the author, the publishers, and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.