Kelly Rae Roberts Take What You Need

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Deborah Davis Yes stick with just a couple of supplies and try those first. Do something simple like mixing watercolour crayon and pencil or whatever take it from t…more Yes stick with just a couple of supplies and try those first. Do something simple like mixing watercolour crayon and pencil or whatever take it from there(less)

Community Reviews

 · 3,737 ratings  · 60 reviews

Start your review of Taking Flight: Inspiration and Techniques to Give Your Creative Spirit Wings

May 08, 2009 JayeL rated it really liked it

When I first started reading this book, I immediately noticed the tone: kind, positive, inspirational and soft. Not disgustingly so, but in a way that made me really feel inspired.

My overall feeling of this book was it was a book that would be useful for a lot of different types of art and craft. This book is about having confidence, being inspired, get rid of roadblocks and trying new things.

The format of the book incorporates the patterns/projects into the chapters, so they don't seem slapped

When I first started reading this book, I immediately noticed the tone: kind, positive, inspirational and soft. Not disgustingly so, but in a way that made me really feel inspired.

My overall feeling of this book was it was a book that would be useful for a lot of different types of art and craft. This book is about having confidence, being inspired, get rid of roadblocks and trying new things.

The format of the book incorporates the patterns/projects into the chapters, so they don't seem slapped on because everyone must have projects. I didn't try any of the projects as I cannot craft late at night in bed and I didn't have most of the supplies needed. Still, I though the projects were interesting and would make good exercises for a class.

Kelly Rae Roberts has also peppered the book with interviews with other artists. This also bring some liveliness and interest to the book.

Ms Roberts was interviewed on the Notes from the Voodoo Lounge podcast, 17 November 2009. The podcast is a great companion to this book as it gives just a bit more insight into KRR.

The only thing I didn't like about this book is size of the font. There is a lot of information crammed into this 128 page book, but you might go blind trying to read it.

I think this is a book that I would like to put on my wish list as I think it would be good to dip into on occasion.

...more

May 27, 2018 Jackie rated it it was ok

This book about inspiration did not inspire me. The pages and pages about creativity with its many subjects such as fear, buried dreams, and speaking our truth were too abstract to me. Also the words were too many. I was interested in the how to of projects. Two comments on those: all had wings, and all had outlines of figures. I understand that the title of the book has "wings" in it, but it became a bit overdone. The outline of figures relates to the American habit of teaching children to colo This book about inspiration did not inspire me. The pages and pages about creativity with its many subjects such as fear, buried dreams, and speaking our truth were too abstract to me. Also the words were too many. I was interested in the how to of projects. Two comments on those: all had wings, and all had outlines of figures. I understand that the title of the book has "wings" in it, but it became a bit overdone. The outline of figures relates to the American habit of teaching children to color inside the lines. This is not a technique taught in Europe: when observing people, you will not see black lines around them. This book also introduced specific colors for paints, and materials, not giving a complete list somewhere. It also used found, but mainly bought items such as paper, button, embellishments. I am more interested in making my own items. ...more

Jul 24, 2009 Deborah rated it it was amazing

Love this book! It is very inspirational if you like mixed-media painting. I learned new techniques and about new materials that I was not aware of and how to use them. The book includes quotes and prompts and space to jot down your ideas and feelings.

Oct 31, 2017 Cindy Richard rated it really liked it

Great advice for creatives! She also included some art projects to work on, but they were not my style, so I passed.

Wonderfully inspirational!

If you are over 30 you should read this rather you are serious about art or not. Find what inspires you

Sep 23, 2019 Wendy rated it really liked it

Interesting for people wanting to develop their paper and paint artistic muscles. Artist interviews, techniques and ideas.

Feb 12, 2017 JamiG4 rated it it was amazing

Good read and nice tutorials but some of the links in the back are out of date. Interwebz moves TOO FAST!

This is one of the best book for inspiration for everyone. I highly recommend this book to any age groups.

Sep 28, 2011 Beth rated it really liked it

[Originally published on my blog, here: http://epiphanyart.blogspot.com/2011/... ]

This past week I started meandering through Kelly Rae Roberts' mixed media technique book, Taking Flight. I've owned the book for quite some time now, but I've discovered that it takes me a while to warm up to using new art books (or online art classes!) that I purchase. But now I'm finally reading away.

And . . . I love it. I love it because Kelly is so real and honest and open about her story. I also really love t

[Originally published on my blog, here: http://epiphanyart.blogspot.com/2011/... ]

This past week I started meandering through Kelly Rae Roberts' mixed media technique book, Taking Flight. I've owned the book for quite some time now, but I've discovered that it takes me a while to warm up to using new art books (or online art classes!) that I purchase. But now I'm finally reading away.

And . . . I love it. I love it because Kelly is so real and honest and open about her story. I also really love the techniques she shares, of course, but it is her writings about her life that really are the most amazing part of the book. As you may know from my other blog, I think that sharing our stories has immense value.

If you don't know much about Kelly Rae Roberts, she was employed a social worker for her early professional life and was decidedly not artistic. So she thought, anyway. But when she turned 30, she began to tune into her artistic desires more, and which eventually led to a total life overhaul. Now she's a super-successful mixed media wonder woman, so I imagine her first tentative artistic experiments went well. :)

I identify with so much of Kelly's story. Like her, I followed the path that was expected of me -- I went straight into college after high school, then on to grad school, and then dove into the miasma of job-seeking. Except . . . I wasn't ready for college when I graduated high school. And I didn't really want to study what I went to grad school for. But I didn't know what else to do, so I caved to the external pressures of my parents and society and did what I thought was the right thing.

Except that it wasn't the right thing for my heart.

Now, after 10 years of floundering through higher education, mostly fruitless job-seeking, and a terrifying battle with disordered eating, I feel like I'm where Kelly Rae Roberts was when she first began to investigate art. Earlier this year, I began my own artistic explorations, and it blew my mind and heart wide open. Suddenly, my eating disorder had no hold on me. Neither did depression. I didn't dread each new day. Instead, I couldn't sleep because all I could think about was making art.

It was amazing. Miraculous, even. Completely unlooked for, but completely needed. Making art helped make me whole. At least, that's what it feels like.

So that's why I love Taking Flight -- because it reminds me of myself. And because it gives me hope for where this art-making adventure might lead.

Plus, Kelly's techniques tutorials are really excellent. I'm mostly interested in her background techniques, and yesterday I tried out a few of them on a teeny, tiny mixed media piece. Not only that, but I also painted the face of the girl in the piece for the first time ever (instead of drawing the face on a separate paper and then Mod Podge-ing it onto the substrate).

...more

Oct 30, 2012 Ale rated it liked it

Taking Flight is more of a book of creative craft ideas. There a number of contributing artists in this book and the ideas are inspired from them. This isn't a step by step art book and you will need a separate book or research on how to use certain materials if you haven't use the materials before.

The best thing about this book, it taught me that I don't have to stick to one medium and to explore new mediums that I was intimidated with before. That actually helped me with learning about new mat

Taking Flight is more of a book of creative craft ideas. There a number of contributing artists in this book and the ideas are inspired from them. This isn't a step by step art book and you will need a separate book or research on how to use certain materials if you haven't use the materials before.

The best thing about this book, it taught me that I don't have to stick to one medium and to explore new mediums that I was intimidated with before. That actually helped me with learning about new materials and how I could use them in my future projects. The best thing I ever picked up from this book was that I could make a homemade presents for friends.

My favorite project in this book is the art journal. It showed a different way to personalize an art journal which you could give away to friends. You can use the techniques for different things. I guess this is brilliant for craft people who wants to look for more ways to use the stuff they have laying around the house or for craft starters.

3.5 out of 5 stars

...more

This is a lot more self-help than instructional. If your creative self needs a bit of push or inspiration, Taking Flight would be a great book for you. Kelly Rae Roberts shares her thoughts and feelings, describes how she overcame her fears and struggles to embrace a creative life. Her writing is very personal, touching and warm and is well complemented by her interviews of other artists - more inspiration for seeking the "sacred" for an unordinary life.

The words are inspiring and the technique

This is a lot more self-help than instructional. If your creative self needs a bit of push or inspiration, Taking Flight would be a great book for you. Kelly Rae Roberts shares her thoughts and feelings, describes how she overcame her fears and struggles to embrace a creative life. Her writing is very personal, touching and warm and is well complemented by her interviews of other artists - more inspiration for seeking the "sacred" for an unordinary life.

The words are inspiring and the techniques featured very well-illustrated though not new or unusual. Roberts incorporates the works of the guest artists featured very well by using some of their ideas and techniques in the projects. Among the more interesting I found are the use of gold leaf, and of polymer clay to create embellishments and forms for artworks.

Overall, a soaring flight for inspiration but not a spectacular take-off if you're looking for directions on actually making art.

...more

I often look at books that deal with inspiration or art related books like Julia Cameron's titles and so I picked this one up. I liked that each section included an art piece with instructions that covered a great many altered art techniques.

I think because I have read so many and some like the Vein of Gold that I worked through all the exercises, I thought her book would be excellent for someone working on their own or trying to get the courage to try art and/or altered art. It is encouraging,

I often look at books that deal with inspiration or art related books like Julia Cameron's titles and so I picked this one up. I liked that each section included an art piece with instructions that covered a great many altered art techniques.

I think because I have read so many and some like the Vein of Gold that I worked through all the exercises, I thought her book would be excellent for someone working on their own or trying to get the courage to try art and/or altered art. It is encouraging, has concrete projects, inspirational quotes. However, I guess I am further along in my personal and/or art journey and found myself reviewing the book but not engaged enough to attempt the projects.

As a former librarian, if I was still in Collection Development I would certainly consider this as a purchase and recommend it to patrons.

...more

Taking Flight is really two books in one. It's partly a discussion of the creative process, offering insights from the author and various other mixed media artists, all of them women. There's some good advice, but also a lot of repetitive new-agey artist-speak, which can get a bit fluffy at times.

The book is also a how-to guide, offering step-by-step instructions for about half a dozen mixed-media collage-type projects. For each one, the author incorporates a technique she's learned from one of

Taking Flight is really two books in one. It's partly a discussion of the creative process, offering insights from the author and various other mixed media artists, all of them women. There's some good advice, but also a lot of repetitive new-agey artist-speak, which can get a bit fluffy at times.

The book is also a how-to guide, offering step-by-step instructions for about half a dozen mixed-media collage-type projects. For each one, the author incorporates a technique she's learned from one of her contributors. The instructions are clear and well-written, and come with step-by-step photos.

Taking Flight is a beautifully-designed book, and would be a great resource for anyone who's interested in mixed media. Definitely for women.

...more

I found this book helpful in terms of instruction. What I'm looking for in a how-to book is something that will take me to the page, and help me get onto the page in meaningful ways. I like her prompts and her how-to's; she shows you how to use the materials and equipment.

I also didn't realize, until I read Roberts' book, that art journals are a thing now, and that artists sometimes sell a journal to what amounts to a viewer. That intrigued me. As a calligrapher and avid journaler, this might le

I found this book helpful in terms of instruction. What I'm looking for in a how-to book is something that will take me to the page, and help me get onto the page in meaningful ways. I like her prompts and her how-to's; she shows you how to use the materials and equipment.

I also didn't realize, until I read Roberts' book, that art journals are a thing now, and that artists sometimes sell a journal to what amounts to a viewer. That intrigued me. As a calligrapher and avid journaler, this might lead to some interesting experiments with Etsy.

I need more hours in the day, darn it.

...more

Apr 30, 2014 Jodi rated it it was amazing

I loved this book. I don't really know what I expected, but what I found pleasantly surprised me. It's a combination of three things: inspirational narrative, interviews with other artists, and practice projects. I love Kelly Rae's style and am glad to have learned a little about how she creates her art. I've already purchased some of the supplies she listed in the book so I can play around with what I learned! I loved this book. I don't really know what I expected, but what I found pleasantly surprised me. It's a combination of three things: inspirational narrative, interviews with other artists, and practice projects. I love Kelly Rae's style and am glad to have learned a little about how she creates her art. I've already purchased some of the supplies she listed in the book so I can play around with what I learned! ...more

Beautiful book to explore. It contains stories of various artists and how they create what they do, as well as directions on how to create similar projects. Good for those who are at the point where art is important (or they are remembering how important it is) and want a little inspiration to get going. Also good for those who just want to look at pretty pictures. :)

Oct 16, 2012 Li rated it it was ok

This book is suppose to inspire you to create. Each chapter has begins with a story which was kind of fluffy for me and then a project at the end. Problem for me was that I did not like the art. Not my thing. I am sure there is another book out there that speaks more to me than this. I love the concept though.

Aug 29, 2014 Tricia rated it really liked it

I am a big fan of Kelly Rae Roberts' art and appreciate that she writes so well and shares from her heart. The only thing that could have made this book better would have been more of her artwork and techniques (but I do appreciate her collaborating with other artists to share a range of styles and methods). I am a big fan of Kelly Rae Roberts' art and appreciate that she writes so well and shares from her heart. The only thing that could have made this book better would have been more of her artwork and techniques (but I do appreciate her collaborating with other artists to share a range of styles and methods). ...more

Jun 16, 2016 Joan Arbogast rated it it was amazing

Love the style, techniques, the quotes included, the ties to spiritual aspect of art...

Winged Thoughts include: I can capture the sacred in the ordinary by:
I see beauty in:
I am called to an art or craft that expresses:

Jul 11, 2009 Rikelle rated it it was amazing

What a great book. I love Kelly Rae's art and was so excited to get this book. Whenever I need a pick me up I go to this book and I feel happy. This book is full of inspiration and techniques. Loved it! What a great book. I love Kelly Rae's art and was so excited to get this book. Whenever I need a pick me up I go to this book and I feel happy. This book is full of inspiration and techniques. Loved it! ...more

Mar 02, 2010 Kim rated it it was amazing

This book really made me think about my creative process. And it has some cool artistic techniques that I want to try. So much more I could write here...but I must go create! {Maybe some day I wil transcribe my notes that I took while reading this book.}

Apr 07, 2010 Sherry Porter rated it it was amazing

Loved, loved this book. The creative suggestions where inspiring but the sections that demonstrated art techiniques from guest artists was fabulous. I am going to buy this one and keep it so I can reference back to it for inspiration and instructions.

Jun 14, 2010 Relyn rated it liked it

Recommends it for: people really working on their creativity

Recommended to Relyn by: it's all over the blog world

This book was beautiful - lush, richly colored, inspiring just to look at. My problem is that this is a book fully intended to be used: written in and filled up. You can't do that with a library book. This book was beautiful - lush, richly colored, inspiring just to look at. My problem is that this is a book fully intended to be used: written in and filled up. You can't do that with a library book. ...more

Mar 09, 2011 Monique rated it really liked it

amazing! love the way Kelly weaved in her own personal story with interviews of other artists. the writing prompts were great jumping off points for my daily journaling, and i am planning to try some of the craft prjects. a great book for your creative self (even if you don't do the projects). :) amazing! love the way Kelly weaved in her own personal story with interviews of other artists. the writing prompts were great jumping off points for my daily journaling, and i am planning to try some of the craft prjects. a great book for your creative self (even if you don't do the projects). :) ...more

May 01, 2011 Ana rated it really liked it

Truly loved it.
Very useful techniques and advices, they make it look so simple and so easy to create.
The artist is truly talented, there's always something, like a detail or a feeling in each piece. Truly loved it.
Very useful techniques and advices, they make it look so simple and so easy to create.
The artist is truly talented, there's always something, like a detail or a feeling in each piece. ...more

I swear this author is speaking directly to my soul! Even if you're not looking to create this specific kind of artwork, this is a wonderful book to inspire whatever form of creativity is inside you. If nothing else - the photos of her artwork are really beautiful. I swear this author is speaking directly to my soul! Even if you're not looking to create this specific kind of artwork, this is a wonderful book to inspire whatever form of creativity is inside you. If nothing else - the photos of her artwork are really beautiful. ...more

Sep 30, 2013 Janelle rated it really liked it

This book was really helpful for me. I've struggled with artist block for years, this book encourages the reader to look within and grow. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to creating new art. This book was really helpful for me. I've struggled with artist block for years, this book encourages the reader to look within and grow. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to creating new art. ...more

Dec 30, 2015 Kimmie Hogan rated it it was amazing

Kelly Rae Roberts takes you on a whimsical journey as she shows you easy to follow tutorials, and gorgeous art work. She also has thought provoking exercises to help one tap into their creative self. This book is a worthy read for any mixed media artist.

Aug 30, 2008 Lisa rated it it was amazing

Just received this in the mail yesterday and only got the chance to browse through this but it looks beautiful!

Sep 17, 2008 Azkatherine rated it did not like it

Too much text for me and not enough techinque. I was really looking forward to buying this book, but was disapointed once I picked it up.

Kelly Rae Roberts is a mixed-media artist who neglected her creative dreams until she was 30 years old. Once she began to listen and nurture her creative voice, her life exploded with a joy she hadn't known before. She's had several articles published in Cloth Paper Scissors magazine and has been featured in various mixed-media books by her peers. Her paintings are collected worldwide and she is c Kelly Rae Roberts is a mixed-media artist who neglected her creative dreams until she was 30 years old. Once she began to listen and nurture her creative voice, her life exploded with a joy she hadn't known before. She's had several articles published in Cloth Paper Scissors magazine and has been featured in various mixed-media books by her peers. Her paintings are collected worldwide and she is consistently accepted to show at juried art festivals around the country. Recently, she signed on with Brush Dance Publishing and DEMDACO for long-term licensing agreements that will showcase her work on cards, journals, magnets, calendars and wall art reproductions in stores nationwide. Learn more about her at www.kellyraeroberts.com. ...more

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Kelly Rae Roberts Take What You Need

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