I bought two of these books because I wanted my girlfriend to do some of the things when I did so we could talk about them and show them through emails. Great idea. Fun.

I was only able to bring home a copy of this author's Mixed Media Portraits from the library. I did like enough of what was in there to want a more complete volume of her work, so without being able to do more than the look inside feature on Amazon, I ordered Creating Art at the Speed of Life, also on the strength of the many good reviews. Now that it has arrived, I can say that for me it was too elementary, and I already know pretty much everything in this book. Any artist with some beginning art instruction under the belt will already know this. It is presented in an interesting way, and the exercises seem like they could be fun and helpful in learning the concepts. So I will probably keep it and send it on to my granddaughter for her birthday.

I've been working my way through Pam's book for a while - not her fault, all mine! I'm enjoying that even though I've taken on-line classes from her for a few years that I am learning a lot of new to me techniques! Not all of them will become favorites but I think that is what her evaluation sheet is for and I'm finding that I'm enjoying using that with each of the lessons. The lessons are inventive yet manageable and the bits of notes here and there help me move past some of my "i'm not sure what to do next" pauses. I love her artistic style and because I have taken classes, I'm enjoying having Pam's voice go through my head as I move through the lessons.

I think the lessons are well crafted and as I said manageable - I'm finding that if I'm not enamored of a lesson that I still move through it to the end so that I can get the learning out of it as intended...but I do not have SO MUCH invested in it that it drains me. I wanted to work through this book to get me out of a low energy art patch and it is doing that for me and then some. The range of lessons are pretty broad and I have to believe that if you are interested in mixed media that you will come out of this with at least one new favorite process!

In my art studio community we cover 3-4 books per year in a "book club." Pam's books have been fantastic and full of variety. Creating Art at the Speed of Life was ideal for book club participants because even when I was helping someone else, the students could get clear instructions on what to do next. I highly recommend the book for someone who wants to not only visually feast on the lovely imagery but have the lessons broken down in step-by-steps.

This book was a valuable resource for casual artists to better understand the principles of art. The self evaluation component has played a role in moving us forward into becoming more confident artists.

Keep them coming Pam! I hope you keep writing more books so we can

I agree mostly with all the positive reviews of this book, so let's just say yes, Carriker's book is wonderful and all that, but as a help to those who attempt to do all the projects, I thought I'd add my own input.
First of all, the handmade book: Just know that you are not making an especially well-put together book with these instructions Carriker provides. I followed them to the T, but found that the Sticky Back Canvas did not stick well enough even on the outer paper, so the spine of the book was not held together well enough with the two pieces of tape she specifies. That said, I put twice the tape and used Archival PVA and some cheesecloth over the spine and glued it to the front cover, as a sort of homemade 'super' cloth. BTW, I had to research several websites and Youtube to find better ways to bind a book. I think a list of resources to make a better quality bound book (as an option) would have been nice. After all, you're putting hours of work into this thing--you want it to last!
Also regarding the book, Carriker states she uses 90 lb paper, and I could only find 140 lb Hot Press at the local stores. I am so glad I used it instead! I honestly don't think 90 lb. would have stood up under all the multiple processes described in her instructions. It's not as easy to fold and tear--I had to score it a few times and bend the paper both ways. Some people not experinced with heavy watercolor paper may not know to do this.
I've been doing artwork for some time now, and still had to do practice pages of some of her techniques, which I recommend, as I think she does assume some prior knowledge of how to use paint and so on. About the art supplies themselves, I'm glad she listed alternatives as I have yet to find a "Bingo Dauber" after visiting our town's 3 art supply stores.
All this being said, I really appreciate Carriker's book as it's helped me get past a creative block I've had for over two years. It was fun (but expensive!) but worth it to make the handmade book, as that way there's more of a sense of the entire book being a work of art.
I'll try and update this post when I'm done with the book.