Artist Debra Gould Recommends These Great Books to Inspire You

Inspiring Books Recommended by Debra Gould

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Inspiring Books - SHOP

Welcome to my little book shop!

I read a lot before I ever picked up a tool or a paint brush.

I've purchased, read and enjoyed all of the books I'm recommending here. You might find them in your local bookstore or library.

To make your life easier, you can also purchase them here through amazon.com and amazon.ca.

Many are on sale and some are available in used copies to make them even less expensive!

All of these books inspire ideas and are helpful in learning about various craft projects, art, and even crafting as a business. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

If you'd also like to see my favorite picks for books on interior design and color, please visit www.sixelements.com.

OK, I'm a little biased here. SInce I'm one of the floorcloth artists featured in the book Floorcloth Magic, how can I not recommend it? By Lisa Curry Mair (Storey Books, 2001).

You can buy Floorcloth Magic and any of the books I recommend below here through amazon.com or amazon.ca— your choice! Just use the link to the Amazon destination of your choice.

If you don't find what you're looking for in my little shop, these Amazon search boxes allow you to search for any product at both amazon.com and amazon.ca.

Search results will open at their site and connect to their own shopping cart. This allows you to order the books or products of your choice directly through Amazon, in US or Canadian funds.

US Clients, use this link:

Canadian Clients, use this link:

So, pour yourself a cup of coffee and browse our little book shop at your convenience!

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Floorcloth Magic

by Lisa Curry Mair.

I'm in this book, how can I not love it?! Features the work of 19 of the leading floorcloth artists in North America. Published three years after I painted my first floorcloth! Very exciting.

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The Complete Book of Floorcloths:

Designs & Techniques for Painting Great-Looking Canvas Rugs

by Kathy Cooper

The book that inspired my love of floorcloths and the first book I ever read about them. Filled with tips and tricks and beautiful photos.

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Debbie Travis' Decorating Solutions

by Debbie Travis

What list would be complete without at least one Debbie Travis book? This woman has turned her love and knowledge of faux finishes into a whole industry! She's got great ideas and though her steps aren't always as complete as you might want, you'll learn a lot by trying them.

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The Decorative Painter

by Cressida Bell

This London based textile designer shares 15 weekend projects. Guide to transforming ordinary furniture and everyday objects. Designs are too busy for most tastes, but still inspiring.

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The Artist's Way

by Julia Cameron

It wasn't easy letting go of my "Corporate Consultant" identity. Working through the exercises in this book helped tremendously in finding my "artist self"! Also inspiring quotations like, "Take a leap and the net will appear," which is exactly what I did when I left everything to spend a year on Salt Spring Island.

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Africa Adorned

by Angela Fisher

This book is really about the clothing and jewelry of Africa more than functional art for the home. I've included it here because it's visually compelling and definitely inspired my Primitives Collection.

Inspiration for patterns and room decor can come from all kinds of places.

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The Business of Bliss: How To Profit from Doing What You Love

by the editors of Victoria Magazine

Not a serious business book, but I enjoyed the photos and profiles of the women who turned their dreams into profitable businesses.

Like Victoria Magazine, beautiful photography throughout.

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Traditional Indonesian Textiles

by John Gillow

Great color and design ideas which can be incorporated into projects.

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If you'd like to learn more about the interior design and colour books I recommend, visit www.sixelements.com.

For additional information, or books you would like to recommend to me, please e-mail debra@debragould.com or call the studio at 416-691-6615.

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