Customer Reviews

52 Projects: Random Acts of Everyday Creativity (Perigee Book)

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Ours would be a richer world, if every citizen between the ages of 11 and 93 kept a copy of 52 Projects atop his or her toilet tank, where it could be referred to constantly and spontaneously. Full of high pranking spirits and sentimental recognition of the most deserving stripe, Jeffrey Yamaguchi's suggestions reduced me to tears even as they sent me scuttling for the padded envelope in which I happily mailed my first project to a stranger.

So if you've taken a look at the mags Readymade and Make and noticed how the stuff they suggest you do is mostly too kooky or too costly, you should definitely check out this book. They're projects that you make very personal, often heartfelt, either using the stuff of your own life that you already have at hand or joining with a friend or family member to exchange and share and create things with lasting meaning. The ideas get you going, and the direction is up to you. You have to follow how it plays out (which suggests that future editions should include some road-test feedback from readers). There is no requirement that you hunt down a billion little gadgets from Home Depot or invest in a circular saw or squint at four pages of diagrams. None of that. These are cool, imaginative ideas for making art out of the materials of your own life.

Ok, so the synopsis doesn't do much for making the book 52 Projects appealing in anyway...but I highly recommend that you visit Yamaguchi's website (www.52projects) if you want a better ideas of what this book is all about...or just buy it and read it!

I would recommend it without hesitation for anyone looking to jumpstart their creativity...you don't really get specific idas or "do this" type of information for the most part in this book...what you get are pretty open-ended "assignments" to ponder and do on your own terms.

I've been inspired by both Project 29 and my own variation of Project 21. I have enjoyed the book and for the price (10.46 on Amazon), I think the time spent reading 52 Things was well worth it!

This might be fun to buy with a group of friends (splitting the cost even) and try the projects out together or do some individually and then share the results of your creativity! Just all around fun!

I read this book and was surprised by how much I liked it, given its simple premise. But its really rich, with thought provoking, sometimes quirky projects. Jeff's writing is engaging too, its not just some bullet point list. I even think I liked the opening chapters the best, where he writes about the joy and value of projects. Kind of gets your juices flowing.

Its pretty smart and sophisticated, but the book has its heart in the right place. I actually liked it so much I bought one for xmas for my neice, I think she'll really like the book. It's a put together really well, and has a great look- it's a good gift I think. I'd recommend it for anyone.

I received this book as gift and wondered if I would ever really do any of the projects. After reading through a couple with a friend we decided to try one. (the one about prom). We were both surprised at how much fun we had reminscing! So much so that we agreed to do one "project" a weekend to try more entertaining and creative ways to spend our time. My only criticism is that several of the projects are geared for people who live in large cities, but this is a trifiling issue. I don't know how ambitious the author is, but I can easily see a slew of these books in coming years--52 proejcts for Kids, 52 Projects for Teenagers, 52 Projects for Engaged Couples, 52 Projects for Team Building, etc.etc.
Anyway, enough rambling. If you want a simple way to add some creeativity to your weekend, this is the book for you.

I like the fact that this book has simple instructions on how to be creative. There are no ideas that call for complicated supplies or techniques (not that I have a problem with that, since that is also a challenge). But for those who are get put off by that kind of activity, 52 Projects gives the reader basic ideas that can enhance the readers creativity. e.g., you can just take a camera and get simple shots and start to see how you progressed is something we learn in school - most pre-schoolers just do it and get it over with.

I have been a fan of Mr. Yamaguchi's website for a while now, as well as various other creative websites, and each time I am inspired to write, paint, mosaic, whatever gets my creative juices going to help me maintain my sanity. For that alone, I give this book 5 stars.

If you are lucky enough to stumble upon this book, pick it up! The author has created 52 amazing projects for you to do that require very little or no money. All you need is pen, paper, a camera and some film, and some creative good spirits. If you like to journal or write there are things to get you going in here or if you are looking for ideas for a photo project there are tons to get you started. I love this book! Note: This book is not a typical 'crafty' book, there is no knitting, sewing, making picture frames, etc... This is a more introspective project type book with photo and writing exercises.

I wholeheartedly agree with the author's premise that projects will flex your creative muscles while giving you momentum and energy for more. I like the "idea" of this book and even the presentation, but the actual content and projects themselves are severely lacking.

It must just be me since everyone else gave this book 5 stars, but I found most of the "projects" to be lame, pointless or no-brainers. Take, for instance "PROJECT 4: THINK OF YOUR FAVORITE BOOK. Then, go to the library and seek out other books written by the same author." Do any of us really need a book to tell us that if we like an author we might like other books written by the same author? And how is that creative at all???

Honestly, there are only a few projects I would consider worthwhile in this book. The most valuable thing I learned while reading this is that I could probably challenge my creativity more by coming up with 52 of my OWN projects, and I think everyone else could probably do the same.

Everyone can learn something, about themselves and their artistic impulses, from 52 Projects. I have never been able to draw and don't think of myself as particularly "creative," but I found Yamaguchi's suggestions simple and inspiring enough that they had me thinking of projects I could work on, even simple ones. He offers enough detail to start you on the path but enough room for interpretation that people can take these projects and run with them, in whatever direction they like. Aspiring artists or people just looking for something to do on a rainy day will be well served by 52 Projects. I've given it as a gift to various friends and family members with very diverse interests and all have enjoyed it.

I'm not really a creative person and I find it hard to stay in touch with people.
The projects in this book inspire creativity and really surprise the people around you.
If you have always wanted to do something out of character but not sure what to do this book is for you. We usually have people over and try to do at least one project each time friends come over, makes for a very memorable experience.