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Inkblot: Drip, Splat, and Squish Your Way to Creativity
Leonardo was inspired by the haphazard swirls in marble; Victor Hugo dribbled coffee and wine on paper to create new imagery. Now, noted artist, printmaker, and Broadway costume designer Margaret Peot takes inkblots to new creative heights with this stunning, hands-on celebration of their beauty and potential. She presents the many insights and techniques she has gained throughout her career--from basic tips and information on paper and ink to advanced techniques for transforming inkblots into works of art.
56 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2011
63 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Peot
17 books23 followersMargaret is thrilled to present her new picture book from Muddy Boots, AT NIGHT. What animals forage by night and sleep by day? This children’s picture book describes the nocturnal lives of nine common animals: foxes, porcupines, raccoons, skunks, opossums, bobcats, owls, mice, and rabbits. Join the adult animals guiding their children through the forest during the dark of night. The book includes information on the common names of the animal’s offspring (i.e. fox:kit).
Margaret's picture book CROW MADE A FRIEND, one of Holiday House's acclaimed I LIKE TO READ series, received a starred Kirkus review and was on the Kirkus Best Books of 2015 list. Her non-fiction kid's book INKBLOT: DRIP, SPLAT AND SQUISH YOUR WAY TO CREATIVITY (Boyds Mills Press, Spring 2011) received a starred review from School Library Journal, a Silver Eureka! medal for non-fiction books for children, and is an Orbis Pictus Recommended Book for 2012.
Her collaborative coloring books with Sourcebooks, LET'S COLOR TOGETHER: A SHAREABLE COLORING BOOK FOR PARENTS AND KIDS, and LET'S COLOR TOGETHER: SECRET WORLDS, are perfect for coloring with a friend. the images are arranged so that two people can color across from one another, an intricate image on one side and a simpler version of the same image on the other. These have found an audience not only with parents and kids who love to color together, but also with elders and kids, and elders and their adult children.
Margaret's COLOR, PUNCH OUT AND PLAY SETS: TEA PARTY, MUSEUM VISIT, and FAIRY HOUSE, with Pomegranate Publishing have been delighting children in North America and Europe.
TEA PARTY features paper teapots, tea cups and saucers and lots of pretty tea treats to punch out and color, and three "stage sets" to color in front of which you can have pretend tea. MUSEUM VISIT has three gorgeous gallery spaces with punch out hooks on the walls, on which you can hang paintings you create, or punch out and color a variety of sculptures, armor or Natural History objects. And finally, FAIRY HOUSE (2018) contains two fairies, their house, furry and feathered friends, and lots of furniture and accessories to punch out and play with in front of three woodland scenes: a pretty garden, a fairy fashion atelier, and a cozy house.
Margaret has also written art making books for adults: STENCIL CRAFT: TECHNIQUES FOR FASHION, ART AND HOME is full of techniques for making fun stuff with stencils (and making the stencils!), ALTERNATIVE ART JOURNALS: EXPLORE INNOVATIVE APPROACHES FOR COLLECTING YOUR CREATIVITY includes unusual journal techniques, such as the Faux Family Album, and the Card Set Journal. THE SUCCESSFUL ARTISTS CAREER GUIDE: FINDING YOUR WAY IN THE BUSINESS OF ART offers practical advice and interviews from visual artists who are successful in a variety of fields.
Her art techniques book, MAKE YOUR MARK: EXPLORE YOUR CREATIVITY AND DISCOVER YOUR INNER ARTIST (Chronicle 2004) has found an audience with education and art therapy practitioners, and was voted one of Library Journal's best books of 2004, one of only four how-to books on the list.
Margaret has taught workshops to children, young adults, and adults in New York public schools, libraries, to girl scouts, at senior centers, and at The Creative Center's Artist in Residency Training in NYC, the Creative Center's Creative Aging Training Conference, Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, and at Lake Placid Center for the Arts.
Margaret has painted costumes for Broadway theater, dance, television and the circus for more than twenty-five years (for such shows as WICKED, THE LION KING, ALADDIN, FROZEN, and most recently MOULIN ROUGE) and has taught costume painting at BYU, Miami University, The USITT South conference, NYU Tisch School of the Arts.
Margaret's picture book CROW MADE A FRIEND, one of Holiday House's acclaimed I LIKE TO READ series, received a starred Kirkus review and was on the Kirkus Best Books of 2015 list. Her non-fiction kid's book INKBLOT: DRIP, SPLAT AND SQUISH YOUR WAY TO CREATIVITY (Boyds Mills Press, Spring 2011) received a starred review from School Library Journal, a Silver Eureka! medal for non-fiction books for children, and is an Orbis Pictus Recommended Book for 2012.
Her collaborative coloring books with Sourcebooks, LET'S COLOR TOGETHER: A SHAREABLE COLORING BOOK FOR PARENTS AND KIDS, and LET'S COLOR TOGETHER: SECRET WORLDS, are perfect for coloring with a friend. the images are arranged so that two people can color across from one another, an intricate image on one side and a simpler version of the same image on the other. These have found an audience not only with parents and kids who love to color together, but also with elders and kids, and elders and their adult children.
Margaret's COLOR, PUNCH OUT AND PLAY SETS: TEA PARTY, MUSEUM VISIT, and FAIRY HOUSE, with Pomegranate Publishing have been delighting children in North America and Europe.
TEA PARTY features paper teapots, tea cups and saucers and lots of pretty tea treats to punch out and color, and three "stage sets" to color in front of which you can have pretend tea. MUSEUM VISIT has three gorgeous gallery spaces with punch out hooks on the walls, on which you can hang paintings you create, or punch out and color a variety of sculptures, armor or Natural History objects. And finally, FAIRY HOUSE (2018) contains two fairies, their house, furry and feathered friends, and lots of furniture and accessories to punch out and play with in front of three woodland scenes: a pretty garden, a fairy fashion atelier, and a cozy house.
Margaret has also written art making books for adults: STENCIL CRAFT: TECHNIQUES FOR FASHION, ART AND HOME is full of techniques for making fun stuff with stencils (and making the stencils!), ALTERNATIVE ART JOURNALS: EXPLORE INNOVATIVE APPROACHES FOR COLLECTING YOUR CREATIVITY includes unusual journal techniques, such as the Faux Family Album, and the Card Set Journal. THE SUCCESSFUL ARTISTS CAREER GUIDE: FINDING YOUR WAY IN THE BUSINESS OF ART offers practical advice and interviews from visual artists who are successful in a variety of fields.
Her art techniques book, MAKE YOUR MARK: EXPLORE YOUR CREATIVITY AND DISCOVER YOUR INNER ARTIST (Chronicle 2004) has found an audience with education and art therapy practitioners, and was voted one of Library Journal's best books of 2004, one of only four how-to books on the list.
Margaret has taught workshops to children, young adults, and adults in New York public schools, libraries, to girl scouts, at senior centers, and at The Creative Center's Artist in Residency Training in NYC, the Creative Center's Creative Aging Training Conference, Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, and at Lake Placid Center for the Arts.
Margaret has painted costumes for Broadway theater, dance, television and the circus for more than twenty-five years (for such shows as WICKED, THE LION KING, ALADDIN, FROZEN, and most recently MOULIN ROUGE) and has taught costume painting at BYU, Miami University, The USITT South conference, NYU Tisch School of the Arts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 25, 2013
"Inkblot, Drip, Splat, and Squish Your Way to Creativity" by Margaret Peot is a great book to get your creative juices flowing, dripping and splatting. I had no idea that Victor Hugo used to work with inkblots, staring at them until images came to him that he could embellish onto the page. And did you know that Hermann Rorschach got his idea for his famous Rorschach Test from a game involving blots? This book is not only about how to turn blots into art, but about how to go about seeing things either right on the page before you or hidden in your own mind. "Inkblot" truly unleashes your own creativity, breaking down the barriers of what "real" art should look like. As an illustration teacher, I'm going to start using some of these ideas to get my students thinking outside the lines. Thanks, Margaret!
June 22, 2012
Audience: 3rd Grade and up, Artists and Daydreamers
Appeal: Gives tips to combat not knowing what to draw, has lists of supplies to make projects simple, examples of artists who have made a living from inkblots, even says how to make your works into a book.
Award:Eureka! Silver Honor Book 2011
Appeal: Gives tips to combat not knowing what to draw, has lists of supplies to make projects simple, examples of artists who have made a living from inkblots, even says how to make your works into a book.
Award:Eureka! Silver Honor Book 2011
March 7, 2011
I saw this book and had one idea about it in my mind and then when I opened it the book was something completely different. I'm not sure where to put it. Likely not the picture book section but more likely the art section of the store. It is more of a how-to/activity book for how to create prints with an inkblot style. The pictures are lovely and I can see a teacher using this with older elementary students or high school students even but don't really see this as something children would necessarily pick up to read.
February 8, 2012
Shows how inkblots can be an entrance to creativity.
August 30, 2011
So cool! This would be an awesome art program for tweens and teens.
November 14, 2019
Inkblot is a nonfiction children’s “how to” book that gives step by step instructions on how to make inkblot creations. The author, Margaret Poet shows how anyone, young or old, can make creations with a piece of paper and a dropper to put the water and ink in. She tells how anyone can drop the mixing of ink and water onto the paper, fold it, and out comes a unique creation. No two inkblots are alike, therefore the inkblot can be anything you want it to be. She talks about how you can draw lines and color in the inkblot to illustrate an animal, setting, person, or anything else your brain sees in the inkblot. Inkblot was a book that could have received the Orbis Pictus Award, as it had many illustrations of inkblot creations different people have made to complement Margaret’s ideas in the book, beautiful placement and format of the text and illustrations, stimulating and enthusiastic writing of her ideas on all you can discover within your inkblot, and creativity is highly encouraged as Margaret gives a variety of questions that can help people discover the person, place, or thing within the inkblot. Overall, this book not only introduces children and adults to the world of inkblots, but it makes everyone want to get off the couch and start creating these amazing works of art for themselves!
September 2, 2025
If I was in upper elementary 5th grade most likely I would recommend this book to a creative student. It combines art and being creative with reading. Teaches students how to make ink blots and how to be creative. Could really connect with artsy students in my future class. Although I don’t find the book super interesting, I know it could be helpful for students.
December 8, 2018
It makes me happy to know there are so many different people in the world.
April 12, 2012
The book "Inkblot" by Margaret Peot is a very good book. This book explains just about every aspect that goes along with the art of ink blots. This book starts out by explaing how to read inkblots. Then on this journey we learn the different ways to make inkblots. Different artists and thier techniques are also dicussed in this book. Finally we learn about the different activities that can be done using inkblots. This book also offers a step by step guide on how to start your own inkblot collection. Overall this book was very informative on the art of inkblots.
This book was written very clearly. The book was very accurate in presenting factual information. For most of the techniques presented in this book the author offered back up information based on an inkblot artist. The information was presented in an organized way the book starts out with the basics like how to read inkblots and then goes on to more specific information like how to make inkblots. I don't think that the format or design of the book is appealing and accessible to children because I feel that there is way to much information for children to take in. This book covers alot of information like how to make ink blots and how to become an inkblot artist. The authors writting style is very clear but I don't think that it generates enthusiasm for the topic because I feel like it keepts stating some of the same infomation over and over. One example of this is like in chapter two on 4 different ways to fold paper for making inkblots.
This was a good book to read. I reall enjoyed reading this book. One think that I like about this book was all of the different activities suggested inside this book like drawing pictures around the inkblots. One thing that struck me about this book was the inkblot gallery at the end of the book I feel like this really helps show people different artistic versions of inkblots. I can't really relate this book to my life. I can relate it to a classroom because I would read this book as an introduction to a unit plan on inkblots incorporated to other subjects.
This book was written very clearly. The book was very accurate in presenting factual information. For most of the techniques presented in this book the author offered back up information based on an inkblot artist. The information was presented in an organized way the book starts out with the basics like how to read inkblots and then goes on to more specific information like how to make inkblots. I don't think that the format or design of the book is appealing and accessible to children because I feel that there is way to much information for children to take in. This book covers alot of information like how to make ink blots and how to become an inkblot artist. The authors writting style is very clear but I don't think that it generates enthusiasm for the topic because I feel like it keepts stating some of the same infomation over and over. One example of this is like in chapter two on 4 different ways to fold paper for making inkblots.
This was a good book to read. I reall enjoyed reading this book. One think that I like about this book was all of the different activities suggested inside this book like drawing pictures around the inkblots. One thing that struck me about this book was the inkblot gallery at the end of the book I feel like this really helps show people different artistic versions of inkblots. I can't really relate this book to my life. I can relate it to a classroom because I would read this book as an introduction to a unit plan on inkblots incorporated to other subjects.
November 11, 2013
This book was about how to exercise the creative side of your brain and how using inkblots, which are dried ink and water on paper, can be used as a tool for creative expression. The book shows you how to make inkblots into animals, landscapes, monsters, or anything your imagination can think of. It begins by discussing the importance of creativity and the materials you will need for most of the projects in the book. I thought this was a great way for teachers to use this book in the classroom. Instead of just hoping you have the right materials or having to do research yourself, you know right away all of the materials you would need for any project in the book. Inkblot can be used for any age group; it is all about expressing creativity in a simple way. The book was organized into chapters and the sequence was clear to the reader. It begins with what an inkblot is and the different kinds of inkblots you can create. Then each chapter after discusses how to use inkblots in many different ways. The accuracy in the book seems to be up to date and there is a distinction from fact and theory. Whenever the author discusses a famous artist, it has source in the back of the book. The design of this book was well thought out and the placement of the artwork is put throughout the book in an appealing way. As the author talks about certain inkblot techniques, you see how it is done not only with words but with many examples of art as well. For me the style of the book is what puts the book above and beyond other books. The author’s enthusiasm is clearly heard throughout the book and all of the examples of inkblots encourage curiosity and wonder. I wanted to take the book to my desk and start creating inkblots myself.
March 20, 2015
Twin Text: My Pen by Christopher Myers, 2015
Inkblot not only shows the readers how to create their own inkblots in various forms, but it also provides background information about how some famous people, including Victor Hugo and Stefan Bucher, used inkblots to spur their creativity. I paired Inkblot with My Pen by Christopher Myers because he also encourages readers to be creative. Both books want the reader to be inspired to do something, to challenge their perceptions of the world, to see something from a unique angle, and to develop that into art.
Inkblot utilizes many text structures including some questions and answer, chronological order, and mostly description.
I would have students brainstorm different ideas that both texts generated for them. Brainstorming these in one place would show how both books spark different (or similar) creative bones. Perhaps they could even create a mind map or brainstorm doodle!
Inkblot not only shows the readers how to create their own inkblots in various forms, but it also provides background information about how some famous people, including Victor Hugo and Stefan Bucher, used inkblots to spur their creativity. I paired Inkblot with My Pen by Christopher Myers because he also encourages readers to be creative. Both books want the reader to be inspired to do something, to challenge their perceptions of the world, to see something from a unique angle, and to develop that into art.
Inkblot utilizes many text structures including some questions and answer, chronological order, and mostly description.
I would have students brainstorm different ideas that both texts generated for them. Brainstorming these in one place would show how both books spark different (or similar) creative bones. Perhaps they could even create a mind map or brainstorm doodle!
October 17, 2011
I've always been intrigued Rorschach Test, and naturally, I found this book that details how to create inkblots and then draw into them or from them fascinating as well. The author includes snippets about the history of inkblots as well as providing short text about some of its creators. I had no idea that Victor Hugo, for instance, enjoyed creating inkblots, but when I look at some of his paintings, I can see how that might be possible. The book's five chapters are filled with example after example, some created by the author and others by students, some as young as four. After examining the book's artwork, I feel inspired to purchase a sketchbook and some ink, and start creating my own designs. The author proves her case vividy that there is more to an inkblot that meets the eye.
January 22, 2012
When I picked up the book, I thought it would be a story using inkblots as characters or inspiration for the artwork. Instead, it's almost a how-to art book with a little history and creativity encouragement thrown in. I'll check with our art teacher to see if she's interested in adding it to the collection. The text is simple enough for students in grades 3 - 5 but in many ways, I think that this book will be more appealing for middle grade students interested in independently exploring their creative side.
February 13, 2013
In Margaret's book
Inkblot: Drip, Splat, and Squish Your Way to Creativity,
it's easy to see why anyone would find it satisfying to create meaning from a random inkblot image, but the images in the book are also surprisingly beautiful.
In addition to her general author website, Margaret Peot has a website dedicated to inkblots:
http://www.theinkblotbook.com
I especially like her animal inkblots (see the top of the page: http://www.theinkblotbook.com/categor...).
In addition to her general author website, Margaret Peot has a website dedicated to inkblots:
http://www.theinkblotbook.com
I especially like her animal inkblots (see the top of the page: http://www.theinkblotbook.com/categor...).
May 30, 2014
Margaret Peot gives a powerful way for student to tap into their creativity by using both their intuitive and analytical halves of their brain. It is through inkblots. Inkblots are dried ink and water on paper. The book gives specific instructions on how to make various inkblots as well as the materials needed for each one. Inkblots are a great art activity for students and the activities in the book are very adaptable depending on the age level of students.
February 23, 2012
Reading Level: Grades 3 - 6
Inkblots: a messy, awesome project with fascinating techniques for such a seemingly random piece of art - and they aren't just used for Rorschach tests, either! After reading this, I want to buy gallons of India Ink and rolls of parchment!
For more book reviews from the HPPL Youth Department, click here.
Inkblots: a messy, awesome project with fascinating techniques for such a seemingly random piece of art - and they aren't just used for Rorschach tests, either! After reading this, I want to buy gallons of India Ink and rolls of parchment!
For more book reviews from the HPPL Youth Department, click here.
Read
June 22, 2012Audience: This is a book that could appeal to students who like art and is for older students 4th grade or higher.
Appeal: The book teaches a lot about inkblots, with the colors and lines and teaches how to make different ones like tress and butterflies.
Recommended Book in NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
2012
Appeal: The book teaches a lot about inkblots, with the colors and lines and teaches how to make different ones like tress and butterflies.
Recommended Book in NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
2012
June 26, 2011
I wasn't expecting a tell how to book about inkblot art, but I really like it. I was fascinated to see the art pieces by notable artists and even Victor Hugo and how they employed this style of art in their works.
January 27, 2012
This is a fabulous introduction to different inkblot techniques. It also explains how inkblots can spark your creativity, and after reading this book, I can totally see how. I am quite ready to go buy some ink and try my own!
July 9, 2012
Margaret Peot has created a unique picture book that pairs creativity with marvelous factoids. The history, creation, and exploration of inkblots is offered up as a challenge to readers to find their own creative spirit. Lots of great, practical ideas for classroom use.
April 21, 2011
Clever, interesting, and accessible approach to sparking creativity.
June 19, 2011
Art teachers and teachers who want to keep both sides of their students' brains active are going to love this book.
October 9, 2011
This is an unusual art book with ideas for creating inkblot art. Includes information about famous artists and numerous examples of inkblot art.
I am passing this to our art teacher tomorrow!
I am passing this to our art teacher tomorrow!
October 24, 2011
Great idea for a process oriented craft project.
December 23, 2011
I thought this would simply be a series of inkblots but it tells the reader how to create them and gives many tips for bein creative. Wonderful book.
December 26, 2011
I can't wait to make some inkblots!
April 27, 2012
all about creativity and imagination, using that right brain part of your mind . . . fun things to try here and some really beautiful images. I've never seen such an in-depth treatment of ink blots!
August 31, 2012
Creepy... I wish there were better illustrations of the actual process..
February 20, 2013
Interesting book about creativity, especially as related to inkblots! A good mentor text to how-to in places.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews