What do you think?
Rate this book
Craft a Life You Love: Infusing Creativity, Fun & Intention into Your Everyday
In Craft a Life You Love, listeners will learn how to focus their creative energy and make things (and make things happen) by implementing small-yet powerful-changes in their everyday lives. Creativity and craft maven Amy Tangerine, shows listeners how to find their flow, maintain a positive mindset, and cultivate a rich and fulfilling life by focusing on what truly matters. Chapters explore how to craft the soul, craft the right mindset, craft the right environment, craft good habits, rediscover your creative mojo, and maintain momentum, with each section offering exercises for taking your creative practice to the next level. For anyone who has felt disconnected from their creativity or has had trouble saving a space for their passions, Craft a Life You Love will teach you how to make time for creativity each and every day.
Audio CD
First published April 10, 2018
139 people are currently reading
1764 people want to read
About the author
Amy Tangerine
7 books62 followersAmy Tangerine is proof that you can craft a life you love. Founder Amy Tan turned her sewing hobby into an award-winning hand-stitched T-shirt line featured in retail outlets worldwide, and developed a full-time business from her passion for scrapbooking. Fueled by an adventurous spirit and a desire to make memory keeping accessible and fun, she has taught creative workshops on every continent except Antarctica, and her online classes and You Tube videos have inspired thousands of people around the world. When she isn't working on new designs for her signature collections with American Crafts, sharing her joy of crafting at celebrity scrapbooking events, or helping her consulting clients to reach their potential, Amy is living the other half of the life she loves in Los Angeles, California, with her long-time partner, JC; their son, Jack; and two mischievous Jack Russell terriers, Buster and Bamboo.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
July 5, 2022
I'm the wrong audience for this. It looked like it could be a nice little energy booster for the new year, a kind of get-out-of-the-rut read. Who doesn't like more fun? But I can't relate. While there were a few nice ideas and good points made, they seem to come from other sources with the author just parroting them. And I increasingly felt it was just another shallow "let me humble-brag about myself while continuously mentioning my company and YouTube stuff" book.
Actually, this might be the book that convinces me to stop looking at books in this niche/genre/whatever-it-is. While reading this, I was jolted with the idea that all this "follow your passion" stuff really just feeds the very insecurities that makes people feel discontent with their lives to begin with. I was reminded by a passage in Michelle Obama's biography in which she was whining to her mother about how, after attending an Ivy League school and securing a spot at a high prestige law firm and making more money than her parents put together had ever made, she wasn't "happy" or 'fulfilled." Her mother, ever the pragmatist, replied she should make the money now and worry about being happy later. It's not that her mother didn't want her daughter to be happy, but there were student loans to pay and obligations to meet. There was integrity to build and responsibilities to shoulder. Privileges and rights are not free; they come with obligations and require constraints. In a later interview, Obama said that was a kind of reality check about just how privileged she was acting.
I can just imagine my parents' or grandparents' reactions had someone asked them if they were "following their passion." And yet they managed to do more in a day than most of us do in a week -- and without needing people to "like" their every effort or a bunch of navel-gazing. Much of what they did was creative, but without the need for constant applause.
So, I guess reading the book had some benefit, but probably not what was intended.
It's not a horrible read either, though. There are exercises and prompts that could be valuable to someone really young or who likes the chipper "let me coach you and give you a gold ribbon for showing up " approach; however, she ends up talking more about herself and exaggerating her "challenges in life" than anything else. The author tends to the melodramatic: what she calls a crisis is pretty much just life.
Actually, this might be the book that convinces me to stop looking at books in this niche/genre/whatever-it-is. While reading this, I was jolted with the idea that all this "follow your passion" stuff really just feeds the very insecurities that makes people feel discontent with their lives to begin with. I was reminded by a passage in Michelle Obama's biography in which she was whining to her mother about how, after attending an Ivy League school and securing a spot at a high prestige law firm and making more money than her parents put together had ever made, she wasn't "happy" or 'fulfilled." Her mother, ever the pragmatist, replied she should make the money now and worry about being happy later. It's not that her mother didn't want her daughter to be happy, but there were student loans to pay and obligations to meet. There was integrity to build and responsibilities to shoulder. Privileges and rights are not free; they come with obligations and require constraints. In a later interview, Obama said that was a kind of reality check about just how privileged she was acting.
I can just imagine my parents' or grandparents' reactions had someone asked them if they were "following their passion." And yet they managed to do more in a day than most of us do in a week -- and without needing people to "like" their every effort or a bunch of navel-gazing. Much of what they did was creative, but without the need for constant applause.
So, I guess reading the book had some benefit, but probably not what was intended.
It's not a horrible read either, though. There are exercises and prompts that could be valuable to someone really young or who likes the chipper "let me coach you and give you a gold ribbon for showing up " approach; however, she ends up talking more about herself and exaggerating her "challenges in life" than anything else. The author tends to the melodramatic: what she calls a crisis is pretty much just life.
February 7, 2017
An easy and intuitive read that really cemented my beliefs on self care. This book isn't only for crafters and creators...it's for all women who are so busy taking care of others that somehow they forgot about themselves along the way. I found myself nodding my head and saying "yes!!!" and "Amen!" throughout Amy's book.
Part book part workbook, it's the perfect combination of anecdote and insight. I adored it.
Now to go make something beautiful...
Part book part workbook, it's the perfect combination of anecdote and insight. I adored it.
Now to go make something beautiful...
April 26, 2018
i have unfollowed the vlogger who rec'd this. The blame lies with me for buying it.
April 23, 2017
I had so many 'aha' moments while reading this book. Amy sets out her thoughts clearly and concisely and I loved all the creative prompts/exercises too. There are also several very nice colouring pages that I have saved for later!
June 28, 2019
I really loved it and I listen to it in one sitting. Truly inspiring!
September 12, 2019
Listened to this audiobook through the library & loved it so much that I bought a copy for myself to have at home & read again!
March 22, 2023
I devoured this book in a single day. It was a light, refreshing and visually-appealing read focused on crafting a life you love. I'll need to spend more time on the many prompts and reflective activities Amy provides, but it gave me exactly the message I needed to hear.
January 22, 2017
Loved this book! So inspiring and encouraging. Amy's enthusiasm shines from every single page.
March 1, 2017
Loved this book. Really made me stop and think what makes me happy creatively. And not just with paper and glue, but all things.
July 29, 2018
This book was not what I was expecting, and I’m SO glad it found it’s way into my hands! It was a fun, quirky reminder of why the things we love are (or should be) part of our lives and why it’s SO important to make time for them.
The author acknowledges the myriad reasons we have for allowing the activities that bring us the most joy to fall by the wayside. She understands that if we lose touch with those activities and skills for too long, we might forget their potential to bring us joy. She realizes that interests change over time. Because of this, she doesn’t judge, and her love of a wide variety of crafts shines through to remind us that it isn’t how, or what, or even how well we create that matters. The important part is that we do something, anything, that lights us up, because when we create, it’s the truest, most authentic part of us that shows up to participate.
The author acknowledges the myriad reasons we have for allowing the activities that bring us the most joy to fall by the wayside. She understands that if we lose touch with those activities and skills for too long, we might forget their potential to bring us joy. She realizes that interests change over time. Because of this, she doesn’t judge, and her love of a wide variety of crafts shines through to remind us that it isn’t how, or what, or even how well we create that matters. The important part is that we do something, anything, that lights us up, because when we create, it’s the truest, most authentic part of us that shows up to participate.
September 10, 2018
Great Inspiration and Guidance
This book would speak to anyone who wants to dive deeper into their creative activities (art, cooking, writing, gardening, music, scrapbooking etc) or wants to switch up their craft. Amy shares inspiring stories from her life and includes writing prompts to help think through ways to add creativity where it is most needed. I would also recommend this book to someone who wants to be creative but does not know where to start.
This book would speak to anyone who wants to dive deeper into their creative activities (art, cooking, writing, gardening, music, scrapbooking etc) or wants to switch up their craft. Amy shares inspiring stories from her life and includes writing prompts to help think through ways to add creativity where it is most needed. I would also recommend this book to someone who wants to be creative but does not know where to start.
January 9, 2020
I received this book as a Birthday wish from my lovely husband! I’m so glad I asked for this book! It has opened my eyes to endless possibilities!
February 11, 2025
This is a joyful book with daily practices and ideas to spark your creativity. Includes some journal prompts and exercises, I enjoyed the tone in which it was written. Will revisit it.
June 6, 2019
As a fellow scrapbooker, I really wanted to like this book more! After reading my last book, Furiously Happy, this felt to fluffy. I also questioned her knowledge and education to advise people on some of the topics of self care. Loved the bright colors, the opportunity to write, and the quotes in her brush lettering that is signature Amy Tangerine.
July 29, 2019
so.. i was kinda expecting more of this book when i first heard about it .. thought it would contain more fun or "crafty" activities .. but what it turned out to be is that this book is basically a bunch of personal stories with a bit of advice or tip at the end, and some questions to help you reflect on what you've read, or something to keep you journaling .. not really the kind of creative crafting I was expecting .. or maybe not with a lot of variety..
i got bored by the last third and just wanted to get through it and mark it as finished!
i'd recommend this book if you like self-help books with lots of colourful quotes and "Happy life" lessons.. nothing wowing or anything .. just sweet, gentle reminders.
otherwise, honestly it was a waste of money :")
i got bored by the last third and just wanted to get through it and mark it as finished!
i'd recommend this book if you like self-help books with lots of colourful quotes and "Happy life" lessons.. nothing wowing or anything .. just sweet, gentle reminders.
otherwise, honestly it was a waste of money :")
December 31, 2021
Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
Great things never come from comfort zones.
Be grateful for everything you do not have.
Every time you complain you are simultaneously eliminating an opportunity to think about something positive and fulfilling.
You get to decide which thoughts to focus on.
You have enough time.
Time is really the only capital that any human being has, and the only thing he can't afford to lose.
When you know what's important, it's a lot easier to ignore what's not.
Great things never come from comfort zones.
Be grateful for everything you do not have.
Every time you complain you are simultaneously eliminating an opportunity to think about something positive and fulfilling.
You get to decide which thoughts to focus on.
You have enough time.
Time is really the only capital that any human being has, and the only thing he can't afford to lose.
When you know what's important, it's a lot easier to ignore what's not.
July 5, 2018
I had been in a huge creative rut the last year and really needed some inspiration to get creating again. This book really inspired me to make changes to my life and make more room and intentions for doing the things that I love. So important to intentionally make time to be creative and have fun on a regular basis!
September 22, 2018
Love Amy Tangerine’s positivity and creative flair. I felt very inspired reading this. It’s a lot about creating actual crafts but the concepts can be applied to so many other areas. I plan on reading this again and spending some more in-depth time on the little assignments that follow each little section.
October 2, 2019
I listened to this book via audio and the only thing I would say is that this is a book that needs to be read either in paperback or ebook form. Amy provides many journaling styled questions to help unlock your creativity and gives a lot of insight that you will want to highlight and come back to time and time again. This was an amazing book for a creative mind.
September 13, 2018
Really enjoyed this book! Very inspirational yet practical! Love the workbook prompts that are included throughout the book. It was from completing these that I got the most benefit from the book. If you are a creative person, I’d recommend this in a heartbeat!
October 8, 2018
A must-have for all creatives! This is a book that I will keep on my bedside table and will refer back to each time I need a dose of inspiration. Love the Q&A section at the end of each chapter, this gave me an idea to make reflection pages on books that I will read in the future.
June 29, 2019
Just a nice reminder to take the time for yourself and your hobby. Short, packed chapters with some great thinking/writing activities at the end. Colorful with great inspirational quotes and sayings along the way
July 27, 2017
Very inspiring!
August 17, 2018
Challenge: Romance Readers 2018 August Reading Challenge: Book that puts a smile on your face (4); second of two books on creativity which speak to my soul and make me smile.
November 12, 2018
An easy read with great writing prompts, short, easily applied chapters. Great ideas and full of inspiration!!
February 25, 2019
This was a great book and it was really inspiring. I love her philosophy about life and appreciate her encouragement to participate in the craft that I love.
March 5, 2019
a wonderful book. Highly recommend it. I will definitely be reading this a few more times
September 10, 2017
Does loving what you do attract creativity? In the book, "A Life You Love by Amy Tangerine", she starts out talking about how to “craft a life that you love” and “Crafting the Soul”. She asks the question “what is it that we love?” She then presents this quote from Howard Thurman who was an influential African-American author, philosopher, theologian, educator, and civil rights leader.
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because the world needs people who have come alive”.
What a great introduction into discussions about creativity. We just know already in our hearts that creativity is close by when we are doing the things that we like.
Finding a way to break through to the subconscious is part of how we open ourselves to new ideas. This part of our thinking responds to emotions, feelings, and thinks in pictures. They work together to tell the conscious what to do.
Later in her books she asks “Does this activity feed my soul”? She also discusses the role of thoughts and feelings saying that they fuel ones actions. The conclusion is obvious. We need to find ways to think good thoughts and have good feelings.
Loving what you do, being in touch with your thoughts and feelings, and then connecting with things that are new requires some work. We need to search for new input into our thinking. We overcome weaknesses in a very similar way by changing how the subconscious sees things. Feeding it new information.
Leonardo da Vinci said that artists are” links in a chain”. They build on what they find. What they add then that becomes something that the next artist can continue to build on. Creativity is what is added.
Fiction can be somewhat like this. Ordinary plots become science fiction when one of the characters becomes an alien. A historical book becomes fiction when one of the characters does something in the book that was not done in real life. It is what you add to what is there that is the creativity.
The subconscious responds well to visual input. It thinks in pictures. It responds well to what you write down. Keep a journal of each day. Write down what you want to accomplish. Read everything you can get your hands on. Read about the subjects where you want to add your creativity. Read what you enjoy. Reading is key. Pictures help. They stimulate ideas.
Creativity is the result of connections. Connect the events in your life, and the books, and the visual input you get. The result is that you then add something of your own
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because the world needs people who have come alive”.
What a great introduction into discussions about creativity. We just know already in our hearts that creativity is close by when we are doing the things that we like.
Finding a way to break through to the subconscious is part of how we open ourselves to new ideas. This part of our thinking responds to emotions, feelings, and thinks in pictures. They work together to tell the conscious what to do.
Later in her books she asks “Does this activity feed my soul”? She also discusses the role of thoughts and feelings saying that they fuel ones actions. The conclusion is obvious. We need to find ways to think good thoughts and have good feelings.
Loving what you do, being in touch with your thoughts and feelings, and then connecting with things that are new requires some work. We need to search for new input into our thinking. We overcome weaknesses in a very similar way by changing how the subconscious sees things. Feeding it new information.
Leonardo da Vinci said that artists are” links in a chain”. They build on what they find. What they add then that becomes something that the next artist can continue to build on. Creativity is what is added.
Fiction can be somewhat like this. Ordinary plots become science fiction when one of the characters becomes an alien. A historical book becomes fiction when one of the characters does something in the book that was not done in real life. It is what you add to what is there that is the creativity.
The subconscious responds well to visual input. It thinks in pictures. It responds well to what you write down. Keep a journal of each day. Write down what you want to accomplish. Read everything you can get your hands on. Read about the subjects where you want to add your creativity. Read what you enjoy. Reading is key. Pictures help. They stimulate ideas.
Creativity is the result of connections. Connect the events in your life, and the books, and the visual input you get. The result is that you then add something of your own
June 4, 2018
Okay.
A friend suggested I read this on the grounds that Ms. Tangerine had some pretty good suggestions and kept the Newage goop to a minimum. While both observations are correct, there really wasn't anything new and exciting in here. Note: I am probably a good twenty to thirty years older than her target audience, so having a longer perspective may have something to do with my having "seen it all" before now.
That said, the exercises are interesting, and have helped renew my interest in art journaling, so I will give the book that much credit. And Amy's story is interesting, if not a bit indulgent. Many of us who are trying to make it don't have parents or a partner in the background to prop us up if we have a fall or a bad spot, and I think that far too many books of this kind overlook that. Ms. Tangerine at least acknowledges the help she got at crucial moments from her parents.
Still, it was a fairly quick, enjoyable read, and I'd say that there are people who could benefit from reading it. That I just didn't happen to be one of them is no fault of Ms. Tangerine's, and I wish her all success and hope many of her target audience find this book and buy it.
A friend suggested I read this on the grounds that Ms. Tangerine had some pretty good suggestions and kept the Newage goop to a minimum. While both observations are correct, there really wasn't anything new and exciting in here. Note: I am probably a good twenty to thirty years older than her target audience, so having a longer perspective may have something to do with my having "seen it all" before now.
That said, the exercises are interesting, and have helped renew my interest in art journaling, so I will give the book that much credit. And Amy's story is interesting, if not a bit indulgent. Many of us who are trying to make it don't have parents or a partner in the background to prop us up if we have a fall or a bad spot, and I think that far too many books of this kind overlook that. Ms. Tangerine at least acknowledges the help she got at crucial moments from her parents.
Still, it was a fairly quick, enjoyable read, and I'd say that there are people who could benefit from reading it. That I just didn't happen to be one of them is no fault of Ms. Tangerine's, and I wish her all success and hope many of her target audience find this book and buy it.
February 11, 2023
Pretty much just fluff. A big basis for one of the chapters is a "Cherokee Myth" about two wolves that was actually made up by conservative preacher Pat Robinson. A lot of focus on forced positivity. I liked the first chapter a lot, but I really only got one or two useful things at best from the rest of the book.
"We all have the same 24 hours" is also patently untrue for people who live paycheck-to-paycheck or can't afford to hire a nanny. The author means well, I'm sure, but is naive about her own privileges that have allowed her to scrapbook as a career.
I liked the prompts that had you ask people about your unique traits. I liked the self-reflection questiosn about life transitions and crafting and how they tied together. The tips about regaining mojo weren't bad but also not anything particularly new--take a break from something when you are stuck, look to outside experiences to inspire you.
I really need to start looking into the author's background before reading these kinds of self-helpy books. This really wasn't the book for me.
"We all have the same 24 hours" is also patently untrue for people who live paycheck-to-paycheck or can't afford to hire a nanny. The author means well, I'm sure, but is naive about her own privileges that have allowed her to scrapbook as a career.
I liked the prompts that had you ask people about your unique traits. I liked the self-reflection questiosn about life transitions and crafting and how they tied together. The tips about regaining mojo weren't bad but also not anything particularly new--take a break from something when you are stuck, look to outside experiences to inspire you.
I really need to start looking into the author's background before reading these kinds of self-helpy books. This really wasn't the book for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews