For many people, art is at once a form of self-expression and discovery. Perhaps that's why collage, which is based on the idea of spontaneously layering images and symbols, is a favorite medium for crafters of all kinds.

This book approaches the topic by theme: 5 chapters present 20 projects that deal with expressing personal creativity, exploring and recording relationships, dreaming and wishing, finding inspiration in nature, and creating visual memoirs.

The instructions tell how to create a personalized project, sharing necessary techniques while suggesting ideas for substituting personal themes and materials. The directions are a starting point to encourage the reader's own artistic journey, guiding the reader to contemplate, explore, and express thoughts and feelings through the medium of collage.

An inspirational gallery concludes the book, with another 26 projects by leading artists in the field. Whether a person's passion is stamping, decoupage, painting or paper art, this book shows how various collage techniques can combine to help any crafter or artist improve their craft and enrich their soul.

Holly Harrison is a freelance writer and editor. Her first craft book, Angel Crafts: Graceful Gifts, Inspired Designs, was published by Rockport in April 2002. She has also contributed to numerous magazines, including Metropolitan Home. She lives in Concord, Massachusetts.

Paula Grasdal is a printmaker and mixed-media artist living in the Seattle area. She has contributed to several other Rockport books, including Angel Crafts: Graceful Gifts, Inspired Designs, The Crafter's Project Book, and Making Shadow Boxes and Shrines. Her work has been exhibited in galleries in the U.S. and Canada.