During the past twenty years I have taught and lectured on many of the different aspects of quiltmaking. About 1997 however, I changed my focus from the technical to the creative process. Countless books are available explaining how to assemble a quilt, but few deal with helping the quiltmaker (or any of us) recognize innate artistic abilities, or encourage us to value and defend our need to express ourselves. By helping others to tap into their own creative wellspring, I have delightfully witnessed the blossoming of many an artist child. By sharing my Twelve Life Lessons for Creativity, which have been an immeasurable source of support for me, I am reaching more than the fingertips of quiltmakers.