Arms and Armor Book

An introduction is what this is -- a little info about a lot of different techniques (after a brief history and explanation of art supplies). Most of it seemed to rely heavily on drawing, which I can't really do, so that was discouraging. Each mixed-media book I have seems to mention different types of mediums and fixatives and adhesives and whatnot, leaving my head spinning. Like, is PVA glue the same thing as Modge Podge? And it didn't tell me what I most wanted to know: how to use printed paper as a background. (How do I paint over it smoothly, and am I supposed to just glue the paper to a canvas??) Still, there are some cool ideas and at least one step-by-step practice exercise, plus a recipe for making wax encaustic. Now I know how to make a surface appear grainy, what bas-relief means (kinda), and that block printmaking (fancy phrase for stamps) is your friend. I'm so green I probably don't know what I'm talking about. I was hoping this book would leave me feeling confident and inspired... did it? Yes and no.