One of the new hobbies I dove into this year was bullet journaling --a customizable planner/journal system that you create yourself. It's taken the social media world by storm (especially Instagram) and consequently, I've begun to look into lettering and other methods to decorate and be more creative in my bullet journaling. These three art journals from the Ellie Claire line of Worthy Publishing would be great for anyone who enjoys things like Bible art journaling, adult coloring books, lettering or bullet journaling!
Title: Illuminate Your Story
Review:
This book is a hybrid journal interspersed with step-by-step instructions on how to draw each letter of the alphabet in different illumination styles.
"Illumination" is an ancient medieval art that often incorporated metallic leafing (such as gold or silver) on intricate boarders, letters, and miniature illustrations that often decorated manuscripts painstakingly copied by scribes or monks.
There are also lined spreads between each letter where you can either practice what you've just learned or can use as a journal. They each start with an inspirational quote or Bible verse which begins with the letter you just learned how to draw, in case you want to practice writing (with the exception some letters such as Q, V, X, etc.)
Finally, the physical journal itself measures about 6"x8", has a back paper pocket for storing some
paper momentos or keepsakes, a ribbon bookmark, a elastic band closure (a must have in my opinion since there is the pocket element), and a elastic loop on the spine to hold a favorite pen. A cloth spine helps the binding lay pretty flat as well.
Review:
This book combines lined pages with adult coloring book styled pages for another hybrid journal of sorts. All of the linework from these coloring pages are based off of actual pages from medieval illuminated manuscripts and Bibles from the Museum of the Bible located in Washington DC.
As you can see from this example, they also contain small full color photos of the real life illuminated pages. I also appreciate that they name the source/where each image can be found. Some of the coloring pages include short phrases or verses from the Bible that probably weren't part of the original works, but make a nice touch for those using this book for Bible study, devotions, or other Bible journaling.
Review:
This journal is a companion of sorts to calligrapher Krystal Witten's Faith & Lettering DIY book. Filled with small practice prompts, step-by-step "how to draw" visuals, and 15 minute drills, you can incorporate what you've learned in your Bible art journaling, devotions, Scripture lettering/calligraphy, and more. Witten's inspirational letter art is featured in full color next to lined paper (left) and also dot grids (below).
Examples of sidebar/column style lettering art (popular in large margin Bibles designed for art journaling) are also included, with space to trace over the Bible passage or design, and blank spaces to practice. Interspersed are "Pro Tip" 15 minute practice sessions which highlight different types and aspects of lettering/calligraphy to work on daily. Examples include serif/san serif fonts, flourishes, banners, and other elements.
This journal also measures 7"x9", includes an elastic loop at the spine to hold a pen or two, and flat lay binding from a flexible cloth spine.
I've already begun incorporating some new elements into my bullet journal thanks to these books (see my Instagram @TheArtistLibrarian for some sneak peeks)!
Do you enjoy bujo, lettering, or adult coloring? What are your favorite creative outlets?
[Disclosure: I received complementary copies of these journals from the publisher for review purposes.]
Title: Illuminate Your Story
Published: 2018 by Worthy Publishing
Review: This book is a hybrid journal interspersed with step-by-step instructions on how to draw each letter of the alphabet in different illumination styles.
"Illumination" is an ancient medieval art that often incorporated metallic leafing (such as gold or silver) on intricate boarders, letters, and miniature illustrations that often decorated manuscripts painstakingly copied by scribes or monks.
Opening with a brief history of illumination styles, a few pages cover the historical methods to how it can be implemented today. After a list of suggested supplies, it jumps right into the step-by-step process, as seen to the right. Those familiar with "how to draw" books will be familiar with this type of visual instruction with succinct steps. Each letter is shown in two different styles. Some include extra tutorials such as how to draw flourishes or borders in detail.
There are also lined spreads between each letter where you can either practice what you've just learned or can use as a journal. They each start with an inspirational quote or Bible verse which begins with the letter you just learned how to draw, in case you want to practice writing (with the exception some letters such as Q, V, X, etc.) 
Finally, the physical journal itself measures about 6"x8", has a back paper pocket for storing some
Title: The Illustrated Word: An Illuminated Bible Coloring Journal
Author: Museum of the Bible
Published: 2017 by Worthy Publishing
Review: This book combines lined pages with adult coloring book styled pages for another hybrid journal of sorts. All of the linework from these coloring pages are based off of actual pages from medieval illuminated manuscripts and Bibles from the Museum of the Bible located in Washington DC.
As you can see from this example, they also contain small full color photos of the real life illuminated pages. I also appreciate that they name the source/where each image can be found. Some of the coloring pages include short phrases or verses from the Bible that probably weren't part of the original works, but make a nice touch for those using this book for Bible study, devotions, or other Bible journaling.
Measuring 7"x9", this journal also includes a flexible cloth spine which enables the book to lie flat.
Title: Faith & Lettering Journal
Author: Krystal Witten
Published: 2018 by Worthy Publishing
Review:This journal is a companion of sorts to calligrapher Krystal Witten's Faith & Lettering DIY book. Filled with small practice prompts, step-by-step "how to draw" visuals, and 15 minute drills, you can incorporate what you've learned in your Bible art journaling, devotions, Scripture lettering/calligraphy, and more. Witten's inspirational letter art is featured in full color next to lined paper (left) and also dot grids (below).
This journal also measures 7"x9", includes an elastic loop at the spine to hold a pen or two, and flat lay binding from a flexible cloth spine.
I've already begun incorporating some new elements into my bullet journal thanks to these books (see my Instagram @TheArtistLibrarian for some sneak peeks)!
Do you enjoy bujo, lettering, or adult coloring? What are your favorite creative outlets?
[Disclosure: I received complementary copies of these journals from the publisher for review purposes.]
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