Ellie Claire Art Journal Review
I know, I know, all I do these days are reviews. But they are fun, are they not?
I was intrigued with this opportunity to review some truly beautiful journals. I'm excited to show them to you and tell you what I like about each of them!
But first, I have to say, I love this company's name and logo. Everything is so elegant! You can see it above. That's the header from their site. What a perfect quote! I've never heard it before but it pretty much sums up my life and the way I journal.
There are three journals included in this review: the Illuminate Your Story journal, the Faith & Lettering journal, and The Illustrated Word - An Illuminated Bible Coloring Journal. Let's get to it!
This journal opens with a quote from Leo Tolstoy: "Just as one candle lights another and can light thousands of other candles, so one heart illuminates another heart and can illuminate thousands of other hearts". Then it goes into a description and history of illumination, how the process occurred, and illumination today. You are given a list of supplies they recommend for getting the best use out of this journal and a "How To" section. But it's YOUR journal and you can do whatever you want.
Throughout this journal, you get space to learn and practice creating illuminated letters and the embellishments that accompanied them. Each lined page for writing has either a quote from someone or a Bible verse. I am a huge quote person (you may have noticed if you've been around here for a time :) and I really like when journals incorporate quotes into their pages.In the very back is a little pocket for scraps of paper or anything you'd like to keep with your journal and there is a nice ribbon bookmark so you don't have to spend time finding your page. There is a nice, wide elastic strap on the binding to keep your pen with the book. This journal in particular is a great size for your bag, purse, or backpack so you can keep it with you wherever you go.
- Lined paper. This is your standard journal page for your thoughts, prayers, Bible study, or whatever you want!
- Graph paper. You'll get to learn and practice many different kinds of fonts on the graph paper portions.
- Bullet journal paper. For whatever you need. Keep lists, practice more lettering, or doodle.
- Illustration practice paper. The author and illustrator gives an example of illustrating a verse and then gives you space to practice.
- Illustrated pages by the author. You get to see her own work throughout the journal. Maybe it will jump-start your own ideas!
This journal also has the elastic strap on the binding for a pen. It's a bit big for a purse, but still could easily fit in a bag or backpack.
I love the feel of the pages of this third journal. It's quite different from the previous two. It's simply lined pages and coloring pages. Now, these coloring pages are not for the faint of heart. They are VERY detailed. Some are just designs, some have Bible verses, and some are copies of actual illustrations from illuminated works. The "real" picture is shown small and close up on the facing page, with a larger version on the next page. Also, at the bottom of the left hand page, it tells you from what ancient book the photos come. This one feels so elegant; almost like you're holding and working with an old book, even though it's brand new. All the design elements have that "old-fashioned" feel to them. There is no elastic band on this one and it's basically the same size as the Faith and Lettering Journal.
Each journal is a touch-sensory delight. They are raised and imprinted and I could run my fingers over them for hours! They are absolutely beautiful and they each offer a unique journaling experience. The possibilities are virtually endless! One of these journals might be just perfect for that creative lady in your life as a Christmas present. Or maybe you want one for yourself :)
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