This is a sponsored post and I received three Ellie Claire Art Journals for this review.
It is the end of the year and that means many people are starting to think about the new year and they are starting to weigh their options on how to change and/or improve their lives in the upcoming year. This does mean resolutions and one thing that I always consider is journaling. I love the idea of journaling, but as an adult I have never gotten into it on a regular basis. As a pre-teen and teenager I journaled on a regular basis and really found that it helped me to feel connected with myself in a new way. This is something I am hoping to finally bring back into my life which is why I am reviewing three different Art Journals today.
I am quite analytical and I am always unsure on what option is the best one for me. The only way I could really figure out what the best option was for me was to look closely at multiple options. In this post I will talk about the in’s and out’s of all three of these journals. Each journal is unique in it’s own way and will be better suited for different people. I hope that this break down review will be helpful to others as it was helpful for me. Now let’s see what these art journals are all about.
Art Style
Faith & Lettering
The art style in Faith & Lettering is definitely one that is of modern design. While there are aspects that remind me of calligraphy it is something that you would find in most modern stores and appeals to a wide audience. I love that the artwork looks like something that isn’t over the top and is something you would see in many people’s homes. This art style is done this way because it is something that people can learn to draw and express themselves with.
The Illustrated Word
This journal is special and unique in its own way and follows the adult coloring trend that has been going on for the past few years. Within this journal is forty illustrations that appear in full color as well as blank for you to color. These illustrations come from the archives of the Museum of the Bible. Each piece tells a story and leaves you thinking about your own devotion to God. You can choose to color your pictures to match the original or to make it your own and showcase your own creativity.
Illuminate Your Story
The art style in this journal represents an ancient art, a historical art, that we don’t want to die with age. Instead this journal teaches the history and process of creating Illuminated Letters. This journal uses this art as a way to create your own story and your own expression through something beautiful and though provoking. The pages within this journal are for artwork and to write about your process and experiences while learning a new form of expression. Each piece helps you to create unique pieces of art that will express your own unique voice.
Inspirational Quotes
Faith & Lettering
The words in this journal are meant to be thought provoking and while many would say they are inspirational while I mainly find them to be thought provoking and to make me question different aspects of my life. This is not a bad thing. For me this is a good thing. I want to be challenged and I want to push my boundaries. Each quote is meant to be journaled about and with that I am pleased.
The Illustrated Word
I have to say of all three journals this one is the least about the quotes. In this journal the quotes lie within the artwork. Not all illustrations have quotes, but the ones that do stand out and are quotes that will help to uplift you and keep your faith in God strong.
Illuminate Your Story
The quotes in this journal feel especially inspirational to me. Maybe it is because the quotes come from a variety of different sources and not just from the bible. A quote that really stuck with me was “Joy cannot be pursued. It comes from within. It is a state of being. It does not depend on circumstances, but triumphs over circumstances. It produces a gentleness of spirit and a magnetic personality. Billy Graham”
Special Features
Faith & Lettering
This journal features a gorgeous hardcover with an attached pen holder on the upper portion of the spine. The pen-holder is made of sturdy elastic that will hold your pen in place thanks to its thick elastic and strong hold. This journal is called Faith & Lettering because it is all about learning how to do lettering on your own. The journal is built around the idea of working on a new lettering project each day and to then have pages to write down your thoughts and devotionals. For example, the first day of journaling says forgiveness and has a lettering activity where it quotes “Draw near to God & he will draw near to you. James 4:8.” This passage goes with the beginning thought helping you to focus and think about the passage and what it means to you while you practice your lettering art. This journaling style is definitely one suited for a crafty soul that wants to have a daily devotional.
The Illustrated Word
While this journal doesn’t boast any extra amenities it does feature a stunning cover full of colorful art that just beckons you inside. This journal is the biggest of all three journals and gives you the most space to color in the full page images that are strewn through the pages. It is one of a kind in its own way because it tailors itself to the creative people. It doesn’t need a pen-holder because with this book you will be wanting a whole pencil case to hold all of your colors.
Illuminate Your Story
This journal features a pen-holder along the top spine like the Faith & Lettering journal; however it also features an elastic closure on the book that can be used to hold it closed or used to hold your pages in place when you are using the book. I always love these elastic closures on my journals because I feel like it is more secure than just being laid down. On top of these additions this journal also features a built in ribbon bookmark and a keepsakes envelope in the back of the book. Each of these features make the journal a more versatile journal. With the elastic closure you can know that your keepsakes will stay inside the pocket even if dropped and you will always know where you left off in the journal thanks to the ribbon bookmark.
Picking a Journal
Picking a journal is still not an easy task. I intend to get a feel of these journals more and see what I think of them. I will be open and honest and admit that I am not a devotional type of girl and don’t find these to be ones that fit my personality perfectly; however, I already have a list of people that I believe would be suited for each of these stunning journals. They are meant for certain people with creative souls.
