Friday, July 28, 2017

Book Review :: Tranquility: A Prayer and Reflection Coloring Journal

I was an immediate fan when the Gratitude Coloring Journal came out, and I am equally excited about the new Tranquility Coloring Journal

The Tranquility Coloring Journal is sold as a hardcover, but the cover is really unique. It is like a paperback book with two hardcover panels on the front and back covers. The corners on the open edges of the book have rounded corners. This unique cover treatment means that the spine is smaller than the open edges of the book. This cover treatment creates a sturdy cover with the flexibility to be able to lay the book open where the pages lay almost flat (perfect for getting into all the nooks and crannies when you are coloring).
The cover is not the only unique part of the Tranquility Coloring Journal. It is also unique in how it approaches the "coloring book" portion of the pages. The Tranquility Coloring Journal isn't all black and white line art as you would find in most coloring books. Some pages have colored backgrounds with black and white line art to color in, some have partially colored designs on the pages (you can fill in the rest), some have colored lines for the artwork (instead of plain black lines), and there are a few pages included where there is nothing obvious to be colored in (the pages look finished with lots of color already). The styling and artwork is just beautiful, and if you choose not to color anything in it will still be pretty to look at.

The Tranquility Coloring Journal uses 2-page spreads for each topic. Most of the 2-page spreads feature a short (one paragraph) prompt that is written to God, from the perspective of reader. They are very short, but still thought provoking...like a 30-second kick in the pants. There is also a verse (or verses) to read and some lines to write/respond. The Tranquility Coloring Journal has 41 of the 2-page spreads described above. After a set of three of the previously described 2-page spreads, there is a 2-page spread with a different approach. These spreads have some open, unlined space and a simple prompt/idea on how to use it (some variation of collage, writing, and/or drawing). There are 13 of these spreads. At the end of the Tranquility Coloring Journal is one lined page for notes. If you do one entry per day, this book will take you just under 2 months to complete.

I have been really impressed with both the Tranquility Coloring Journal and the Gratitude Coloring Journal - inside and out. They are great books to purchase for yourself or to give as a gift. 
FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.

Friday, July 21, 2017

Adventures in Bible Art & Journaling :: Water as Abundant as the Seas

As I am just returning from a cruise, the idea of the abundance of the water in the seas is fresh in my mind:
(Journaling is in Psalm 78)

I love to think of the miracle of water pouring out of a rock in the wilderness. Where we live, the rocks often drip water (during the winter, the icicles are amazing!) - and it amazes me every time! 

God is powerful.
Find all my posts pertaining to Bible art or journaling here.

Supplies:
Bible: Zondervan (NIV Holy Bible, Journal Edition);
Stamps: Ink Blot Shop, LLC (This & That, Quirky Alphabet, Chunky Alphabet (Outline)
);
Ink: Ranger (Archival - Jet Black);
Paint Pen: Sharpie (Extra Fine - White;
Paint: Plaid;
Page Prep: Ranger (Clear Gesso);

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Adventures in Bible Art & Journaling :: Rainbow Promise

I posted a little over a week ago how Bible art & journaling doesn't need to be big and bold to be effective. I'm back with another small entry in my journaling Bible today:
(Journaling is in Genesis 9)

I mainly used stamps from the Rainbow Promise set for this entry, with a few handwritten words and a touch of color added in. 

God always keeps his promises, and for that I am thankful.
Find all my posts pertaining to Bible art or journaling here.

Supplies:
Bible: Zondervan (NIV Holy Bible, Journal Edition);
Stamps: Ink Blot Shop, LLC (Rainbow Promise
);
Ink: Ranger (Archival - Jet Black);
Pens: Faber-Castell (PITT Artist Pens - Various Colors, PITT Artist Pens - Black);
Page Prep: Ranger (Clear Gesso);

Friday, July 14, 2017

Adventures in Bible Art & Journaling :: I Am Who I Am

I AM WHO I AM:
(Journaling is in Exodus 3)

It is amazing to think of all that is said with those 5 little (yet big) words.

I am so thankful that God is in control.
Find all my posts pertaining to Bible art or journaling here.

Supplies:
Bible: Zondervan (NIV Holy Bible, Journal Edition);
Stamps: Ink Blot Shop, LLC (Chunky Alphabet (Solid)Chunky Alphabet (Outline)
);
Ink: Ranger (Archival - Jet Black); Tsukineko (Memento - Various Colors);
Page Prep: Ranger (Clear Gesso);

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Adventures in Bible Art & Journaling :: Dog pile!

Dog pile! 
(Well, I guess this is more like a dog-less pile.)
(Journaling is in Genesis 7)

I used stamps from the Rainbow Promise set for this entry, and just finished it off with some simple coloring. 

God is an amazing creator.
Find all my posts pertaining to Bible art or journaling here.

Supplies:
Bible: Zondervan (NIV Holy Bible, Journal Edition);
Stamps: Ink Blot Shop, LLC (Rainbow Promise
);
Ink: Ranger (Archival - Jet Black);
Pens: Faber-Castell (PITT Artist Pens - Various Colors);
Page Prep: Ranger (Clear Gesso);

Friday, July 7, 2017

Adventures in Bible Art & Journaling :: Jesus Turned Their World Upside Down

As much as I love the big, colorful Bible art, I need to remember that just getting down the idea is what's important. The words and art on this page were inspired by a lesson I heard at church (journaling is in the book of Luke):
Many times, Jesus' teaching was not just new ideas, but the complete opposite of what the world would think - he was turning their world (and ours) upside down.

I just added a little bit of paint to my page, stamped the globe (upside down), and then wrote in the notes and doodled a few arrows. Very simple...and that is just fine with me.

Thanks for stopping by today!
Find all my posts pertaining to Bible art or journaling here.

Supplies:
Bible: Zondervan (NIV Holy Bible, Journal Edition);
Stamps: Ink Blot Shop, LLC (This & That
);
Ink: Ranger (Archival - Jet Black);
Pen: Sakura (Pigma Micron 05 - Black);

Monday, July 3, 2017

Just Because

Just because...sometimes you need a card for no particular reason.
I love this floral image from the Comfort & Hugs stamp set - it is large enough to carry a card with just a simple sentiment. I added a bit of watercolor and topped it off with a little bit of shimmer. It was easy to create (great for assembly-line style...I've got a few variations to share) and gives a beautiful result.

Thanks for stopping by today!
Supplies: 
Watercolor Paper: Canson (Watercolor XL 140# Cold Press);
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (Ocean Tides, Royal Velvet);
Cardstock for Card Base: Discount Cardstock (Brilliant White 130#);
Stamps: Ink Blot Shop, LLC (Kindness & Thanks, Comfort & Hugs);
Ink: Ranger (Archival - Jet Black);
Other: Watercolor Paints (Master's Touch Watercolor Paint Set - 24 Colors); Spectrum Noir (Sparkle Glimmer Brush - Shimmer Pen);
Tools: Fiskars (Trimmer, Scissors); Scor-Pal (Scoring Board);