Discovering God Through the Arts by Terry Glaspey

Here is the book summary:

What does art have to do with faith?

For many Christians, paintings, films, music, and other forms of art are simply used for wall decoration, entertaining distraction, or worshipful devotion. But what if the arts played a more prominent role in the Christian life?

In Discovering God through the Arts, discover how the arts can be tools for faith-building, life-changing spiritual formation for all Christians. Terry Glaspey, author of 75 Masterpieces Every Christian Should Know, examines:

·       How the arts assist us in prayer and contemplation

·       How the arts help us rediscover a sense of wonder

·       How the arts help us deal with emotions

·       How the arts aid theological reflection and so much more.

Let your faith be enriched, and discover how beauty and creativity can draw you nearer to the ultimate Creator.

And now, my review:

I was really excited about this book when I first saw it.  I love including art to my times with the Lord whether it is enjoying a painting or creating a piece myself.  One of my highlights from the book was that the author includes questions and exercises to try at the end of each chapter.  I found those to be helpful to sit with the paintings he chose to include in the book.  I did find some of his words at the beginning of the book to be quite telling of where he’s at with his walk with the Lord.  Everyone has a story that they are trying to tell.  For this author it was about not playing it safe but jumping into pools that dibble… well, I haven’t finished the book yet but let’s just say I’m not onboard with all of what he says.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Discovering-God-through-Arts-Appreciating/dp/0802419976/ref=sr_1_1?crid=V51J76239MUW&dchild=1&keywords=discovering+god+through+the+arts&qid=1629833621&sprefix=discovering+God+through%2Caps%2C207&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/discovering-through-christians-appreciating-beauty-creativity/terry-glaspey/9780802419972/pd/419976?event=ESRCN 

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/discovering-god-through-the-arts-terry-glaspey/1138772366?ean=9780802419972

Learn to Carve Gnomes, Trolls, and Mythical Creatures by Sara Barraclough

 
Here is the book summary:

A delightful woodcarving book devoted solely to magical little creatures!

·       15 beginner-friendly projects with step-by-step instructions and coordinating photography

·       Full-size patterns with painting and finishing instructions for each project

·       Instructional guide for carvers of all skill levels to learn how to whittle and carve a variety of fantastical creatures

·       Progress your skills, from easy projects like a simple mushroom house to an intermediate elf and gnome to a more advanced dragon, wizard, and more

·       Author Sara Barraclough is a master carver, a regular contributor to Woodcarving Illustrated magazine, and the author of Weekend Whittling Projects

Carve a world of fantasy!

The perfect source of inspiration for whittlers and carvers alike, Learn to Carve Gnomes, Trolls, and Mythical Creatures boasts a menagerie of 15 woodcarving projects for any skill level! This woodcarving book is devoted to the booming popularity of gnomes and their charismatic features, from their floppy hats to their expressive eyes, as well as other magically charming creatures and objects. From a happy hedgehog and a darling dragon to a forgetful wizard and a whimsical unicorn, Learn to Carve Gnomes, Trolls, and Mythical Creatures is the perfect source of woodcarving inspiration!

Sure to conjure up your carving creativity, this exciting guide contains 15 step-by-step projects that carefully progress in difficulty from easy to more challenging, but can all be completed with just a few tools. With complete plans and step-by-step instructions and photography, you'll learn how to carve charismatic characters and objects full of magic, whimsy, and personality, including an owl, a sassy squirrel, a tiny woodsman, a sleepy fox, a troll with a will-o'-the-wisp, an elf, a cheeky toad, and much more! Along with the skill-building projects, you'll also find helpful overviews on materials and tools before getting started, detailed step-by-step photography, and guidance on painting and finishing each completed project.

Author Sara Barraclough is a master carver and a regular contributor to Woodcarving Illustrated magazine, as well as the author of the incredibly charming Weekend Whittling Projects. With a detailed introduction on materials and tools, as well as helpful tips on painting and finishing each piece, Sara will walk you through every stage of the carving process.

Beginners and pros alike will get a kick out of the super-simple, sweet designs rich with charismatic personality inside this book. Bring to life a magical array of gnomes, elves, animals, ogres, and more, with Learn to Carve Gnomes, Trolls and Mythical Creatures!

And now, my review:

I just really enjoyed looking through this Learning to Carve book.  My neighbor was a master carver and so we have greatly enjoyed carvings over the years with us not doing much carving ourselves.  This book makes me want to grab out some wood, supplies, and tools and get carving. This author makes it look so fun and she gives great ideas to get started.  She included measurements for the wood blocks along with painting ideas.

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.   

https://www.amazon.com/Learn-Gnomes-Trolls-Mythical-Creatures/dp/1497101123/ref=sr_1_3?crid=TVCY7IL5HXBD&dchild=1&keywords=learn+to+carve+gnomes%2C+trolls+and+mythical+creatures&qid=1628513830&sprefix=learn+to+carve+gn%2Caps%2C329&sr=8-3

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learn-to-carve-gnomes-trolls-and-mythical-creatures-sara-barraclough/1136389586?ean=9781497101128

Coffeehouse Knits by Kerry Bogert

Here is the book summary:

The jolt of inspiration every knitter needs!

Inspired by the ritual of sipping and stitching, Coffeehouse Knits is a stimulating collection of knitwear with an extra shot of something special. Whether you're joining friends at the coffee shop for community knitting or you're home enjoying the first cup of the day, perk up your knitting with:

   • 20 patterns that range in skill level from advanced beginner to intermediate--macchiato to espresso.
   • Simple touches evoke the idea of everyone's favorite drink, from steaming swirls around a sweater yoke to coffee bean inspired motifs.
   • Stirring essays from knitters explore community, connection, and caffeine.
Pour yourself another cup and settle in with Coffeehouse Knits.

And now, my review:

I just love perusing a new knitting book.  My favorite patterns in this book are the Gingersnap Pullover that is a nice sweater, Morning Brew Pattern of a sweater, and the Soho Shawl.  To top these, being a sock person, I just love that they included the twirling socks and extra whip sock patterns.  Now that the snow is flying, I think I might try to whip up some mittens using the Steamed Mittens pattern which takes the basic mitten look and adds a flare to it to make it extra special.

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Coffeehouse-Knits-Knitting-Patterns-Essays-ebook/dp/B07MMWJ8V7/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Coffeehouse+Knits&qid=1576180713&sr=8-1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/coffeehouse-knits-kerry-bogert/1129228741?ean=9781632506597#/

Learn to Draw Disney Winnie the Pooh

Here is the book summary:

Use the included tracing paper, step-by-step drawing exercises, and practice pages to learn to draw your favorite characters from the Hundred Acre Wood, including Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, and more!
 
Learn to Draw Disney Winnie the Pooh is a 64-page, spiral-bound book that shows beginning artists how to draw the lovable characters of the Hundred Acre Wood. After an introduction to art tools and materials, there is an overview of how to use the book. Then the real fun begins! You'll find easy-to-follow drawing projects for Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, Owl, and Christopher Robin.
 
Three different learning methods make learning to draw easy: tracing, the grid drawing method, and the basic shapes method. The basic shapes method transforms a seemingly challenging drawing exercise into a series of simple steps, beginning with basic shapes. Each step builds upon the last and, before you know it, you have a finished drawing of a hungry, honey-loving stuffed bear!
 
This book includes tracing paper to accompany the tracing projects, practice grids to draw on, and practice pages after each basic shapes project. Use these included practice pages to get started directly in the book. All you need is a pencil!
 
With step-by-step instruction, professional Disney artist tips, and bonus character biographies and fun facts,Learn to Draw Disney Winnie the Pooh provides countless hours of artistic fun for Winnie the Pooh fans of all ages and skill levels. So grab your drawing pencils and get ready for an artistic adventure with Christopher Robin and his stuffed animals in the Hundred Acre Wood!

And now, my review.

Who doesn’t like Winnie the Pooh?!?!  I’m a lifelong fan so I was so excited to come across this drawing book.  Along with the basic shapes method that shows you the lines, they include a grid method that is really helpful in the placement of certain angles and parts.  This helped me with my proportions if I got off on some of my lines.  They also included a tracing page that you can use to trace with.  No matter the level of student, you can find helpful instructions in this one. 

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Learn-Draw-Disney-Winnie-Pooh/dp/1633227618/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=learn+to+draw+disney+winnie+the+pooh&qid=1576178392&sr=8-1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learn-to-draw-disney-winnie-the-pooh-walter-foster-jr-creative-team/1130072819?ean=9781633227613

Bible Journaling Made Simple by Sandy Allnock

Here is the book summary:

Draw closer to God and creatively unlock more of the Good Book!

Your relationship with God is unique. Shouldn't your Bible reflect and celebrate that bond? In this introduction to Bible journaling, you'll discover meaningful ways to combine art, heart and scripture--from backgrounds to hand-lettered verses to beautiful full-page drawings. No expensive supplies or artistic skills are required...only a desire to honor and enhance your spiritual life.

To guide your creative worship experience, this book provides:

·        Prompts to engage you with the text, then visually interpret Scripture in words and pictures

·        Basic techniques for working with colored pencils, watercolor pencils and watercolor paints

·        21 step-by-step tutorials for drawing trees, flowers, skies, mountains, maps, water, light and other popular themes

·        Tons of inspirational page samples and suggested verses to illustrate

·        Downloadable icons and technique videos available on the author's website

Whether you're new to Bible journaling or looking for fresh ideas, this book will lead you on a rewarding spiritual journey. Success is not measured in the complexity or polish of the art, but in a deeper, more personal connection with God.

"Our lives are busy, and we leave a trail of things-we-should-remember on the ground behind us. Instead, scoop them up and journal them. Preserve the lessons vital to our growth as Christians." ~page 12

And now, my review:
Bible Journaling Made Simple by Sandy Allnock was an inspiring book.  This book points toward passionately pursuing a relationship with God as the first focus with the art side coming in after and I really was blessed by that.  I found her instructions to be doable and understandable.  I didn’t feel unwanted pressure, but I did feel her encouraging me to go for it.  There is nothing like adding art to Scriptures that speak to me, taking it to another level of meditation on His Word, cementing it in my heart.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Bible-Journaling-Made-Simple-Art-Filled-ebook/dp/B07JH64BN7/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Bible+Journaling+Made+Simple&qid=1562068146&s=gateway&sr=8-1#customerReviews

https://www.christianbook.com/journaling-simple-filled-journey-creative-worship/sandy-allnock/9781440353338/pd/353338?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bible-journaling-made-simple-sandy-allnock/1128560571?ean=9781440353338

The Little Book of Cartooning and Illustration by Various Authors

Here is the book summary:

In The Little Book of Cartooning & Illustration, beginning cartoonists, animators, and illustrators will discover key concepts associated with learning the art of traditional cartooning and animation.

With this guide, dozens of tips from the pros will help you find the materials and tools you need to develop your own unique style. A combination of creative step-by-step projects and open practice areas offer encouragement and invite participation for those artists who want to put their newfound skills to immediate use.

You'll learn all the cartooning and animation tricks of the trade, including:

·        The squash and stretch principle

·        Exaggerating details

·        Rendering faces and expressions

·        Anthropomorphizing inanimate objects

·        Creating original characters

·        Mastering body shapes and movement

·        Writing gags and jokes

With so many tools at your disposal, why wait any longer to start animating? Get started, get drawing!

The Little Book of ... series focuses on delivering fun, approachable, and interesting art instruction in a fresh, portable format. With its contemporary design, open practice pages, creative exercises, and prompts that encourage interactivity, beginning artists learn the fundamentals of their craft, often with immediate results.

And now, my review:
The Little Book of Cartooning and Illustration by these various authors was so fun to look through and pick one and try it out.  I felt they gave quite a variety to choose from and with all sorts of expressions and feels.  It was truly fun to choose different ones.  Some I had to try more than once to get the right look, but that can happen with any drawing book.  If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.  I had a digital copy of the book so the extra pages to practice on didn’t affect me at all. 
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Cartooning-Illustration-expressions/dp/1633226204/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Little+Book+of+Cartooning+%26+Illustration+Maury+Aaseng%3B+Clay+Butler%3B+Jim+Campbell%3B+Dan+D%27Addario%3B+Alex+Hallat%3B+Joe+Oesterle&qid=1562066360&s=gateway&sr=8-1#customerReviews

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-little-book-of-cartooning-illustration-maury-aaseng/1129102349?ean=9781633226203

Doubleweave by Jennifer Moore

 











Here is the book summary:

Conventional shaft loom weaving constricts the weaver into making only a single layer of fabric that is no wider than the loom. Increase your loom's capabilities with Doubleweave Revised & Expanded!
 
In this comprehensive guide to doubleweave, master-weaver Jennifer Moore revisits the tips and techniques to weaving in multiple layers.  Doubleweave Revised & Expanded is filled with new information about doubleweaving and more including:

·        More doubleweave technique samples for both 4 and 8-shaft looms, including more overshot patterns.

·        Expanded information on how to weave fabric twice, thrice or even four-times the width of your loom, with no seam.

·        Beautiful doubleweave project patterns for the home and more!

 Expand the abilities of your loom with Doubleweave Revised & Expanded!


And now, my review:

Doubleweave was a great book to work through.  I received an ARC and it was digital which didn’t come through all that well but that’s definitely not the author’s fault and what I found inside of this book was some great ideas for some future projects.  I enjoyed the ideas that the author shared.  What I saw of her machines looked very nice and the peace and relaxing rhythm of this hobby really makes me want to get moving on creating a masterpiece of my own.  My favorite part was the layers that she showed me how to work.  I also really enjoyed her many patterns and the color schemes that she chose.  If I were to buy this book I would purchase a physical book for the ease of flipping through the pages for inspiration. 

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Doubleweave-Revised-Expanded-Weavers-Studio-ebook/dp/B07MMTRQ9Y/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?crid=1P0MOZWSLQMCG&keywords=doubleweave+revised+and+expanded&qid=1556675029&s=gateway&sprefix=doubleweav%2Caps%2C490&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

Pocket Art Portrait Drawing

Here is the book summary:

The instructions are quick visual exercises in Pocket Art: Portraits, the first book in the new Pocket Art series.

This lively, graphic approach to explaining concepts will have you looking and learning with step by step illustrations and expert tips straight from London-based artist "Miss Led" (aka Joanna Henly). This compact 112-page book is just right for carrying in a backpack or pocket for when you’re learning on the go.

Henly begins by guiding you through your initial set up, then moves on to "Understanding the Face". She takes you through every detail of capturing facial features and expressions, and mastering the rendering of hair and skin. Her exercises demonstrate and reinforce everything you learn as you go along.


And now, my review:

Pocket Art: Portrait Drawing is a nice book to reference when working on Faces.  I also found that this was quick moving and the change from one to the next was VERY quick and not all that basic.  So it depends on your talent and where you are in your drawing skills as to if this will be a good fit for you.  I know for me, if I’m working on a certain part, say an ear, then this resource can be helpful for me to look at.   

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Art-Portrait-Joanna-Henly-ebook/dp/B07CNMCGFN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2G4UAMBCICH94&keywords=pocket+art+portrait+drawing&qid=1556669635&s=gateway&sprefix=pocket+art%2Caps%2C227&sr=8-1

Draw and Paint Super Cute Animals by Jane Maday

Here is the book summary:

In her newest instructional book Jane Maday, queen of cuteness, teaches you how to draw cute animal friends with basic and timeless drawing techniques. After you've mastered pencil drawings from photo references, Jane will guide you through simple techniques for adding colored pencil, watercolor and pen and ink. 35 step-by-step demonstrations cover the gamut of the cute animal kingdom from cats and kittens, dogs and puppies, chipmunks, songbird and ducklings, and even flamingos and frogs!

And now, my review:

I found the book Draw and Paint Super Cute Animals by Jane Maday to be quite a delight.  There are animals in all sorts of varieties of different shapes and sizes to choose from in this book and I think they definitely fall under the category of cuteness.  I’m a dog person and so that was a fun category for me to check out.  I also was a huge fan of her sea creature group.  Sometimes I found that it moved quickly from step to step but I just needed to slow down and give it some intense, determined effort. 

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Paint-Super-Animals-Step-Step/dp/1440353328/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1KOQQC8G9B0EC&keywords=draw+and+paint+super+cute+animals&qid=1551371171&s=gateway&sprefix=draw+and+super+cute%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/draw-and-paint-super-cute-animals-jane-maday/1129181445?ean=9781440353321#/

10-Step Drawing Flowers by Mary Woodin

Here is the book summary:

Featuring illustrated tutorials for drawing 75 different flowers, Ten-Step Drawing: Flowers breaks down each subject into 10 simple steps. All you need to get started is a pen or pencil and a piece of paper!

Handy prompts encourage artistic individuality and include helpful tips for drawing other subjects not featured in the book.

Ten-Step Drawing: Flowers will encourage even the most reluctant amateur artist to draw their heart out.

And now, my review:

This is the second book that I have looked at lately with the whole idea of 10 steps to a completed, beautiful drawing.  This book holds the promise of creating floral bouquets of flowers.  This author/artist has included so many options to choose from, from flowers to herbs.  Again I just love these books that make simple instructions that are doable to a finished work that is something I can be proud of.  I can sit back with the feeling of satisfaction after just 10 easy steps.  I think I’ll try another one very soon. 

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Ten-Step-Drawing-Flowers-Learn-Steps/dp/1633224899/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538063637&sr=8-1&keywords=10+step+drawing+flowers

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ten-step-drawing-mary-woodin/1128998173?ean=9781633224896

10-Step Drawing Animals by Heather Kilgour

Here is the book summary:

Featuring illustrated tutorials for drawing 75 different animals, Ten-Step Drawing: Animals breaks down each subject into 10 simple steps. All you need to get started is a pen or pencil and a piece of paper!

With Ten-Step Drawing: Animals, you will learn to create an awe-inspiring array of different animals. Step by step, you will create creatures both wild (bald eagle, armadillo, meerkat, dung beetle) and domesticated (donkey, camel, duck, goat). The animals include those from the sea (whale, sea turtle, jellyfish, walrus) and the woodland (snail, fox, raccoon, river otter). Even learn to draw your favorite pets (cat, dog, rabbit, guinea pig).

Handy prompts encourage artistic individuality and include helpful tips for drawing other subjects not featured in the book.

Ten-Step Drawing: Animals is sure to encourage even the most reluctant amateur artist to draw their heart out.

And now, my review:

This is a great book for simple drawings that can be made complex with the details.  I just loved how she walked me through step by step from simple to complex and there emerged an amazing animal out of it.  She doesn’t add a bunch more details than just what I need, which I liked.  There are also so many animal options to choose from.  Land animals and sea creatures.  I loved that she added so many options to choose from.  There’s bound to be something for everyone. Grab your drawing pencils and paper and plan to sit down with this book soon.

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Ten-Step-Drawing-Animals-Learn-Steps/dp/1633224880/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538062848&sr=8-1&keywords=ten-step+drawing+animals+by+heather+kilgour

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ten-step-drawing-heather-kilgour/1129208944?ean=9781633224889

Big and Little Coloring Devotional by Rachel Swanson

Here is the book summary:

Kids crave constant activities and attention. Adults crave quiet moments of refreshment. How can we achieve both? Big and Little Coloring Devotional engages adults’ minds with appealing biblical devotionals while providing a creative outlet through coloring to diffuse stress.

Let’s have fun with our children through coloring and facilitate their spiritual growth with Scripture. Big and Little Coloring Devotional will incorporate physical, spiritual, and emotional refreshment by providing authentic faith-filled devotionals combined with therapeutic doodling for both the adult and child.

And now, my review:

This book is great!  It inspires the artist in me and encourages my soul with His Word along the way.  Also, it is a HUGE encouragement for my children to do this with me at the same time on their sides.  It’s all about sitting across from each other and creating masterpieces while we talk about His Truths and the Hope we have because of it.  This book encourages us to do it together instead of you do your thing and I’ll do my thing and we’ll meet up later.  I love things that encourage me to be intentional with my gifts (my children) and it’s coloring, who doesn’t love to color?!?!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Coloring-Devotional-Rachel-Swanson/dp/1462749763/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537978461&sr=8-1&keywords=big+and+little+coloring+devotional

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/big-and-little-coloring-devotional-rachel-swanson/1125816053?ean=9781462749768

https://www.christianbook.com/big-and-little-coloring-devotional/rachel-swanson/9781462749768/pd/749768?product_redirect=1&Ntt=749768&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

The Complete Photo Guide to Hand Lettering & Calligraphy by Abbey Sy

Here is the book summary:

Written by best-selling author and hand letterer Abbey Sy, The Complete Photo Guide to Hand Lettering and Calligraphy covers the basics and beyond for creative lettering techniques.  

The book begins with an overview of tools and materials, both traditional (pointed pen and fountain pen) and modern (including brush markers and chalk), then presents a visual glossary of letterforms, highlights the unique characteristics of the featured alphabets, and demonstrates how to draw letterforms to foster an understanding of how they’re created. The core chapters explore traditional, modern, and special effects lettering using a variety of mark-making tools, with in-depth how-to on adding flourishes and other special details, plus creative projects. There’s also an introduction to modifying and creating letterforms digitally, as well as practice sheets for the featured alphabets.
 
So whether you’ve never tried lettering before or you’d like to develop your skills and consider all your creative options, The Complete Photo Guide to Hand Lettering and Calligraphy will guide and inspire you on your lettering journey.

And now, my review:

Here are some of my thoughts on this one… I thought the author did a great job with helping to get those creative juices flowing in the marketing/creating/inspiration area of helping to influence the projects I am interested in doing.  IN addition to amazing lettering options, this author added nice drawings that can be added to dress-up whatever I am working on.  She added some card-making ideas to which I could add my lettering, too.   Beyond all those wonderful things, my favorite part of the book was the corkboard ideas and the wood slabs.  Those were very inspirational and I hope to make something soon. 

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Photo-Guide-Lettering-Calligraphy-ebook/dp/B07DQ83998/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537393811&sr=8-1&keywords=the+complete+photo+guide+to+hand+lettering+and+calligraphy

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-complete-photo-guide-to-hand-lettering-and-calligraphy-abbey-sy/1127174133?ean=9781589239630#/

Faith Journaling for the Inspired Artist by Stephanie Ackerman

Here is the book summary:

Faith Journaling for the Inspired Artist shows you how to combine your love of art with your faith! Engaging prompts, exercises, and lettering techniques will ignite the imagination.

When faith and art intersect, pure magic happens. Faith Journaling for the Inspired Artist is a dynamic and inspiring resource for learning art journaling in Bibles, prayer journals, daily devotionals, and creative life planners. This beautifully designed guide features dozens of easy-to-follow drawing, doodling, and lettering techniques which demonstrate to you how to develop beautiful uplifting artwork.

A wide range of creative exercises deliver the encouragement needed to explore faith through the creative process. Whether working with colored pencils, markers, watercolor, or stamps, when it comes to faith journaling, there are no rules! In Faith Journaling for the Inspired Artist, you'll not only learn how to expand your artistic horizons, but also discover how to give yourself permission to create personal artistic expressions of your faith.

And now, my review:

Faith Journaling for the Inspired Artist is a stirring book that prompts inspiration in creating journaling art.  If you’re a journal girl like me, this will be a valued addition to your art shelf.  Also, if you study inductively then this may be inspiring with that as well.  Enjoy!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Journaling-Inspired-Artist-journaling/dp/1633223655/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526418471&sr=8-1&keywords=faith+journaling+for+the+inspired+artist#customerReviews

How to Draw Cool Stuff by Catherine V. Holmes

Here is the book summary:

How to Draw Cool Stuff: Holidays, Seasons and Events is a step-by-step drawing guide that illustrates popular celebrations, holidays and events for your drawing pleasure. From the Chinese New Year to April Fools' Day, Father's Day to Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s Eve - this book covers over 100 fun days, holidays, seasons and events, and offers simple lessons that will teach you how to draw like a pro and get you in the spirit of whichever season it may be!

The third book in the How To Draw Cool Stuff series, this exciting new title will teach you how to create simple illustrations using basic shapes and a drawing technique that simplifies the process of drawing, all while helping you construct height, width and depth in your work. It will guide you through the creative thought process and provide plenty of ideas to get you started. The lessons in this book will also teach you how to think like an artist and remind you that you are only limited by your imagination!

And now, my review:

We really have had fun with this one.  Here’s a book that has step-by-step instructions that take you through the process of drawing something.  The set-up is that each month they have some ideas that you might want to try so it can carry you throughout the year.  You’ll take some and lose some but in the end there is a lot to choose from so we enjoyed it.  It’s time to get out some drawing paper, our nice set of pencils and try another one.  Maybe you’ll want to learn to draw a rose or a summer beach scene.  If so, this might just be the book for you.  You call pick it up at the links below.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/How-Draw-Cool-Stuff-Holidays-ebook/dp/B01F9S7RCG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490318930&sr=8-1&keywords=How+to+draw+cool+stuff+holidays%2C+season%2C+events

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-draw-cool-stuff-catherine-v-holmes/1123820092?ean=9780692661987