Review of 'Illuminate Your Story Journal' by Ellie Claire

This journal opens up to a 'This journal belongs to' page after the end papers, then onto a page with a quote by Leo Tolstoy and the introduction to illuminated manuscripts.  Following that is an overview of illuminated letters - going through the different styles: Insular, Carolingian, Ottonian, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance.  This was so interesting to me!  I am familiar with The Book of Kells and a little of illuminated manuscripts and have always loved them but never realized the different styles within that.

This form of artwork is just SO impressive.  The next page outlines briefly the process, which is so painstaking and time consuming and then talks about how to create your own - what you need and how to use the journal.  Then you go straight into creating a letter. Starting with A you draw the basic shape, plan the flourish placement, outline them and add details, then color.   It also teaches you to do flourishes and animal shapes etc that can be incorporated into the designs.

My only complaint with this journal is that I wish it wasn't a journal! I find myself wanting the whole book to be more of this teaching me how to do more of it!!  I just love this. I want more!

It does have a ribbon marker and a 'Keepsakes' folder on the back page. The cover is held together with an elastic. There is also elastic on the spine to hold pens with the journal.

I most definitely recommend this book!  It would be an amazing gift for any creative person who loves to try new creative stuff.  I can't wait to delve even more into this field of art - it is just so beautiful!

You can purchase this here.

Please note that I was sent a copy of this book for purposes of review, however all opinions expressed are entirely my own.