Instead of reviewing them individually, I'm doing quick reviews for these three crafting books.

Title: The Complete Decorated Journal: A Compendium of Journaling Techniques

Author: Gwen Diehn

Publisher: Lark Crafts 2012

Genre: Nonfiction - Art

Pages: 240

Rating:  3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual); 52 Books - W32

Now two of the most successful books by Gwen Diehn, The Decorated Page and The Decorated Journal, are bound together into one comprehensive and inspiring volume. The combined contents offer readers an unmatched collection of great ideas and techniques, from the latest supplies (papers, adhesives, paints, pens) to innovative layouts (mandalas, diagonals, cutouts, grids). Sidebars highlight specific genres, such as pillow books, nature journals, and illuminated manuscripts. Plus, newly added content includes journaling artist profiles along with galleries of their work, new techniques, and a new project where readers learn to make a journal from a butter box.

Interesting ideas, but I don't think that art journaling is for me.

Title: Creative Lettering: Tips and Techniques from Top Artists

Author: Jenny Doh

Publisher: Lark Crafts 2013

Genre: Nonfiction - Art

Pages: 144

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual)

Hand-lettering techniques are a popular and visually dynamic way to add textual elements to crafts, from journals to mixed-media art. Sixteen accomplished contributors—including calligraphers, painters, collagists, card makers, fiber artists, and graphic designers—give their personal perspectives on lettering. They all offer their favorite tools, how they use them, their signature technique with step-by-step instructions and photos, and an alphabet sampler of their own font. Gorgeous gallery images of each contributor's work are also included.

I love reading about the featured artists and techniques. The examples are amazing and beautiful. After reading the book, I am going to keep creative lettering in mind. Right now, my creative plate is full, but this is a great book to get started.

Title: The Crafter's Devotional

Author: Barbara R. Call

Publisher: Quarry Books 2010

Genre: Nonfiction - Crafts

Pages: 324

Rating:  3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual)

There is something elemental shared among artists and crafters, regardless of chosen medium: creative energy. Crafters dabble, collaborate, muse, and make, all in their own way and on their own timeline. For all crafts, there are established techniques to follow but wild, innumerable ways to experiment, using the basics to launch crafters to new heights. Crafter’s Devotional can aid that launch. Each day of the year is given its own focus, on which the reader will find a daily dose of craft content that inspires, instructs, and illuminates.

A fairly interesting book. I liked flipping through the pages and reading snippets of the entries. Unfortunately, this book is just not to my style. So interesting, but not amazing.