Chronicle Books One Sketch a Day: A Visual Journal

the front and below the back of the journal

all photos by Chronicle Books 2010

When Patti from Chronicle Books sent this over to me I could only say: wow! simply beautiful! I would love to get my hands on some of these for presents for my talented friends... There is nothing like a fabulous journal to get you started on your way. Here's what Chronicle has to say:

This charming keepsake sketchbook features spaces to draw each day for one year. Visual journaling is vastly popular, and it's easy to see why—the practice of daily sketching allows budding artists to capture impressions that might otherwise pass them by, to see the evolution and rhythm of their thoughts and inspiration. Students, doodlers, aspiring and established artists will want to make this journal their constant companion, one they can then keep as a lasting record of their work and imagination.

There is also another book called The Designer's Notebook which is equally stunning:

This functional and imminently accessible notebook is the perfect place for graphic designers and creative types of all stripes to capture ideas, sketch out visuals, and develop projects. Straightforward questions walk users through the design process while still allowing plenty of room for imagination and creativity to run wild.Perfect for design students, aspirants, recent grads and current practitioners, the notebook is loaded with useful bells and whistles—including tracing paper, organizational stickers, and a removable ruler—as well as a handy resource section in back that provides essential facts, measurements, and frequently referenced charts.

Thanks Patti!

Rosie Flo's Garden Coloring Book

I have never been a huge fan of coloring books, save for the anti-coloring book - but after perusing this wonderful paperback from Chronicle books, I have to say Bravo!
This little gem not only brings out the creative draw inside a child (or brave adult) but is so whimsically put together, it is a delight to just dream about. Each page has line drawings in black and white of outfits, waiting for the people to be drawn in! Sort of a reverse paperdoll *you know how i love paper dolls* book. Check them out here for yourself. Three different scenarios for your artist side to run wild with. My personal favorite is above: Rosie Flo's Garden!

Handmade Hellos: Eunice and Sabrina Moyle

Chronicle Books sent over a copy of Handmade Hellos: Fresh Greeting Card Projects from First -Rate Crafters. I have to say that the 25 projects in the book are really wonderful, well thought out and easy for most people to achieve. I am not always a "project book person" so this is saying a lot! There are great ideas which you could easily adapt for working with children or adults who might be shy with arts and crafts projects. Basic information on use of Gocco machines, stencils, hand binding and stencils are just some of the little gems found inside this book. There are patterns as well as plenty of illustrations and photos to keep you on track if you are unfamiliar with some of the processes shown. It's obvious to me that Eunice and Sabrina not only have great style, but chose really great people to create projects to fill out these pages. Great job!
It's available here at Chronicle.

Cronicle Books - very cool goods...

I take a lot of notes. Lots. So when I saw these little journal sets I just flipped.
The Rex Ray Mini Journal Sets that Chronicle Books has released are perfect for me.
I can't get over the perfect size, design and "set"nature of these. Love them!
Another journal lovely from Chronicle which fabulous artist Lisa DeJohn has designed is the nature inspired, Beautiful Day.
Beautiful Day is a Wire-O notebook with her beautiful collage work - nestled into three sections for writing, sketching and mapping and recording. Grid paper folks! Goodness we love our grid paper in this household!