The Elemental Journal uses a conversational and encouraging writing style. It does include photos of each project and the page layout makes it simple to review, see what you need, gather materials and create. In general, the projects in the book require pieces from your yard, paper, plastic, metal, fabric, thread and needle, and/or simple unpainted objects you can create or buy inexpensively at a crafting store or maybe even get at a garage sale.
The style of these pieces is what I would call contemporary artsy. They are fun pieces but would not fit everyone’s taste. Of course, the book is just giving ideas; it is a good jumping off point. It gives you the materials list, a photo and the how-to guide, but you can always alter the colors or materials to fit your own taste. The projects are definitely unique and would help you create a one of a kind gift for a friend or something to keep and treasure.
I would say that these projects vary in skill level. Some of them require you to sew or work with materials you may not be familiar with, etc. It is certainly mixed media crafting. I would not recommend this book for an inexperienced crafter or someone who does not enjoy experimenting with their crafty side. However, for an out of the box crafter, a mixed media crafter, or an experienced crafter who is looking for something new and different this would certainly be a nice book for their collection.
(Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me a copy of this book to read and review. I'm a member of Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program.)
