Book Review: A Giving Heart Coloring Book

When they first arrived, I thought, “Oh, no! How can I review THREE coloring books? What could I possibly say about one that I would not say about the other? Brilliant plan, Laura! NOT!!!” However, I have to say that these books are so different, it really hasn’t been much of a challenge at all! Update: After using this book for a while, I can tell you that it’s definitely my favorite of the three I’ve reviewed from Faith Words Press. 

A Giving Heart: A Coloring book Celebrating Motherhood by Stephanie Corfee was designed especially with mothers in mind.

The illustrations are feminine, frilly, and faith-based.

They are primarily one-sided, but if there are words, then the words are printed on the other side (not sure why, but it’s pretty).

The pages are sturdy and held up pretty well to to the media I used; however, I did have some issues with erasing. (If you must erase, be gentle.)

Coloring Pictures Is Therapeutic

I filled-in the picture below with a nice set of colored pencils, glitter gel pens, and chalk (for the sky). I experienced a little bleedthrough, but fortunately I had slipped in a piece of cardstock between the page I was coloring and the next page, so it didn’t affect the next illustration. I’m really pleased with how it turned out!

In the photo on the right, you can see the sparkle from the glitter pens. ?

For what it’s worth, the way I achieved the gradient effect on the flower petals was by coloring them solid. Then, I used an eraser to pull some of the color back off.

These two photos (above and to the right) look different because of the lighting in my house and where I took the photos.

On the reverse side of the image I completed, you can see where I layered various colors. I don’t think it’s a big deal to have the embossing, since I’m not showcasing the back of the picture!

Had I not inserted a sheet of cardstock under the page I was coloring, the next image would definitely have been debossed and possibly smudged. (Be sure to keep that in mind if you tend to blend colors or press hard or use water-based markers.) 

I mounted the following picture on a 12″ x 12″ piece of textured scrapbook cardstock, framed it, and gave it to a friend who has the spiritual gift of wisdom (and shares her wisdom with me)! She loved it, and I loved coloring it for her. 

UPDATE:
I really love this coloring book and have colored a few more pictures since my original review (see above and below). Here I’ve included a few snapshots of a work in progress so you can see my process. I begin with a variety of colored pencils (layering colors and erasing edges to achieve tonal variation and gradient effects); then, I move on to glitter gel pens (allowing time for them to dry & being very careful not to smudge); and  finish up with chalk. ? Click to enlarge the photos below.

These gorgeous pictures are fit to be framed and hung as art! 

I created a video of a few of the pages so you can see how lovely they are.

? Specs:

• Measures approximately 10″ x 10″ 
• 46 intricate drawings 

? Pros:

The pictures in this book are VERY pretty, and in my opinion, frame-worthy. Illustrations include: floral patterns, angel, coffee, a country drive, cactus, tea, Bible verses, quotes about motherhood, and love. 

? Cons:

The pages could be a little thicker and more smooth. Be sure to insert cardstock between the page you color and the next page. 

I recommend A Giving Heart: A Coloring book Celebrating Motherhood by Stephanie Corfee to women, teens, and pre-teen girls. The drawings are a bit too intricate for little ones (in my opinion). This would make a great gift for a new mother or new grandmother! 

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”