Layers of Meaning: Elements of Visual Journaling

This is going to sound like an exaggeration, but it's the truth. I got so excited after receiving Rakefet's book that I started building a junk journaling business with my own creations. And now, just a few weeks later, I have a retail display in a local store. That's how inspiring this book has been for me. And now it's inspiring my students, too, in the classes I'm teaching downtown. The depth of healing knowledge in this book is incredible. For now, I just get people excited about expressing themselves and having fun. Fun can be very healing in this world today. I don't talk about the deep, psychological benefits of art, junk and written journaling because that's not my expertise. That's Rakefet's expertise, and she's very, very good at sharing it, in person and in her book. I encourage anyone with a speck of interest in creative journaling of any kind to get this book. Get it and watch what happens to your life when your creativity is set free. Just looking at Rakefet's art is healing, but she inspires you to make your own art, and she imparts the confidence to actually do it. Thank you, Rakefet!

This is the BEST how-to book on visual journaling I have ever read. Rakefet Hadar has obviously studied and analyzed her own journal pages and has separated her work into seven elements, or layers, that provide meaning and relativity to her daily life. She provides the story of how she learned visual journaling that is profound and yet simple enough for everyone to understand and follow her techniques to make their own powerful journal pages.

There are several art journaling books out there-but this new one by Rakefet Hadar in a class by itself. I have been visual journaling since the late 90s and have taught art journaling workshops and just when I thought I have seen all there is to see- along comes this book- Her method really is an invitation to go deep into yourself. Her process is inviting and engaging. The colorful journal art of hers is on almost all the pages in the book and is a joy in itself to look at. Thank you Rakefet for creating this wonderful book.

I have (or have borrowed) a lot of art books and practice art journaling almost daily and this is hands down the best, most well-written, and comprehensive guide to art journaling I've come across. If I were to write a book on the process, this is what it would look like. If you are at all into journaling I recommend this book, literally before any others. Hadar is able to capture the freedom of process and approach in ways no other guide does. Her work is inspiring and will have you at the page in no time, whether you are new to the practice or years into your journey. Brilliant book!!

Rakefet has been a favorite of mine. Her art is full of passion, joy and wonder all from a very talented, personal space. Rakefet is a visual storyteller and her art speaks. When I heard she was going to publish a book I was so excited.It is a marvelous collection filled with her very unique style. Her words and suggestions give a whole new meaning to opening ourselves up in our Art Journaling. Thank you Rakefet.

I love Rakefet's style, colorful display, and personal sharing throughout her book. Rakefet offers a clear direction on how to create your own page with your own distinct touch on your spread. I am so thankful that I have discovered this artist who touches my heart, inspiration and deeply speaks to me through her art. A spectacular book by a spectacular artist. She is amazing.

Rakefet Hadar has written an amazing introduction to art journaling. She explains the wonderful process of art journaling and how it can bring deeper meaning and awakenings to our lives. It is very well written, translated from Hebrew to English in this version. Her colorful journal spread draw you into the her work. She explains techniques and processes here as well. I loved this book, Congratulations Rakefet!

This lovely book has arrived and it is oh so gorgeous....Rakefet has written up the art journalling process in superb fashion, making it very clear to me. The publication is beautiful-very pleasing to feel the lovely pages and spend hours exploring her intriguing and personal art work. This book is a true treasure and probably the most important one in my art journalling library.

This is fantastic! Im a professional artist and have exhibited London, Germany etc and have been 'stuck' the past 6 years and not painted. This book is getting me creating again, away from my block! Thank you for this gift of a well dedicated book! Excellent!

The kindle version of this book is a rainbow of visuals. The vivid images display a rich mixture of media and styles which are partly surreal and partly familiar in style. There are interesting exercises aplenty, with bounteous encouragement to experiment and, in so doing, free your inner artist. But put all the high colour and excitement aside, and the book is focused, with exercises building logically one upon another. I started out looking for books on all forms of doodling and am really, really pleased to stumble across this book. I can’t recommend it enough ... it’s just packed with goodies and I think you’ll LOVE it.

I got this after reading great reviews, to explore creativity in composition for paintings. The style of art wasn’t for me, although the author has a nice style which suits her I don’t want to recreate it or work along those lines. Something about it reminded me of crappy hippy ‘art’ I’m afraid - collages and bird cages etc. and many of the compositions were similar. Will be gifting this book.

I don’t often write reviews but felt compelled to. As an ex art teacher I find this book a breath of fresh air, and have loved the thought process I have gone through following these techniques. My daughters ( under lockdown ) have equally enjoyed doing prices of art inspired by these ideas.Well worth buying!

Utterly inspiring! The colours are exquisite. I’m so looking forward to working my through the exercises. Would highly recommend as the “go to” book on visual journey journaling. Thank you I’m so glad I found this book!!