Celtic Traditions
By: Cari Buziak
Rating: 5 of 5
This is an outstanding coloring book inspired by Celtic designs. Cari Buziak has several other Celtic style coloring books available (from other publishers) but this is the first that I am aware of from CreateSpace (i.e., self-published.) I can look beyond the less than steller quality of the paper to the sheer number of designs (50) and the beautifully wrought artwork.
The designs range from extremely traditional knots to designs with animal motifs. Some of these are quite traditional and some are surprisingly fun (I especially like the cat chasing the mouse design.) There are square designs and round ones and also some that include coat of arms.
The designs are detailed and some are intricate and more of a challenge to color. There are designs for all levels of colorists to enjoy. That is what is so great about getting 50 designs – there is something for everyone. You can also advance as your skills improve.
This is what I found in this coloring book:
50 Celtic inspired designs in the book
Printed one side of the page
Paper is typical inexpensive quality by CreateSpace printing: white, thin, slightly rough and non-perforated.
The designs do not merge into the binding and the motifs have finished edges.
Glue Binding
Create Space Paper/Media Quality
Alcohol-based markers bleed through the page quickly.
Water-based markers bleed through in spots.
Gel pens and India ink pens leave shadows on back of the page. India ink can bleed through if you apply heavily or multiple coats.
Coloring Pencils work fairly well with this publisher’s paper provided you don’t press extremely hard while coloring. I find that I can layers the same color for deeper pigment or multiple colors and blended easily with a pencil style blending stick. This is true of both oil and wax based pencils. I have also found that hard lead pencils leave dents through the paper.
I like to use a blotter when working in this type of book. I use a page of card stock or several sheets of heavyweight paper under my working page. It keeps seeping ink and marring dents from ruining the pages below.
Here are some sample photos from the coloring book:
This is an outstanding coloring book inspired by Celtic designs. Cari Buziak has several other Celtic style coloring books available (from other publishers) but this is the first that I am aware of from CreateSpace (i.e., self-published.) I can look beyond the less than steller quality of the paper to the sheer number of designs (50) and the beautifully wrought artwork. 
