📖 Overview
Johanna's Christmas is a coloring book filled with holiday-themed illustrations from the creator of Secret Garden and Lost Ocean. The pages contain both full scenes and individual design elements related to winter and Christmas celebrations.
The book features Basford's signature black-and-white line drawings printed on high-quality paper suitable for various coloring tools. The designs include Christmas trees, ornaments, wreaths, gifts, and seasonal flora arranged in intricate patterns.
The format includes both single and double-page spreads, with some illustrations extending across the fold. Pages are printed on one side only and can be removed for framing or display.
This collection invites artists of all skill levels to engage with traditional Christmas imagery through a meditative creative practice. The designs blend whimsical and geometric elements that connect to universal themes of celebration and seasonal transformation.
👀 Reviews
Readers note this coloring book offers festive holiday designs with typical Johanna Basford intricacy. Many appreciative comments focus on the paper quality - thick enough to prevent bleed-through and suitable for various coloring tools.
Positive feedback highlights:
- Removable pages for framing finished artwork
- Both simple and complex designs to suit different skill levels
- Paper works well with markers and gel pens
Common criticisms:
- Some designs printed across page spreads, making coloring difficult in binding area
- Less intricate than other Basford books
- A few users report receiving damaged copies due to shipping
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: 4.7/5 (2,800+ reviews)
Goodreads: 4.4/5 (580+ ratings)
"Perfect for getting into the holiday spirit while relaxing," notes one reviewer. Another mentions "The perforated pages are a game-changer for displaying completed work."
Some experienced colorists found it "too basic compared to Secret Garden," referencing Basford's previous work.
📚 Similar books
Creative Christmas Coloring Book by Marjorie Sarnat
This collection contains 30 holiday designs with Christmas trees, ornaments, and winter scenes in the same detailed pattern style as Johanna's Christmas.
World of Flowers by Johanna Basford The natural themes and intricate floral patterns match the artistic style of Johanna's Christmas with 80 pages of botanical illustrations.
Christmas Color By Number by Color Questopia The numbered sections provide structure while maintaining festive Christmas imagery for colorists who want guidance in their creative process.
Creative Haven Winter Wonderland by Teresa Goodridge The winter scenes and holiday motifs feature similar decorative patterns with snowflakes, wildlife, and seasonal elements.
Beautiful Christmas by Jade Summer This book presents 25 single-sided Christmas illustrations with comparable detail levels and holiday themes including ornaments, gifts, and seasonal designs.
World of Flowers by Johanna Basford The natural themes and intricate floral patterns match the artistic style of Johanna's Christmas with 80 pages of botanical illustrations.
Christmas Color By Number by Color Questopia The numbered sections provide structure while maintaining festive Christmas imagery for colorists who want guidance in their creative process.
Creative Haven Winter Wonderland by Teresa Goodridge The winter scenes and holiday motifs feature similar decorative patterns with snowflakes, wildlife, and seasonal elements.
Beautiful Christmas by Jade Summer This book presents 25 single-sided Christmas illustrations with comparable detail levels and holiday themes including ornaments, gifts, and seasonal designs.
🤔 Interesting facts
🎄 Johanna Basford is known as the "Queen of Coloring Books" and has sold over 21 million books worldwide.
❄️ The intricate designs in this Christmas-themed book include hidden little robins for readers to discover throughout its pages.
🎁 Unlike most of Basford's other coloring books, this one features removable pages, making it easier to frame completed artwork or share with others.
🌟 The artist hand-draws all her illustrations using black ink and paper, eschewing digital tools for a more authentic, detailed approach.
🎨 The paper used in this book is specifically chosen for its ability to work well with various coloring media, including colored pencils, markers, and gel pens.