According to a December 15th, 2015, article in The New York Post, “Nine of the 20 books on Amazon’s current bestseller list contain few words and belong to a genre that didn’t exist two years ago – coloring books for adults.” This trend has led to the genre’s two biggest bestsellers having sold a combined 13.5 million copies in 50 countries over that time span.
In Flora Bella (978-1-4162-4578-0; $15.95), the new coloring book for adults from Sellers Publishing, artist Peggy Jo Ackley presents 88 original-pieces that those who are new to adult coloring and experienced enthusiasts alike will both enjoy. The hand-drawn designs featured in the book include planters and vases filled with a bounty of flowers and greenery; garden elements like trellises, pergolas, and statues surrounded by flowering vines; and inspirational quotations with hand-lettering and calligraphy. The designs are printed on extra-thick paper with perforated pages that will allow the finished works to easily be framed.
Flora Bella was created by artist Ackley at the personal request of publisher, Ronnie Sellers. Sellers and Ackley have worked together in various capacities over the course of their 35-year careers in the gift, stationery and book publishing industries. “Of all the artists I’ve worked with, no one compares to Peggy when it comes to originality, detail, composition, and overall quality of execution,” explained Sellers. “She is in a league all of her own and she understands what crafters want in the products they purchase.”
Peggy Jo Ackley is one of the most well-respected and prolific artists working today. Her designs have been reproduced on greeting cards, giftwrap, tabletop items, ornaments, rubber stamps and textile products. She has illustrated craft books, baby record books, and children’s books. Her Bitty Bear storybooks and activity books have been hugely popular for American Girl for more than 15 years. She conducts crafting workshops throughout the country and recently became the owner of Pink Ink Stamp Company.
Flora Bella is a 9″ x 9″, 96-page, softcover book featuring 88 hand-drawn illustrations that will be published in March 2016, and will retail for $15.95. It will be available in bookstores and gift shops nationwide and through Sellers Publishing’s Web-site, www.rsvp.com.
Sellers Publishing, Inc. is an award-winning publisher of books, calendars, greeting cards and journals. The company was cited for four consecutive years by Publishers Weekly for being among the fastest growing independent publishers in the country. It is located in South Portland, Maine and can be contacted at 800-625-3386 or by visiting their Web site at www.sellerspublishing.com.
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