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All That Is Made: A Guide to Faith and the Creative Life
All That Is Made is a guide for readers exploring the intersection of creativity and faith. Humans are creative; it is a quality embedded in the fabric of our being, and a reality that reflects our existence as being made in the image of God.
This book is a compilation of our e-books Liturgy for Creatives and On Becoming Creative, and new reflections—encompassing Alabaster's lived experience as a creative company for the past two years. It is a first step, the beginning of a conversation that allows readers to engage their faith and creativity against the larger backdrop of the God who has made all that is made.
This book is a compilation of our e-books Liturgy for Creatives and On Becoming Creative, and new reflections—encompassing Alabaster's lived experience as a creative company for the past two years. It is a first step, the beginning of a conversation that allows readers to engage their faith and creativity against the larger backdrop of the God who has made all that is made.
96 pages, Paperback
Published May 28, 2019
18 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Alabaster Co.
96 books80 followersAlabaster explores the intersection of creativity, beauty, and faith through original artistic content and stories of makers/doers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 6, 2025
A lovely set of meditations on faith and Christianity.
May 9, 2021
A good little book. Frustrating at first but you get the hang of it around the middle.
Definitely more of a contemplative read that needs to be moved through slowly- which, as you can see, I did not do. Definitely be reading again.
Definitely more of a contemplative read that needs to be moved through slowly- which, as you can see, I did not do. Definitely be reading again.
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July 31, 2023The intersection of art and the divine is where I often feel most alive: the place where the mysteries of humanity are laid bare and the supernatural realm is penetrated through the concrete. However, books on faith and creativity can be hit-or-miss for me. Many feel like pale imitations of better and more challenging works, as if someone read O'Connor's Mystery and Manners, L'Engle's Walking on Water, or Wiman's My Bright Abyss and distilled them into less-interesting, less-suggestive, and less-thoughtful simulacra.
That being said, I'm thankful to report that Alabaster Co.'s All That is Made dodges that bullet by leaving space for contemplation and metaphor. While it's hard to say that it really offers anything new to conversations on faith and art, All That is Made is a beautifully-crafted primer on the life of a creative.
The book is split into 3 parts: "A Liturgy for Creatives," "On Becoming Creative" and "Creativity in the Life of Jesus." Each part contains 6-9 brief chapters, each of which are usually 5 pages or less, offering reflections on different elements of creativity. This structure allows the book to be read either in one sitting or as short daily readings. I opted for the former, and reading the book over the first few days of the new year has been an encouraging way to settle the typical anxieties and insecurities I feel as I reflect on my shortcomings and failures as a writer from the previous year.
The book is packed with beautiful images and photography, many of which pair well with their corresponding readings. Unfortunately, not all of the curated photographs have as powerful an effect as the above. Some feel tenuously connected to the content of the book, while others merely function as space-fillers. Nevertheless, I appreciate the book designers' attention to imagery, metaphor, and negative space, as it gave me the room I needed to reflect and respond to the text.
I'm an alumnus of 2 different writing programs from a liberal arts college, and All That is Made works well as a surface-level "greatest hits" of some of the best concepts I took away from my mentors and my studies. Chapters on the embodied nature of art, the need for silence, the importance of imagining the world both as it is and as it ought to be, the beauty of incarnation, and the necessity of community are great doorways into other authors and works that treat these topics in more depth. Overall, while I wish it went further than it did at times, the book accomplishes what it sets out to do, offering many thoughtful brief meditations on how our acts of creation give us glimpses into the nature of the Creator. I'm thankful for my time with it.
That being said, I'm thankful to report that Alabaster Co.'s All That is Made dodges that bullet by leaving space for contemplation and metaphor. While it's hard to say that it really offers anything new to conversations on faith and art, All That is Made is a beautifully-crafted primer on the life of a creative.
The book is split into 3 parts: "A Liturgy for Creatives," "On Becoming Creative" and "Creativity in the Life of Jesus." Each part contains 6-9 brief chapters, each of which are usually 5 pages or less, offering reflections on different elements of creativity. This structure allows the book to be read either in one sitting or as short daily readings. I opted for the former, and reading the book over the first few days of the new year has been an encouraging way to settle the typical anxieties and insecurities I feel as I reflect on my shortcomings and failures as a writer from the previous year.
The book is packed with beautiful images and photography, many of which pair well with their corresponding readings. Unfortunately, not all of the curated photographs have as powerful an effect as the above. Some feel tenuously connected to the content of the book, while others merely function as space-fillers. Nevertheless, I appreciate the book designers' attention to imagery, metaphor, and negative space, as it gave me the room I needed to reflect and respond to the text.
I'm an alumnus of 2 different writing programs from a liberal arts college, and All That is Made works well as a surface-level "greatest hits" of some of the best concepts I took away from my mentors and my studies. Chapters on the embodied nature of art, the need for silence, the importance of imagining the world both as it is and as it ought to be, the beauty of incarnation, and the necessity of community are great doorways into other authors and works that treat these topics in more depth. Overall, while I wish it went further than it did at times, the book accomplishes what it sets out to do, offering many thoughtful brief meditations on how our acts of creation give us glimpses into the nature of the Creator. I'm thankful for my time with it.
January 19, 2022
I struggle with how to review this book. The book itself is beautiful, filled with lovely pictures and displays God’s creation wonderfully. What I struggle with are the words.
While there are great quotes and reminders in this book, I found sections of it to be very repetitive.
I was also not a fan of the way certain scriptures were used. Once a verse was completely twisted in an effort to try to apply it to creating. Another time a important part of a verse was left out in order to change the meaning of the passage, missing the whole point. I understood what the author was getting at, however, the points were often phrased in ways that belittle the acts of God and misuse scripture.
I might recommend to a friend who is an artist, but with the warning to read each quoted passage directly out of the Bible to get the full story and realize what the passage is actually teaching.
While there are great quotes and reminders in this book, I found sections of it to be very repetitive.
I was also not a fan of the way certain scriptures were used. Once a verse was completely twisted in an effort to try to apply it to creating. Another time a important part of a verse was left out in order to change the meaning of the passage, missing the whole point. I understood what the author was getting at, however, the points were often phrased in ways that belittle the acts of God and misuse scripture.
I might recommend to a friend who is an artist, but with the warning to read each quoted passage directly out of the Bible to get the full story and realize what the passage is actually teaching.
September 28, 2022
SO GOOD. Read this even if you don't consider yourself a "creative person" or have a "creative job". It really sheds a light on God's creativity in ways I hadn't thought about before. Highly recommend!
January 1, 2023
Been taking my time with this but a beautiful way to end the year. Beautiful book and so thoughtfully talking about our role as a creative people to each other & to our God. Thank you Emma 🥰😘
February 5, 2025
Recommend for a second thorough read and turn it into a devotional and meditative practice before engaging in creative pursuits such as writing.
May 24, 2019
All that is made is a wonderful guide through times when creativity is at its peeks or lows in a world when technology is part of our every event. The three parts of the book talk openly about what it means to be an artist and believer in this century when social media platforms are becoming solid tools to share our craft.
All three chapters bring the reader ( believer or not) closer to the Act of Creation performed by God daily in our lives. Our contribution to bringing the consumer closer to God's magnificent creation and kingdom happens even when we aren't aware- may it be any sort of social media post that someone sees and they are moved by it. That specific reaction we generate in someone's heart and mind is the power we have as artists.
The book beautifully underlines how these days we are given the ability to reach communities ( people and places) throughout social media. Just as Jesus, we explore the unknown, knowing our God did the same before us. Remembering this is what keeps us focused as artists and gives us a vision for the future.
As a Christian who had a portrait and wedding photography business and now a small shop online , this book makes an impact teaching me about parallels and perspectives of my creative act. It reminds me that my gift of being creative comes from above. The desire to create and share the results with the world is a personal desire planted in my heart and mind by the ultimate Creator.
Specifications: My copy of the book was complimentary through Alabaster's Influencer Program.
All three chapters bring the reader ( believer or not) closer to the Act of Creation performed by God daily in our lives. Our contribution to bringing the consumer closer to God's magnificent creation and kingdom happens even when we aren't aware- may it be any sort of social media post that someone sees and they are moved by it. That specific reaction we generate in someone's heart and mind is the power we have as artists.
The book beautifully underlines how these days we are given the ability to reach communities ( people and places) throughout social media. Just as Jesus, we explore the unknown, knowing our God did the same before us. Remembering this is what keeps us focused as artists and gives us a vision for the future.
As a Christian who had a portrait and wedding photography business and now a small shop online , this book makes an impact teaching me about parallels and perspectives of my creative act. It reminds me that my gift of being creative comes from above. The desire to create and share the results with the world is a personal desire planted in my heart and mind by the ultimate Creator.
Specifications: My copy of the book was complimentary through Alabaster's Influencer Program.
May 27, 2019
Pure artistry. Alabaster Co. has done what no other brand has managed to do before: tastefully intertwine solid, biblical, truth with beautiful imagery that leaves you with a feeling of wonderment and captivation. They have not only married aesthetic design with literary craftsmanship, but done so in a way that deeply resonates with my spirit and pulls me closer to the heart of the Father. As I read through these pages, I was reminded of the incredible gravity and privilege of getting to partner with God. It's not about what I can create, it's about what I GET to create WITH my Creator. What a divine gift. I feel grounded, encouraged, inspired, alive.
You were created to create. Each and every single one of us. Whether you consider yourself as a “creative” or not, this book will leave you feeling inspired to use your unique giftings and talents for the glory of His kingdom. “You have a part—let that sink in. Everything you create in the Spirit of the One who gives purpose is another building block in his glorious work to bring his peace, wholeness, love, and light to this world.”
Get this book. And then get a few more to gift to your friends, your spouse, your neighbor, your barista. This book is important, it’s timely, and it’s exactly what our generation has been waiting for.
You were created to create. Each and every single one of us. Whether you consider yourself as a “creative” or not, this book will leave you feeling inspired to use your unique giftings and talents for the glory of His kingdom. “You have a part—let that sink in. Everything you create in the Spirit of the One who gives purpose is another building block in his glorious work to bring his peace, wholeness, love, and light to this world.”
Get this book. And then get a few more to gift to your friends, your spouse, your neighbor, your barista. This book is important, it’s timely, and it’s exactly what our generation has been waiting for.
September 13, 2020
An unusual book that doesn’t really fit in a typical category of what I’ve read. It’s too short and vague to be a nonfiction chapter book, but also not quite a devotional either. It’s a read that you finish one page and close it to contemplate for the rest of the day or even for several days before you open it again.
I enjoyed reading it for this fact, as it addressed the intersection of two topics I hadn’t thought this in depth of before - creativity and faith. It’s largely directed toward artists, but I think it’s applicable to everyone in that everyone is creating in one way or another.
What does it look like to draw from and be inspired by and be driven by your faith in your creating? What does it look like to follow Jesus through your creating? These are questions that are brought up and addressed in a way that just gets the ball rolling in the reader figuring this out for themselves. It’s a read that leads to deeper contemplation, and I appreciate that.
Plus, it led me to get a tattoo that says “remember well” - you know it’s a good read when you’re inspired to get a tattoo by it!
I enjoyed reading it for this fact, as it addressed the intersection of two topics I hadn’t thought this in depth of before - creativity and faith. It’s largely directed toward artists, but I think it’s applicable to everyone in that everyone is creating in one way or another.
What does it look like to draw from and be inspired by and be driven by your faith in your creating? What does it look like to follow Jesus through your creating? These are questions that are brought up and addressed in a way that just gets the ball rolling in the reader figuring this out for themselves. It’s a read that leads to deeper contemplation, and I appreciate that.
Plus, it led me to get a tattoo that says “remember well” - you know it’s a good read when you’re inspired to get a tattoo by it!
August 13, 2024
I woke up this morning early. My feelings of anxiety were very high. I'd had a terrible dream that bothered my psychie. All of the sudden work "issues" started piling on.
It was early, but I knew sleep was going to evade me.
So I prayed. I prayed about all of it. And I prayed to God that "I heard his voice, heard his message"
After praying, again knowing that I would not sleep, I picked up this book.
I will need to re-read it but the messages were profoundly what I needed to hear. My desire to create, to give, to honor God stemmed much of my anxiety.
Where to go from here, I don't know. I'll read the book again, soon. But it was inspirational for me this morning, and was precisely what (I think) I needed. And in many ways I have to believe that what I asked for in prayer, God whispered to me in this book.
I hope all enjoy this book. It is a quick read. I enjoyed it.
It was early, but I knew sleep was going to evade me.
So I prayed. I prayed about all of it. And I prayed to God that "I heard his voice, heard his message"
After praying, again knowing that I would not sleep, I picked up this book.
I will need to re-read it but the messages were profoundly what I needed to hear. My desire to create, to give, to honor God stemmed much of my anxiety.
Where to go from here, I don't know. I'll read the book again, soon. But it was inspirational for me this morning, and was precisely what (I think) I needed. And in many ways I have to believe that what I asked for in prayer, God whispered to me in this book.
I hope all enjoy this book. It is a quick read. I enjoyed it.
February 22, 2024
In the world of writing about the topic of creativity, with the range of content swinging from self-idolatry to pagan mysticism, this book is a candle flame of Spirit and truth.
Through biblical teaching we find that grounded in our reflection of God the creator, fleshed out in the life of Jesus, and carried along by the Holy Spirit, creativity is the calling to bury the seed that is given and submit the fruit to His purposes.
Artful, intentional, and deep, every chapter contains expansive wisdom distilled into exactly what is necessary for understanding and growth.
Musician, photographer, painter and or poet- all will find bedrock principles to build a creative life upon. Enjoy the process!
Through biblical teaching we find that grounded in our reflection of God the creator, fleshed out in the life of Jesus, and carried along by the Holy Spirit, creativity is the calling to bury the seed that is given and submit the fruit to His purposes.
Artful, intentional, and deep, every chapter contains expansive wisdom distilled into exactly what is necessary for understanding and growth.
Musician, photographer, painter and or poet- all will find bedrock principles to build a creative life upon. Enjoy the process!
May 27, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of the book through Alabaster’s Influencer Program and absolutely loved it. I first got involved with Alabaster when they started producing various books of the Bible and fell in love. I was excited to see what their book would entail! I have always considered myself a creative person and learned so much from this book! I like how the book is broken up into small chapters that are challenging with prayers throughout designed to be read aloud. The pages are inspiring and infused with creative perspectives related to Jesus’ life. The gorgeous pictures complement the text well making this one beautiful book. Highly recommend!
May 27, 2019
Whether you call yourself a “creative” or not, All That Is Made is a great tool to help you grow in a deeper, more intimate, relationship with God with how it shows different attributes of Him in a fresh way. This will inspire you to see your creativity as a gift no matter how you use it and that creativity is an area we can all flourish and grow in. I highly suggest you go ahead and order two because you will be reading it and have someone in mind that you’ll want to have one too! All That Is Made would also be great to use as a team looking to bring new projects, ideas, or art into their workspace.
May 27, 2019
It's hard for me to write a five star review. There is nothing blatantly negative about the book I received through its influencer program, but I find we can always grow. Alabaster & Co. is a leader in beautifully designed, heart-touching literature that truly speaks to the heart of God's children. I love that it connects our belief with our actions as artists, makers, creators, and designers. God is the ultimate artist. The message flows clearly throughout the book and helps you dig deeper into what makes you a creator. There are sections about failure, spiritual practice, and creating. This is not just a pretty coffee table book. It's something that reaches the soul.
May 28, 2019
“All That is Made” is beautiful. Not only is it visually stunning but it is an inspiring read as well. The scripture,photos, and interpretations were perfectly balanced. It really pushed me to question why do I love creating? It helps me to give credit to God for giving me the passion and ability to create. I often find myself getting in creative “droughts” and I feel like this book is going to help my breakthrough those droughts by redirecting me towards God and going to him when I need inspiration in photography. I 100% recommend getting a copy of this book.
*note I received my copy as part of Alabasters influencer program.
*note I received my copy as part of Alabasters influencer program.
May 26, 2019
Needed to hear the messages within this beautifully composed new release by Alabaster. We are truly made to create and to bless others with our creativity—we see this when we look closely or even more broadly at the world, and, more specifically, when we look at God. I don’t feel like this message is highlighted enough and expounded upon like this book so wonderfully does via written word and absolutely gorgeous photo illustrations.
May 30, 2019
As a creative, I’ve always struggled to find how my gifting intersects with my faith practically through scripture and spiritually through instructions from God. “All That is Made” has helped me to become more aware of how the ultimate Creator has placed so much instruction and guidance to aid me in creating the work I was destined to! If you’re a creative, you need this book! It will change your perspective and give you the boost you need to be intentional and purposeful about your art!
June 2, 2019
I absolutely loved this book and how it is compiled together to lead the reader in faith through their creative mind! It is such an awesome read for any content creators out there who are believers and who want to fulfill their purpose in Christ as they share their passion! Im stoked to have received this book complimentary through Alabaster's Influencer Program. I will definitely read again and share!
February 6, 2021
What a lovely book full of so many lovely reflections on what it is to create as an image bearer of the ultimate creator. This book took my breath away several times while reading — and not just with its words, but with its stunning art as well. This guide is both inspiring and tangible; presenting the loftiest ideals of creativity as it was designed for humans to experience while still making those ideals come alive for the most imperfect and frustrated creatives among us. Highly recommend!
January 21, 2024
This was a cute book written for creatives and ties creative ideas to biblical teachings. They wrote the book for “creatives” but in the book say creative shouldn’t be an identity but they seem to write the book as if it is an identity. I liked some of the ideas overall, and it was a quick read with stunning pictures throughout which really helped with the calm and reflective feel of the content.
April 12, 2020
A brief, captivating book that couples timeless truths for Christian creatives with stunning photography. The perfect Easter read since it is all about the act of art being devoted resurrection again and again and again. (Hooray for friends that lead cool lives and kindly give you a discount on books as lovely as this one! What an absolute blessing.)
May 21, 2020
Everything about this book is stunning and beautiful. It is about the intersection between faith and creativity. It is beautifully and thoughtfully written. It is uplifting and inspirational.
I loved this line "Creatives rearrange the materials of the Earth to tell old stories in fresh ways. In Christianity, it is our creative peoples that keep a finger on the pulse of the Spirit."
I loved this line "Creatives rearrange the materials of the Earth to tell old stories in fresh ways. In Christianity, it is our creative peoples that keep a finger on the pulse of the Spirit."
May 25, 2020
A gorgeous booklet with stunning layout and photography. The sections were repetitive as a collective work, still thoughtful and helpful as individual meditations. I did find myself pushing back on some of the ways of thinking about faith and art, but was thankful for the reflections on scripture which caused me to examine my art in a light I don’t usually stop to consider.
March 3, 2025
Such a good encouragement to any creative! There are so many ways that life can dull our creative tools and this book is like a ceremonial knife sharpening kit. If you take time to breathe in the words of this book you will definitely come out the other side more inspired and clear headed to create.
June 19, 2025
A thought provoking meditation on Christian’s role as creators. I loved how much it emphasized that because we are made in the image of God and God’s first recorded act is creating, there is value in simply making. The creative process can be the end itself, not simply the means. I would recommend reading it slowly even thought it can be tempting to fly through it.
May 28, 2019
I just received this book via pdf and already cannot put it down. It is so relatable and such an easy read. If you are look for a book to read this summer, this is a must have! I cannot wait to pick up a hard copy!
Elizabeth Spindler
Elizabeth Spindler
May 29, 2019
All That is Made is definitely my new favorite book from Alabaster. more than just doing a book from
the bible, which are amazing, it really breaks down the thought process most Creatives have. Whether you are a creative or not this book will definitely challenge you to think outside the box.
the bible, which are amazing, it really breaks down the thought process most Creatives have. Whether you are a creative or not this book will definitely challenge you to think outside the box.
March 12, 2020
A friend gave this to me at a time where I was struggling to find confidence in my identity as a creative and it felt like the answer to a prayer. It both encouraged and challenged me. Definitely recommend it!
November 9, 2020
I enjoyed the first section of this book the most, with the prayers. Its a short read, and even if you don't get something out of all of it, there were passages I found thought provoking and useful in my life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews