What a lovely story of your adventure creating books. Your passion for this craft shines through your artistry and creations and I cannot wait to listen to your tips and tricks for making my own books. What a treat. Thank you.
What a wonderful post… I went to your book binding workshop with Beth and it was so great to hear how you figured it out on your own… I’m just happy to fill pages with colour, daily practices, memories or childhood, places I’ve visited, experiments with different art mediums… and would love to add words, stories… but I’m not a great writer.
I have a few leather Peg & Awl journals. They’re scrumptious. The ink sinks in but doesn’t bleed. The paint rests perfectly. They hold up to gluing and stuffing. The binding and leather growing as the ideas and ephemera do. They’re beloved keepsakes. Tasty time soup indeed.
I try to imagine what that basement bindery in Amsterdam must have looked like..... :))) A good blank book?.... first, most important ~ the paper feels good under your pen or pencil... and, that the book can stay reasonably flat/open... I do have a soft spot for watercolor paper... and ~ "onion skin" of all things... Fascinating to me the way ink and watercolors sit on the onion skin, makes me smile. Usually, I am compelled to draw because of something someone tells me, facts, or a story that creates an amusing vision in my head, that I NEED to bring to life. I am hesitant to mark down words for my own keeping, as I worry for them to be read and judged by someone. Though, I am an avid letter writer. But, those are words for others, not myself. I love seeing your early (and late books.) The first "proper" book I ever made was from your Anslem kit. :)
Melody — The bindery was magical! I did return and it still held its wonder!
My step mom just gave me some onion skin stationery that she got when she was a kid. I am looking forward to using it and sending some to my letter-writing friend Katie who also sends words out but doesn't keep journals for herself:)
I wish I had found you when I was writing about making notebooks on my newsletter! But I also love how you have shared about being worried to be known for one thing only. I feel like I'm also a maker of many things (although mostly textile things) and never know what to call myself. I definitely like "Thing Maker" though!
What a lovely story of your adventure creating books. Your passion for this craft shines through your artistry and creations and I cannot wait to listen to your tips and tricks for making my own books. What a treat. Thank you.
Thank you Emma! I look forward to sharing:)
What a wonderful post… I went to your book binding workshop with Beth and it was so great to hear how you figured it out on your own… I’m just happy to fill pages with colour, daily practices, memories or childhood, places I’ve visited, experiments with different art mediums… and would love to add words, stories… but I’m not a great writer.
This is a wonderful space. Thank you.
Just seeing this Char - I don’t think any of us begin anything great! We all start somewhere
So so beautiful. I have never made a single book. But now I feel I must. So good ❤️
Oooh! I hope you do! (I cannot wait to see yours!)
Me too!
I have a few leather Peg & Awl journals. They’re scrumptious. The ink sinks in but doesn’t bleed. The paint rests perfectly. They hold up to gluing and stuffing. The binding and leather growing as the ideas and ephemera do. They’re beloved keepsakes. Tasty time soup indeed.
Oh Andrea I love hearing about your well-used journals! What a treat!
I try to imagine what that basement bindery in Amsterdam must have looked like..... :))) A good blank book?.... first, most important ~ the paper feels good under your pen or pencil... and, that the book can stay reasonably flat/open... I do have a soft spot for watercolor paper... and ~ "onion skin" of all things... Fascinating to me the way ink and watercolors sit on the onion skin, makes me smile. Usually, I am compelled to draw because of something someone tells me, facts, or a story that creates an amusing vision in my head, that I NEED to bring to life. I am hesitant to mark down words for my own keeping, as I worry for them to be read and judged by someone. Though, I am an avid letter writer. But, those are words for others, not myself. I love seeing your early (and late books.) The first "proper" book I ever made was from your Anslem kit. :)
Melody — The bindery was magical! I did return and it still held its wonder!
My step mom just gave me some onion skin stationery that she got when she was a kid. I am looking forward to using it and sending some to my letter-writing friend Katie who also sends words out but doesn't keep journals for herself:)
please do share your review of doodling on the vintage stationary! :))))
I wish I had found you when I was writing about making notebooks on my newsletter! But I also love how you have shared about being worried to be known for one thing only. I feel like I'm also a maker of many things (although mostly textile things) and never know what to call myself. I definitely like "Thing Maker" though!
What satisfaction you must feel, such a gratifying art. Inspirational really.