Stretching!

As 2008 was running smack into 2009, I began to think about expanding my brain a little and trying something new. Actually, if I’m honest, the itch to change started back in mid December. It was right in the middle of the holiday season and I was stitching up journals as fast as I could. I was so elated to be reaching so many people and so grateful for the relationships that we were building. Each book sold was special to me, because it meant that someone would be using it for something that was meaningful to them. “It’s what’s on the inside that counts” isn’t just a tag line to me, it’s really the reason I make journals by hand!

Anyway, back to the “expanding my mind” part. As much as I have loved making the kinds of journals I’ve been making, it always felt like I was missing out on something. I had been looking at the hardcover books longingly, wondering if I would be able to make them. Would it be hard to learn? How much more equipment and tools would I need?

So after the Christmas holiday, and when I could take a little break from packaging and running to the post office every day, I set about learning to make hardcover books. I ordered a few tools (with my Christmas money), bought some supplies and began reading all I could find on the internet. I found some wonderful tutorials and websites and got to work. The books you see above are just a few of my first, best efforts. Make sure you check out my Etsy shop to see more!

The paper blocks are hand stitched, the covers are made using thick binders board that feels almost as solid as wood, the cover materials are luxurious suede, beautiful leather, and some fantastic fabric prints. Then all the parts are put together lovingly, and with anticipation of the words, sketches, and stories that will be put into them. After all, It IS what’s on the inside that matters!”

It is my hope that you will be as excited about this new line of journals as I am. I have big plans for future journals, and most of them are already in the works. I’ll be updating the blog as I finish them.

See, sometimes expanding and stretching is a good thing! Happy 2009!