"We are all wanderers on this earth...our hearts are full of wonder, and our souls are deep with dreams." ~ Gypsy proverb

Friday, February 15, 2013

a collection


Lately, reading books has swiftly been replaced by making them instead. It's growing, my little collection of handmade goodness. I'm learning all sorts of wonderful things about papers, 4th century stitches, and how to patina copper for covers. I am enveloped in a romance with deckled edges, dreaming of design possibilities, and have realized a fitting yet dangerous outlet for my paper addiction.



Sewing and I have had a complicated relationship. I've always liked sewing, but I've never been keenly drawn to making clothes, bags, or curtains, (despite my efforts to try). I've written about my mother being a sewer and having loved it so much, but I've always wondered what has been missing to keep me from loving it as she did. Now, I think I know. Paper. I had never known until now the soothing and meditative effects of sewing thread through paper, by hand and by machine. Yes, I believe there are other plans in store for me with sewing :).



On a completely unrelated, random, but delightful note, a white blanket of fat, fluffy flakes fell all afternoon yesterday. My in-laws are flying in today to stay over this long weekend, and I am happy to welcome them with a proper Colorado snowfall. So I'm off to put a roast in the crock pot and to make a steaming cup of green tea...

I haven't had much time to stop and comment as much as I like to, but I will find my way to your spaces soon. I am thinking of you friends and may your weekend bring you peace and delight...

xoxo


24 comments:

  1. Your books are beautiful MJ!!! Enjoy the weekend with family.
    Chey xo

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  2. your collection is growing! that one with the leather (?) spine, wow, looks fabulous.

    i've done a fwe pieces with stitch through paper, but i always used thick paper and i think that gave it less of the meditative effect. lol

    isn't it interesting? - how it's not about the one thing, but finding where the one thing works for us.

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    1. I tried sewing through card stock and yes, I agree, not relaxing at all lol!! I'm happy you like the one with the leather spine (wink).

      xo

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    2. so glad i didn't see this reply, and wink. made it a complete surprise. x

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  3. Oh my goodness they are beautiful. Happy weekend.

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  4. These are simply beautiful MJ -- simply beautiful! It is evident that there is deep passion and talent for you in bookbinding!

    Hugs,
    Claudine

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    1. I have to thank you again for the bookbinding book Claudine!!
      xo

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  5. How cool is it that you MADE them??? You're quite talented and I'm in awe!

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  6. ooooh....your books are positively dribble-worthy....

    and what a noble art, that of bookbinding...*sigh*

    xo

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  7. wow!!! MJ, these are absolutely gorgeous!!!!

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  8. Those are so beautiful. You've found a niche, my dear!!!! Truly gorgeous and your sense of color and combining textures is amazing!

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  9. Wow! That is so amazing!! I feel the same about sewing, it's a bit of an uphill battle and I wish it came naturally. Maybe I should try paper too? Where do you get your supplies/tutorials?

    Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Hello!! Thanks for stopping by and commenting :). For bookbinding I think going to a class to get started is the best way, but You Tube has great tutorials and here is one that I like:

      http://www.youtube.com/user/SeaLemonDIY

      She has a variety of easy lessons you an learn from. Supplies can be found at any local art store, but paper stores are the best for bookbinding materials. Otherwise online is an easy place to search too :). Good luck!
      xo

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  10. MJ, these are incredibly beautiful! It feels so good to find something that fills you with life. I enjoy sewing as well, but am not very good. And my desire for it comes in waves, now herbal remedy making that is my thing. So glad that you have found your "thing". Enjoy that fluffy goodness! xo

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    1. Thanks Mandy! Not sure if it's my thing yet, but so far so good :).
      xo

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  11. These are absolutely gorgeous! It seems you have found your artistic niche, though I suspect you'll continue to branch out from time to time. I hope you'll keep sharing as your collection grows. Enjoy your time with the in-laws!

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  12. These are definitely very adorable books! You are so good with making them. I love it seriously! :)

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  13. you make wonderful books--do you think you'll ever sell them?

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    1. Hi Brittany :), not sure yet. I still feel like I have much to learn, but then again that feeling will probably never end ;).
      xo

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  14. a beautiful collections indeed
    blessings lovely

    love and light

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  15. I am so inspired by these beautiful books! I definitely think you've found your niche.

    xo
    cortnie

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  16. I am a paper junky too.
    My creative journey started with sewing and we were pretty hot and heavy for awhile. The passion started to wain. Scrapbooking started to get too...over bearing. And I found the perfect marriage in media mixed media with paper and fabric, both stitched up. Don't have lots of time to give over to it, but love the process when I do. If you ever want to blog an easy to follow tutorial on book making I'd be all eyes.
    Cheers,
    Leah

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  17. Your pieces are beautiful. Inspiring.

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“Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
~ George Bernard Shaw