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Lately, reading books has swiftly been replaced by making them instead.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

Wanna see?

Around here it's been just absolutely nutty, but in a rich and delicious Nutella kind of way. I've been bookmaking, knitting, shooting, and doodling...wanna see?

First, a polaroid photo journal I made out of Davey board, card stock, and bound together by screw post hinges (drilled holes through the board). I used paper that I have collected previously, pasted them on the pre-cut Davey boards and used photo corners inside to secure the polaroids.

More knitting progress!! It's slow going, but progress is still progress!! This throw is going to be huge, but because the pattern is so soothing and simple, slow is of no consequence.

And more bookbinding, I've been teaching myself the coptic stitch and made a book using the same paper I used for the polaroid journal.

And the images I've been posting lately? All manual baby. Are they perfect? Hell no, but I've never been about posting perfection. I'm learning and currently that's my own personal favorite mode. I'm taking the same Intuitive Lens class Tracey is taking and I can't say enough about it. I dig Thea's teaching style, she is thorough, detailed and her exercises are excellent.

And you know because I am an online class junky, I'm also taking an art class called the Wing Sessions hosted by the talented Melody Ross of Brave Girl's Club. So much changed when I found the Brave Girl's Club. I grew spiritually, creatively, and soulfully, far more than I ever expected to. And because I love everything to do with birds, butterflies, feathers, and flying... and because the Wing sessions are ALL about drawing, doodling, painting, collaging, embroidering, and even jewelry-making everything related to "wings"...well, you understand right?... And guess what, there's still time to join in if you are interested :).

This weekend brings four days off as the kids are out of school today and Monday. There will be embroidering--(yes the girl is embroidering!!), piano lessons for the kids, more photography and doodling, maybe some snowboarding...

Life is good when we create, move and make. I hope you are finding time to do the same....

Wishing you a weekend full....

xoxo

Weekend hues

do you see a face too?

Fox Games by Sandy Skoglund

I am wooed by color, completely. I am enchanted by the hues that have seeped into memory this weekend via optic sponges. The contrast of blues on greens, the fearlessness of red and its ability to change with just a smidge of light, the yellows and browns, and even the black and whites gripped my visual attention, inspiring. The Van Gogh exhibit opened this weekend at the Denver Art Museum, and I have to say it was mind blowing, truly. A Jedi master of color is what he was...

I've also been playing with the polaroid and Impossible Project's latest film. The surprise of color, the wonder of what will surface makes me feel like Charlie opening a chocolate bar...Yes, I am still addicted. And now something new...bookbinding. To read books, to write on inviting white pages, to  hoard collect them, to be obsessed by love them, yes, it's a lifelong affair that never gets old. But now I have taken the relationship a step further and have learned to make them. The craft of stitching them together lovingly, carefully, intentionally, yes, we have reached a new level, books and me :).

So enough about my weekend...how was yours????

Monday love
xoxo

with Amanda...

p.s. Thanks Petra for introducing me to Alex Winston--LOVE HER! Samples in the sidebar :).