Hello 2016 ...and a handmade book!

Happy New Year to you all!
Wow! 2015 you have been quite a year. 
Stretching. Challenging. Amazing. Joyful. Liberating. Frustrating. Sad. Expanding. Exciting.... A Blessing.
Life is one incredible roller coaster, and I really wouldn't have it any other way. I open my arms and welcome whatever 2016  may bring.

I hope 2016 treats you well too!

* Business *

*Family*

I suddenly got the urge to make a book on Hogmanay, so that I could it fill with the doodles and ideas that emerge in 2016. I'm out of sketchbooks, and sometimes find them an actual deterrant to being creative (ie can feel too formal and pristine, too big to stick in a pocket or bag ,can't be disguised when out and about !)
So I set to it, to make one before the bells brought in a new year.
The great thing being that when you hand-make a book you get to choose what paper to use for the pages.
I'd saved some wrapping paper that I loved which wrapped a present from my niece.... so that was definitely going in creases, tears and all..along with some graph paper and plenty of blank white cartridge paper as I do want to be able to draw!

I have to apologise for the photos...they are a bit like what my make up has been like for the last 2 weeks (because of the non stop rain), done in the dark and somewhat dodgy!

I had thought about taking apart one of the previous books I'd made and binding some new pages into the fabric cover...however brain wave struck and after rummaging through some drawers I found the sweet sample I'd made last year for the pdf pattern ; Mathilde and Celeste . Matches the wrapping paper perfectly too!

I had to extend the stitched piece by adding on some more linen plus a little bit of foxy fabric too, however the cover was quick to whip up...and once I was binding the pages it felt somewhat nostalgic and good to be returning to bookmaking again.

I'm raring to go and get these pages filled...I'll share some with you soooon! 
Ps. My niece did my nails too! :) xx

Books & Blossom

I've had a lovely and relaxing start to May....how about you?
It began for me on Friday when I hosted a bookmaking workshop with 5 lovely ladies at Starfish Studios. The day passed all too quickly (as they do), when there is sewing, chatting and a little sunshine involved! 

The books samples for the day.

The space where the workshop was held is a functioning craft gallery/shop, and so having a hot iron on the go wouldn't work. Instead I brought a small selection of fabric with interfacing attached, to use for the appliqued book covers. This meant there was less room for individual creativity...however, even with the same fabric choices made (poor yellow fabric never got a look in!) there were still little differences added to make each book personal and unique. 

Some still had a few little finishing touches to add, but aren't they all so lovely?

Thankyou ladies for a gorgeous day :)x

The weekend was spent dodging heavy rain showers, but Monday (May holiday) brought sunshine and a trip to the park......plus a gentle shove to take photos of the blossoms which have been blooming everywhere. I've been reminding myself all month to do this, before the beautiful blooms disappear......

I LOVE to see the blossoms.... every bit worth the streamy eyes, fuzzy head and runny nose they give me :)

This quirky looking explosion totally had me charmed...... no idea what the plant is .... massive bushes with large waxy leaves... if you know what it's called I'd love to hear.

So here's hoping the rest of May continues along the same vein...sunshine, sewing, relaxation and savouring the bounties. Hugs to you all xx  

*ps. Just a wee reminder that tomorrow is the last day for the reduced price on my purse kits..... hop along over here if you are interested * Thankyou!!