April 20, 2011

Handmade Books and Journal

I haven't made books for ages. Too busy with other things as you can see! Handmade books are good for gifts. They take less time to make than quilting or gifts that involve stitching. Some handmade books do have stitching on them, but not as much as quilting. My book binding sessions I started at my work are still going strong. We are now into our third year. The members are now into stitching as well. Our joke is that we are supposed to be a book binding group, but most of the time we are stitching! That's okay as long as we create something. 
I made these books to take with me on my trip to Japan as gifts. One of them is my journal and the other two are for gifts. 


The reason I started making books is because there was so much wasted paper at the library where I work. Until today I'm still using recycled papers to make my books. The covers for the top two books came from scrap Japanese paper given to my friends. She passed it on to me. They were only small pieces and I joined them together as covers. The cover of the bottom one came from an old folder someone found at the back of the State Library of Victoria. I cut it up and only used part of it for this book. 


This is a handmade journal given to me by Herm (no blog) from Oregon. Herm made it for me to use on my trip to Japan. Herm also gave me the blue fabric and the acid-free and photo-safe glue. I'm so lucky to receive such treasures. Thanks so much Herm you are so generous. I love the journal so much I have decided to take an online workshop on journal making after I return from Japan.

Happy Easter everyone. Hope Easter bunny brings you plenty of chocolate eggs! We are spending Easter with DS and his family. Can hardly wait to see my grandchildren!
  

19 comments:

Suedio said...

Nat, your books are beautiful. And I love that you are using recycled materials. Well done!

Regards, Sue

Joe Madl said...

oh nat! your books are lovely! being a bookbinder myself, it's always fun to see others mucking about in the art as well! i don't get to bind as much as i'd like to anymore...but something has to give when your interests take new turns, eh?

enjoy your easter and your trip to japan!!

な旅行の迅速帰国を持っている

deanna7trees said...

i always love the stitching on the bound books. yours are beautiful. hope to learn to do that some day.

Bev C said...

Hello Nat,

What beautiful books, especially using re-cycled items. Herms items are stunning to.
Happy Easter to you Nat, enjoy your family time.
happy days.
Bev.xoxo

Janet said...

How absolutely beautiful Nat! You coulsd sell these if you wanted to, I'd line up for one. They are special and unique. The one Herm made is really lovely too. Happy Easter!

Needled Mom said...

Those are such gorgeous, Nat, and will make such lovely gifts. Herm did such a wonderful job on your journal too. It's a shame she doesn't have a blog!!!

I can imagine how excited you are to spend time with the grandchildren. Have a wonderful visit.

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Oh, dear Nat I don't know how you fit in everything that you do...the books are wonderful!!! Happy Happy Easter my Friend...enjoy your beautiful Grandchildren and I hope you get to have lots and lots of chocolate...love Dzintra

Nedra said...

Have a wonderful time with those grandbabies. And Happy Easter.
Your books will be a treasured gift for your trip to Japan.

Hoola Tallulah said...

They are so wonderful and what a sweet treat from herm :)

Lis Harwood said...

A very happy Easter to you too Nat, have a great time. Love those journals, you are so multi-talented!

Queen of the Tea Cosies said...

Nat! They are BEAUTIFUL. And the perfect gift. Did I miss something? You are off to Japan?
Loani

Terry said...

Well now I know where you've been. The books are lovely. A true gift from the heart as always.

Enjoy your GCs mine were with us for the past 2 weeks. Very busy and wonderful as always.

Happy Easter. Enjoy whatever treats the bunny brings.

Betty said...

They look beautiful. Could you one day share a post on how you make them? I would love to learn how to.

Mescrap said...

Beautiful !! Love the texture appeared on the book.

Jacky said...

Love your gift from Herm...beautiful journal and that fabric is gorgeous.
Your journals for your trip look great all stacked. Lovely gift ideas.

Have a happy Easter with your family.

Jacky xox

Sue-Anne said...

I love your handmade journals Nat. They look fantastic!!!

ParisMaddy said...

Beautiful books, wonderful friends who send scrumptious fabrics, and my best wishes for a truly wonderful journey to Japan.

Happy Easter with your loves.

Els said...

What wonderful books Nat ! Lots to write when you are taking your trip with Glennis (Hope you'll have time for that too ;-) !!!)

Kitiya Palaskas said...

The books are really awesome Mum! Glad you had a fun Easter. x

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