bookish

Browsing through old entries reminded me of past projects, items that were created and given away, experiences that became fuzzy over time.  Having a rolling log of these events is conducive to creating more (because you know you have the focus and skill to do so), being more open to adventure (because the results, good or bad, will likely be an entertaining read), and becoming a vigilant recorder (because your readers are counting on you).

It looks like some bookmaking is in my near future, so I decided to compile in one spot photographs of all the books I've made (I don't think I'm missing any...).  I became interested in book arts several years ago when I somehow learned about the craft of non-adhesive bindings.  I've always loved books - particularly the tactile value of them - so I was thrilled to discover they were something I could build myself.  Here's the very first book that resulted, its cover adorned with a hand carved leaf stamp.

As I uncovered more tutorials, instructional books, and supply sources, I learned that a wealth of different book structures were possible.  I graduated to books that utilize pages which are sewn together and are either sewn to their covers or joined with glue.  I started collecting gorgeous tools and materials that now make me happy to just to look at!  Bone folders, awls, needles and thread, wax, book board, text paper, cover paper, PVA, adhesive brushes.  Ahhhhh.

Here are all the photos I could locate of subsequent books, in no particular order.  Which is your favorite?  Is bookbinding a skill that you'd like to learn?

Mexican embroidery inspired wedding guestbook

Nepal journal

Christmas ornament book

Spectrum art journal

Japanese stab binding

Italy Coptic journal

Birthday notebook

Hunter's Words of Wisdom journal

Genealogy Coptic journal

Advice for the Newlyweds Coptic book

Gavin's Words of Wisdom journal

Botanica longstitch journal

Frequent concept book

Metal Heart concept book

Rochester wedding guestbook

Celebrate birthday guestbook

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I am not even going to say what time I got out of bed yesterday. It was a work holiday for me, and I'd been so busy over the traditional weekend that I never stopped to plan out a productive Monday off.

Saturday night, Jesse and I ventured downtown. I'd been hanging out at home during the day and was craving a jaunt to Portland to participate in the nightlife. Well, to be there at night. We caught the end of happy hour at Oba! and snacked on green chile mac & cheese and spicy corn fritters. By the time we were finished, it was nearing the start time for a movie I'd been eyeing at the cozy, hip Living Room Theater. We grabbed some popcorn and a big bowl of olives and watched the Coen Brothers' "A Serious Man." I had only read a brief synopsis about the film on the theater website and we'd seen a somewhat cryptic preview months ago. Jesse and I both loved it. Just go check it out.

On Sunday I had some friends over to eat, drink, chat, and check out what Scentsy products are all about. After my apartment cleared out, I was feeling tremendously lonely all of the sudden, so Clara and I grabbed some pizza and watched the white knuckle season premiere of "24" - which was new for me.

Monday arrived too soon, and before I knew it, Jesse was out the door for the first of his two shifts. I got coffee brewing (on my own - this is rare) and set my mind to not turning on the television. I cooked up some steel cut oats for the first time ever and doctored them up with a bunch of tasty ingredients from the pantry. Maybe way too many tasty ingredients? I jumped in the shower and then dressed in the most comfortable (slovenly?) clothes I could find.

I got to work at my art table, in front of our big window overlooking the pretty, pale trees and a loudly churning creek, for the first time! Nose to the proverbial grindstone, I finally finished up the first of my Pay It Forward books. I won't be posting photographs of any of these books until they are all complete and distributed, but I took a few pictures of my messy workspace. It's a lot more satisfying to have a space covered in scraps of paper and shiny smears of PVA. I have the materials for my next book, and the slightest vague concepts for the other 4. Not to mention various other book and non-book ideas that I only HOPE will be realized.

Jesse brought home a delicious lunch and sweetly said I looked pretty in my slovenly, glue-stained clothes and no-makeup. Not that I believed him, pretty sure he was joking. He turned on the tv, I thought it acceptable to relax and watch Seinfeld for a while. After he left, I dug through Chloe's to-be-bedroom for my sewing machine. I'll be using it at my first sewing class on Saturday, and I wanted to make sure it actually worked. I have an old Singer 603E that I got for free from a very generous lady on Craigslist. I knew it was serviced just before going into storage from several years. Fortunately, it seems to function, but only time will tell.

A non-sequitur note: I need to devote a lot of thought and energy into getting restful sleep. It's been a difficulty for me for years, and I know it will be a blend of several techniques and natural elixirs that help me get there. Tips are welcome. My attempt tonight will be: (a) yoga, (b) hot shower, (c) hot sleepy tea, (d) clean sheets, (e) happy thoughts.

gold leaf

Pictorial Webster's: Inspiration to Completion from John Carrera on Vimeo.

commander

I'm lost but not gone forever. Days have been busy, stuffed with hours of sometimes monotonous work. The train ride home, more hours stuffed with entertaining my stepdaughter-to-be. This is a sometimes difficult adjustment, albeit a rewarding one.

Tomorrow she and I are going to an artists' reception for a new book arts exhibit. My favorite local book artist will be there and I hope she again says, "You look familiar..." Chloe is to keep her pink bubblegum fingers off of the pedestals, the gallery owner says.

One of my bosses is on the phone with his fervent admirer. She states her full name and offers up her birthdate for identification. She sends him packets of tea in the mail, wrapped in brightly colored envelopes with scribbled, cryptic messages. He just asked her "How often do you see your psychiatrist?"

My day was wobbly at its start, but I see an improvement. I'm communicating with an Arizona artist who is making my wedding band. She has good energy, asks pertinent questions, seems as excited as me.

There's a call for art for a "Bridges" exhibit. Due in July. I'll keep thinking about it.

Now off to the Thursday farmers' market. I'll be back soon.