Always looking to craft something new, I am never sure what it is that drives me onto a particular path. Out of ‘nowhere’ I recently discovered a new creative passion, hand bound journals. I have always loved the art of writing. And my love of books is well known. I have my own wonderful library full of my favourite reads. I’m afraid I am a book hoarder and like to have that tactile experience, holding the story within it’s coverings in my own hands is far more fulfilling for me. I guess it was only natural that at some point, I would be drawn to the making of my own books! A lover of natural textures (yes all the things we aren’t supposed to love these days; leather, fur, feathers and more) I was destined to craft with the finest hides from our four legged friends. In honouring them and what they provide for us, nothing should ever be wasted.

I learnt very quickly how to bind the beautiful papers with waxed linen thread. Learning about leather was another story, all the different thicknesses and how they would play out with the crafting of the journals. What is my perfect thickness…somewhere around 2-3ml I believe. Creating cutting templates for the different sized journals and exploring the web for beautiful specialty papers. Lost in my own dreams again.

But it doesn’t stop there, being a modern world we have such luscious colours in everything. What to choose? So many pretty waxed threads and leathers. Then of course the paper combinations. Traditional writing parchments, artists cartridge for drawing on, or exotically tea stained to create the old world, worn and weathered look. Such an exciting craft to lose oneself within. And all the while streaming ahead with creative ideas for art portfolios, words within them and secret drawings. I have been totally captured and swept away.

These lost arts are so enriching to the soul. A mesmerizing and joyful experience I have totally fallen in love with.