Happy Thursday to everyone! Besides the rain-on, rain-off weather we’ve been having lately, things are pretty lovely here in the Tuscan hills. I’m happy to hear the birds chirping, see the wildflowers popping up and feel the warmth of the sun getting stronger by the day. Although I was thoroughly annoyed taking photos today, given the sun kept disappearing – or I guess it’s the clouds blocking the way – I had a productive studio day and feeling completely satisfied and happy. Yay!
I’m also looking forward to the summertime because I signed up for a class with Claudine Hellmuth. Super exciting! Thank goodness for online classes, because I live in the boonies and wouldn’t have exposure to workshops otherwise. You should check it out at Big Picture Scrapbooking and also visit Claudine’s website to learn more about her. I love Claudine’s illustration style and collage work, so super happy to join her for the summer 
I’m certain it’ll be fun times crafting along with her and other folks in the class.
To update on my creative workspace, let me share a bunch of photos…things I’ve been working on…mainly bookbinding! I had to clean up my desk a bit first, or at least shove stuff around because it was full of random bits and bobs. I also got snail mail today and my copy of Somerset Studio finally arrived. I was a bit sad that the corner had water damage from it’s long voyage – darn the rain! But of course I’m anxious to dig into the magazine tonight when I snuggle up in bed. I also got my prize from winning the Italy on Sunday challenge and I must say this is the fastest mail shipment I’ve ever received. Probably helps that they are in Italy as well, instead of mail from across the ocean! Grazie grazie! I got a lovely handmade notebook and a booklet of rub ons. Will be playing with those for sure!
This week I made a journal as a gift for friend…which led to making another one because I was on a roll and had all the materials lying around already.
So this afternoon, I just decided to continue with the bookmaking momentum and created three more with more signatures and thicker paper. I decided on three to experiment with binding techniques. I certainly don’t need these journals, but it’s just fun to make them. Also because I have leather lying around and this is how I use it up sans sewing machine. The first brown journal has the signatures tied into the cover, easy peasy! I’m not sure if there’s an official name for this kind of binding because it’s kindergarten simple.
I have to say thank goodness for bone folders, because otherwise I wouldn’t be able to fold all the paper without wearing myself out! This first simple journal has a classic look, with the linen string showing in the binding. I should probably say thank goodness for my awl as well to pre-punch all the holes. Even though I’m starting to wonder if I should get a drill for the purpose, will be better for my hand I’m sure!
The second journal I made has a slightly lighter-weight leather, so I decided to sew all the signatures in, while wrapping around the cover spine. It gives it a more decorative look and makes the journal very flexible. I followed along Karin’s bookbinding tutorial – thanks! I should note this is where an injury must be noted…poked my poor finger with the giant tapestry needle – ouch!
For the third one, I wanted to follow Teesha Moore’s directions on how to make a journal because it has such a pretty binding with the option of beads and dangly things! However, I had to go back and fold more paper to make 6 total signatures and redo my little hole punching template. As you can see, I confused myself several times…eek!
This last journal took a lot more effort, not because it’s hard to understand the method, but just tougher to work with the super thick leather I had and also adding the beading while making sure the string was tight got tricky. In the end, I was super happy to finish the binding and admire my handmade effort! I will have to add embellishments to all three journals to finish up as well as think about the closure…but I’m satisfied. It’s great how creating something just makes you feel good at the end of the day.
Thanks for checking out my creative space today and following along my random ramblings. You can see more creative spaces on Kootoyoo as well. Until tomorrow…ciao ciao!
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22 Comments
Wow, your notebooks look very nice.
Thank you for your nice visit
thanks for checking out my notebooks
beautiful journals you made and no wonder you love leather:)
thanks! yeah, it’s weird how I love the smell of leather now…
The beads are a nice touch. Ahh, I want to visit Tuscany someday…
Thanks -I just had the beads lying around…thought it would be cool to add them in. You should definitely visit – let me know if you are ever in the area
Hi Linda,
You will l-o-v-e that Somerset Studio magazine. It sold out in a couple of days at our local suburban town in Texas. And I love it, it’s truly delish and inspiring.
Will you be selling your journals? they look great. I only found a tiny one (2×2) in your etsy store.
Hasta la vista,
Carmen
Hi Carmen – Oh my! I have a subscription to Somerset because we don’t really have local carriers here… but yes – I love it already! I was looking through and realized I need more time to explore and there are so links to artists’ blogs…oh joy! Talk about inspiration.
How lovely you are thinking of purchasing one of my journals! I am so honored
I will finish these up and list them on my Etsy…hopefully by the weekend – wish me luck! If you want something custom though, just let me know!
Your journals are really gorgeous, Linda! There is something so special about a hand-bound journal. I’m sure your friend will adore her gift!
Thanks for stopping by my blog, you’re welcome any time!
Ciao,
Belinda
Thanks so much, Belinda! I agree that hand-bound makes such a difference…also because it’s easier to make something custom…just the way you want it in this way. Your blog is lovely and thanks for stopping by my creative space, too!
Hi Linda,
Love seeing you books and all your different bindings. They are fun and inspiring. How exciting about Claudine’s class!
Leah
Hi Leah! I definitely had fun making them, thanks for checking ‘em out and I’m super pumped for Claudine’s class..woohoo for summertime crafting
wow, wow, wow Linda! You did a whole lot of book binding, and they all look really great! So glad you found my tutorials helpful, but sorry you stuck your finger
Enjoy your fabulous journals! Karin
Hi Karin! It’s so wonderful of you to post tutorials so thank you thank you soooo much! No issues on my finger…it happens
I’m super happy making journals either way, something about turning regular flat stuff suddenly into a book-form…wow! Thanks for stopping by and commenting, I really appreciate it!
Linda,
these journals are beautiful, i love how the bindings were all different.
I will be interested to hear how your class is i keep toying with the idea of taking an oneline class.
kt
Oh thank you so much! I’m definitely having fun exploring different binding techniques…testing the waters and really feeling what the differences are. About online classes, I think it’s a great invention for those of us who can’t get to a workshop. I’m sure in person is a totally different experience and being “there” sort of forces you to get into it…but if you can’t have it, the next best thing is online. There’s videos, lessons, online interaction. There are a lot of different classes and teachers, so you do have to find what works for you. More structure, less structure, topics, etc. You can check out some comments here regarding various instructors http://garyreef.ning.com/group/onlineartcourses
Dearest linda, your journals are so gorgeous! I love them and im sure your lovely friend is gonna be sooo thrilled! I also like reading Somerset Studio ~ very inspirational! Have a lovely merry happy weekend and love to you!
Hi Jacqueline! Thanks so much for checking out my journals…I hope my friend can use one…I sent her the purple one up top as a thank you
Hope you have a wonderful week and weekend 
The journals look wonderful! The extra effort on the last one was worth it … really gorgeous!
Thanks so much…I do like those extra bead decorations…pretty cool!
Linda,
It’s wonderful to get creative isn’t it! Just because you love making things. (I am the same-I hope to offer a giveaway soon)
I love your journals, they feel so luxurious, and I also love the beads. There is this sense of shamanism in there.
I have a similiar diary made in this way, that I ordered last year for this year and it is truly delightful.
I love craftsmanship, and buying creations made by others.
I have a post in my blog about this planner:
http://expressiveworld.com/a-planner-worth-of-a-mention/
Feel free to have a look.
I added you to my blogroll as I know I’ll continue to come back – i always do anyway.
Have a delightful day!
Hi Ana! Definitely, it’s great to get into those creative burst modes…you just keep going! Thanks for checking out my journals…I have leather around so I want to use them. Making them into journals seems so old world lovely to me…so fitting for something that was a living thing after all – you have to treasure it forever
Oo…the beads are interesting because depending on what type you add it does change the style. Will check out your planner, thanks for sharing 
I’m so honored you added me to your blogroll, thank you!