Thankful Thursday – Ali Manning

Thankful Thursday – Ali Manning

Why am I grateful this #ThankfulThursday to Ali Manning of @vintagepage designs?

Is it a coincidence that I finally developed the #morningpages habit just as I was introduced to the #handmadebookclub?

Just today I wrote the final pages and added another completed journal to this stack of hand-mades from the past year

Fortunately, I have a stash ready to go. Which one would you choose next?

Sewn Boards Book

Sewn Boards Book

I don’t really know why this structure is called Sewn Boards, but I can tell you that a lot of work goes in to it that winds up being covered up.  This is another project with the #HandmadeBookClub, and it was my first experience with using Kraftex.  It was also another opportunity to practice precision – I’d give myself a solid B/B- in matching up the edges.  The stripey paper is a long-ago gift from my dear friend who sees me and my obsessions and aids and abets me regularly.

Adding to the Family

Adding to the Family

I’ve shown this paper before, apparently it’s one of my favorites.  I’d already used it for some drop spine and clamshell boxes, along with a small coptic notebook, but I really like the Secret Belgian Binding too (thanks again, @barizakistudio and @rosspressandbindery).  In case it’s not already obvious, paper is only one of my many stashes – seems like if it is something that comes in a bunch of colors, I need it, in a bunch of colors.

A Handmade Book Club project

A Handmade Book Club project

Here’s a little 2 needle Coptic book made with homemade bookcloth.  I make bookcloth using the Heat N Bond and tissue paper method, and it’s a great way to use up the huge stash of fabric I have and give me more color and pattern options.

This is not my first handmade book, but my first project with the #handmadebookclub.  Ali Manning has put together a great community and I’m looking forward to making it part of my creative practice and creative community.