Sunday 23 March 2014

LAUNCHING HANDMADE BOOKS!

In 2012 I visited a local Book Art Fair and I was blown away by what I saw.  What's more, I was so excited when I was invited to have a stand at their next event!  After sending examples of my work I was accepted and then it was weeks of preparation.  I had so many ideas and this was my golden opportunity to show what I do.....  this has been a long time dream. 

I met inspiring book artists and loved our shared passion for creating with paper.  This took many forms from tiny bears sewn together out of pages from a book, and amazing dimensional landscapes covered with beautiful lines of handwriting.  I could have admired for hours.  If you want a glimpse of some of the work it is shown on the Artbookart Facebook page a long with some of my own. 

I was so pleased when my friend Pauline said she would come for the day to help me, I am always glad of her company.  Other friends came during the day too and I finally got to meet Patricia.  We met through my 5in5 neme and have enjoyed getting to know each other through blogging.  We share other interests too (such as VW campers and a like for walking) and although we live nearby this was our first time of meeting - but certainly not our last.  I loved Patricia's enthusiasm and excitement for the books she saw and she left the Fair with ideas, a shopping list and she headed straight to a craft shop!

And family came too.  My grand daughters nearly burst with excitement seeing my work displayed, especially as some of the books have been made for them which I borrowed for the occasion.  They were so proud when visitors stopped to look and ask questions.  And they were excited again when they each made a tiny book and asked if they could add it to my stand.  I added a 50p price tag and their faces was an absolute picture when someone bought the books. What a wonderful boost to their confidence...  I may face competition next time!

Anyway, enough words.  Lets have some pictures and a snapshot of my day: 

 
'Launching' myself meant I had to find ways of telling people what I do.  After lots of thought I made bunting and leaflets that folded into a small book.  I also made lots of tiny books for people to sew and decorate, to take away.  This was enjoyed by adults and children and one man wrote on every page about how much he liked my stand and making the book.  He gave it to me to keep and I will...
 
 
Below you can see people busy making mini books on the side table.  And do pause to admire the work on the stand next to mine.  The shoes and doll are all made out of pages from books.  This is work by Karen Apps and it is amazing.


More of my work below. 
I will post about individual books and how I have made them another time. 
 
I am planning to run local classes where people can learn how to make their own book.  If you are interested do let me know so I can keep you informed.   



 As well as making books from scratch I also love upcycling.  I recently found this copy with beautiful illustrated pages and I hoped to finish the book in time to display. But I didn't want to rush it.... making books is a joy and I love to loose myself in this.  But there are only so many books I can keep for my personal use and so I planned to sell this book when finished.  It is one of those books that I would gladly keep, but it's label 'waiting for someone to love me' spoke to my friend Sue.  And though it would be nice to keep the book, I know it is going to be well looked after and appreciated.

 
 My books take many form and sometimes simple is good too. 
The little notebooks below were very popular at Christmas. They sold out first day in a gallery and I had to make more.  The idea is to write down 3 or 5 things each day that you are grateful for.  It is too easy to get caught up in the pressures of life and not to take time to smell the roses.  And right now I am counting my blessings and excited about what comes next.  
 

I realise I have been neglecting my blog a bit lately but it is not because I have lost interest.  No!  My one word for 2014 is CREATE and that is what I have been doing.  Lots of books made, ideas forming, and here I spoke about how I want to create space in my home because that too has been neglected.  Well, I have been busy in all these areas and making huge progress!  My head is popping with ideas of blog posts and I plan to create time to organise myself so that I do this more.  So, thank you for popping by - and watch this space!

17 comments:

  1. Woo-hoooooo! Wonderful, fabulous and brilliant stuff, Sandie! So proud of you! What gorgeous things you make and some great ideas.
    Wish I could've been there!
    Well done - lots more posts please?

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  2. Wow, Sandie, how exciting. Thanks so much for showing us your beautiful work, I just wish I was close enough to attend your classes.
    Joy x x

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  3. It is so awesome and brave that you are getting to live your dream!

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  4. Great post and lots to look forward to!

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  5. Great post Sandie and lots too look forward to!

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  6. Sandie, that is just fantastic! many congratulations on a successful "launch" and very best wishes for lots more interest and sales. I loved looking at these photos

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  7. Many congratulations on your successful launch! I hope it goes from strength to strength - how nice to see so many clustered around your table :).

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  8. Well done Sandie, I've only made a couple of books but love yours especially the ones using the Butterick patterns on the cover. I decluttered all mine a couple of years ago and gave all my old ones to the charity shop, I do regret that now!

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  9. Congratulations on a very successful and encouraging launch. There'll be no stopping you now. xxx

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  10. Well done,Sandie....it sounds like you had a very successful launch.

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  11. Sandie I was so awe inspired by your lovely work, you have such imaginative ideas and I'm very envious as I don't have a clue as to where to start with my own book making. I really enjoyed spending a couple of hours looking around the book fair and it was really nice to meet you. I can't wait for you to do a workshop so that I can get going. Have a great week.
    Patricia x
    PS this is the third comment I've left, the others didn't attach for some reason. Hopefully third time lucky!

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  12. Third time is lucky for me Patricia!! Thank you for your lovely comment and your perseverance. It was lovely meeting you at the Artbookart Fair - so glad that you were inspired and I will let you know as soon as I have a date for my local workshops!

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    1. Oh thank goodness for that. I did post another one about ten minutes ago as it looked like it hadn't gone again. x

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  13. This is my fourth attempt at commenting Sandie. Don't know what's going on in blog land but fingers crossed this time.
    I had such a great time at the book fair and really enjoyed seeing all the various bookie themes that were on show. It was lovely meeting you and I am so awe inspired with your work, you have such talent and I'm very envious that I don't have your imagination to make these fabulous journals. I look forward very much to coming along to one of your workshops, very soon I hope!
    Patricia x

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  14. Congratulations Sandie! I would loved to have been at the fair to see your beautiful books. I love making books but I mostly make for other people. I must make some just for me. The little books with the wire bindings remind me of some books I made using loo roll inners...The ladies at my craft evening loved them!

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  15. Hi sandie, I'm pats sister and I've also got an interest in books of all kinds. I made a Memory Book for some friends at Christmas and have just completed one for another friends 60th Birthday. It takes a lot of time collecting all the various pics and bits for inside but I love it and would certainly love to come to one of your workshops. Please let me know when and where. It's lovely learning new ways of crafting and your books look so lovely.
    Barbara xxx

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  16. How exciting. You go girl! It sounds like a wonderful endeavor - best of luck to you.

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