And here it is, my biggest shop update in a very long time! Working quite slowly and in very limited lots has always been my thing. Not only is it a meditative and physically and mentally sustainable way of working for me, I also feel there’s a connection between a thoughtful creative process and value. And by value I don’t simply mean the price I ask for my work, but the value I wish people put on their own thoughts and surroundings. I genuinely think we feel better when the items we surround ourselves with are beautiful items, functional items, items we form a meaningful connection with. A notebook or a journal is after all a tool, so why should we settle for something that’ll do, instead of having something that’ll also feel good and bring joy every time you see it.
When you gift someone a gorgeous book, you’re also telling them you value their thoughts and think they’re not only worth putting down on paper but worth containing in this beautiful book. Which is a lovely sentiment, I think. For some reason it’s easy to think someone else deserves a lovely book, but what about yourself? Have terrible handwriting? Your thoughts are stupid? I don’t care, nor should you. You too deserve a beautiful book that feels great when you use it. I’m about to publish my fourth book and all my notes are still awful, but having a nice notebook to write in just makes me happier than a plain one would. So maybe just skip that stupid self criticism and treat yourself? Add a little kindness to your days, a little reminder that practical things are allowed to bring you pleasure, too.
I’m especially pleased with this latest lot of books – they’re all so unique and special, created with upcycled silk and wool blend fabric from vintage kimonos that for one reason or another were no longer suitable for wear. I only make one book in each design as the fabric comes to me in small pieces and I want to pick unique size, spine and cover combinations for each book I bind. When it’s so easy to make something really one of a kind instead of “well it’s handmade so they’re all a little different from one another”, of course I’m going to put in that little extra effort and make you something no one else will ever have.
Sustainability is also an important factor in these books. I don’t want to simply make more stuff for sale, this world has too much of it already. The gorgeous kimono fabric I use has already had one life as garments, now it’s time for a second one. I also think putting your pen on paper is a good thing for the wellbeing of this planet and yourself. At the very least it keeps you from doing damage elsewhere.
While writing this post I realized, I’ve actually dedicated most of my life to bookbinding. I’ve been binding books for over 20 years now, and I’m only 39. I got my degree of master bookbinder in 2006 and I’ve never stopped wanting to make better books, more beautiful books, more lovable books. And this is where we are now. Pretty amazing books, right? Still, I can’t wait to keep improving things!