Busy as a bee, and that rhymes with P and that stands for pool!

I just couldn't help myself. I thought 'busy as a bee' and then the Music Man lyrics just came out. My grade 13 drama teacher would be SO proud!!

So, Ive been busy. And when I'm busy, I'm happy. I was in a bit of a funk and neglected my studio space where I make my books. It wasn't until I had to work on the order from my Aunt that I went back in there and boy am I glad I did.

She had ordered 5 address books for gifts. For Christmas I had made each of my Dad's sisters one and she liked it so much that she called to thank me and to order 5 more!

When I was waiting for the last one's glue to fully dry so I could unclamp it, I remembered a little phrase I had printed out ages ago but never got around to using. An idea I had before came rushing back and I just had to make the book right then.





I had printed out the phrase "what do you think" for a diary/journal since we all become close enough friends with our journals to tell them what we really think. I used lined pages and a traditional French stitch I learned in my first bookbinding course. I love the window I created in the cover and am SO THANKFUL that my on a whim idea worked out.

While I was photographing the above books, I thought that I was neglecting the very thing that I couldn't live without when making books...my studio space! I started out making books in my living room and the flow of work would be interrupted by having to tidy up so the family could have their dining room back. Ive since moved into the kitchen, where we never eat for some reason and have been creating there ever since!

The drawers I couldn't live without. They sit perpendicular to the table thats always too messy to photograph on its own but is lovely in the way the old glue shimmers in the light and the tool box is the embodiment of strength. How is that for writing when its way too late to do anything but sleep :)



Listening to : the sound of traffic outside

Spring is almost here, I promise

I have returned from my trip longing to make more books and take more photographs. I am currently working on a custom order for 5 address books, and then Im on to a wedding guest book, something that has me both exhilirated and scared. I want to do the Bride right with this book, she is special and Id like the book to be too.



At http://www.bethr99.etsy.com/ I have listed quite a few photographs that I had printed and stored away. I realized that through various peoples reactions, they would make GREAT Mother's Day gifts!! I have included a few as a tastey sample of whats in my store.







Quite a few of the images are 8x12, I just couldn't crop any of the image off! There are a few 4x6 copies as well.




I have recently been introduced to secret Belgian binding, and Ill have to give it a try. Like most stitches, at first glance it looks tough but I have faith I can do it. Ill just have to try :)


I am asking anyone who is reading this to please donate to the Relay for Life Cancer walk this year in honour of a few specific people who have received heartbreaking prognoses this year.