Etsy Shop for UsefulBooks

FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE Snowy Christmas People like Starbucks Recycled Christmas Gift Bag Journal

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:23:53 -0500

$24.00
Through next Monday, I will upgrade your shipping from Media Mail to First Class or Priority shipping at no additional cost to you.

The cover of this journal is made from a Starbucks Christmas gift bag although no logo remains on this one. The bag has been distressed and sandwiched with Tyvek and plain kraft paper fused together with flexible, high-gloss gel medium. I've stitched around parts of the design for visual interest and all around the outside for extra strength.

The closure is made from waxed irish linen thread and a pretty cream colored vintage button. .

Specs:
- Dimensions: 3-3/4" x 5-1/4"
- Paper: 60 pages (120 front and back) of ivory 120 gsm (@ 80 lb) Italian Velata, 100% cotton; 14 pages of 90 gsm Hahnemuhle Ingres Camel, all hand torn.
- Cover: Recycled kraft paper gift bag layered with Tyvek and kraft paper, fused with acrylic medium
- Closure: button and ribbon
- Construction: Handbound using criss-cross longstitch.

Please read my shop policies for important information about shipping and returns.

FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE TraDition Starbucks Recycled Christmas Gift Bag Journal

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:09:55 -0500

$24.00
NOW THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 21: US customers pay regular shipping rates and receive free upgrade to priority shipping. All packages will go out same or next day.

The cover of this journal is made from an old Starbucks Christmas gift bag. The "tra" of the "tradition" is hiding around the spine and back. The bag has been distressed and sandwiched with Tyvek and plain kraft paper fused together with flexible, high-gloss gel medium. I've stitched around parts of the design for visual interest and all around the outside for extra strength.

The closure is made from a double strand of waxed irish linen thread tied into the back cover as it folds over the front and then wraps around the book at couple of times before twisting over itself to secure the book. The end is finished with a bright read glass cylindrical bead.

This is a great "take it with you" journal. With the resilient and flexible cover material, closure mechanism and back cover extended to fold over and protect the text block, you can throw this in your bag without worrying about it being damaged. It's also highly expandable, so you can alter it with all sorts of mementos and memorabilia and still close it securely.

Specs:
- Dimensions: 4-1/2" x 8-1/2"
- Paper: 60 pages (120 front and back) of ivory 120 gsm (@ 80 lb) Italian Velata, 100% cotton
- Cover: Recycled kraft paper gift bag layered with Tyvek and kraft paper, fused with acrylic medium
- Closure: vintage button and waxed Irish linen thread
- Construction: Handbound using criss-cross longstitch.

Please read my shop policies for important information about shipping and returns.

FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE Oh Christmas Tree Starbucks Recycled Christmas Gift Bag Journal

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:58:47 -0500

$24.00
NOW THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 21: US customers pay regular shipping rates and receive free upgrade to priority shipping. All packages will go out same or next day.

The cover of this journal is made from an old Starbucks Christmas gift bag. The bag has been distressed and sandwiched with Tyvek and plain kraft paper fused together with flexible, high-gloss gel medium. I've stitched around parts of the design for visual interest and all around the outside for extra strength.

The closure is made from a double strand of waxed irish linen thread tied into the front cover which wraps around the book at couple of times before twisting over itself to secure the book. The end is finished with ornament-y beads.

This is a great "take it with you" journal. With the resilient and flexible cover material, closure mechanism and back cover extended to fold over and protect the text block, you can throw this in your bag without worrying about it being damaged. It's also highly expandable, so you can alter it with all sorts of mementos and memorabilia and still close it securely.

Specs:
- Dimensions: 4-3/4" x 8-1/4"
- Paper: 60 pages (120 front and back) of ivory 120 gsm (@ 80 lb) Italian Velata, 100% cotton
- Cover: Recycled kraft paper gift bag layered with Tyvek and kraft paper, fused with acrylic medium
- Closure: vintage button and waxed Irish linen thread
- Construction: Handbound using criss-cross longstitch.

Please read my shop policies for important information about shipping and returns.

FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE Cold Sunshine Snowy Landscape No. 2 Better-than-Leather Art Journal

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:20:42 -0500

$40.00
NOW THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 21: US customers pay regular shipping rates and receive free upgrade to priority shipping. All packages will go out same or next day.

This is admittedly not winter at my house. Winters in north Georgia are beautiful, but come in shades of grays and browns primarily. This is winter as I picture it in Vermont and New Hampshire, where the cold sunshine won't melt the snow like it inevitably does here within a short time after it falls. This is a landscape that cries out for a horse drawn sleigh and hot chocolate.

I started this landscape cover with distressed kraft paper which I painted with layers of varying shades of blue and white acrylic paints and glazes. I textured the wet paint and used washes and inks to accentuate the designs. Rubber stamped text and patterns were added both under and over the paint. The painted paper is fused together with a layer of Tyvek and another layer of distressed kraft paper, which is what you see on the inside cover.

I painted the trees with acrylic paint and machine stitched parts of the stamped designs for interest. I stitched all around the edge of the finished cover for strength and more visual interest. The final touch is a closure made from a vintage button and waxed Irish linen thread.

The end result is a beautiful, strong and flexible journal, like leather only better because it's cruelty free. The back cover folds over the edge of the text block, protecting it from damage in your bag.

Specs:
- Dimensions: 5" x 6-3/4"
- Paper: 60 pages (120 front and back) of ivory 120 gsm (@ 80 lb) Italian Velata, 100% cotton, 10 pages of 90 gsm Hahnemuhle Ingres Camel, all hand torn.
- Cover: Distressed kraft paper painted with acrylic paints and inks and layered with Tyvek for strength
- Closure: vintage button and waxed irish linen thread
- Construction: Handbound using criss-cross longstitch.

Please read my shop policies for important information regarding shipping and returns.

FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE Cold Sunshine Snowy Landscape No. 1 Better-than-Leather Art Journal

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:01:37 -0500

FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE Coffee is Deer to Me Starbucks Recycled Christmas Gift Bag Journal

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:02:55 -0500

$24.00
NOW THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 21: US customers pay regular shipping rates and receive free upgrade to priority shipping. All packages will go out same or next day.

The cover of this journal is made from an old Starbucks Christmas gift bag. It's very tall and skinny (like my lattes) at 10" x 4-1/2". The bag has been distressed and sandwiched with Tyvek and plain kraft paper fused together with flexible, high-gloss gel medium. I've stitched around parts of the design for visual interest and all around the outside for extra strength.

The closure is made from a double strand of waxed irish linen thread tied into the back cover which wraps around an interesting vintage white button sewn onto the edge the front cover as it folds around the text block.

This is a great "take it with you" journal. With the resilient and flexible cover material, closure mechanism and front cover extended to fold over and protect the text block, you can throw this in your bag without worrying about it being damaged. It's also highly expandable, so you can alter it with all sorts of mementos and memorabilia and still close it securely.

Specs:
- Dimensions: 4-1/2" x 10"
- Paper: 60 pages (120 front and back) of ivory 120 gsm (@ 80 lb) Italian Velata, 100% cotton
- Cover: Recycled kraft paper gift bag layered with Tyvek and kraft paper, fused with acrylic medium
- Closure: vintage button and waxed Irish linen thread
- Construction: Handbound using criss-cross longstitch.

Please read my shop policies for important information about shipping and returns.

FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE Merry Coffee Starbucks Recycled Christmas Gift Bag Journal

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:30:33 -0500

$24.00
Through next Monday, I will upgrade your shipping from Media Mail to First Class or Priority shipping at no additional cost to you.

The cover of this journal is made from a Starbucks Christmas gift bag featuring a white tree being decorated by gold-ish birdies on a snowy red background. The bag has been distressed and sandwiched with Tyvek and plain kraft paper fused together with flexible, high-gloss gel medium. I've stitched around parts of the design for visual interest and all around the outside for extra strength.

The closure is made from kelly green ribbon which has been attached to the spine with an old red button and woven through tiny slits cut into the cover.

Specs:
- Dimensions: 5" x 8"
- Paper: 60 pages (120 front and back) of ivory 120 gsm (@ 80 lb) Italian Velata, 100% cotton
- Cover: Recycled kraft paper gift bag layered with Tyvek and kraft paper, fused with acrylic medium
- Closure: button and ribbon
- Construction: Handbound using criss-cross longstitch.

Please read my shop policies for important information about shipping and returns.

FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE Peter Paints the USA Blank Book with custom marbled paper

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 15:21:13 -0500

$35.00
NOW THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 21: US customers pay regular shipping rates and receive free upgrade to priority shipping. All packages will go out same or next day.

This was made from an old children's book entitled Peter Paints the USA. Not only would this big book (8-1/4 x 11) make a perfect sketchbook, it would be an AMAZING visual journal or photo album for a US vacation. The 120 gsm cotton Velata paper used for the pages is strong enough to hold up to any dry medium, some collage work and even light acrylics and watercolor.

The cover is paired with custom marbled paper which I created especially to compliment this great old book. The marbled paper is used for the end papers and signature covers.

See my other journals made from nifty old books here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5243056§ion_id=5210239

Specs:
- Dimensions: 8-1/4" x 11"
- Paper: 36 blank pages (72 front and back) from Ivory 120 gsm (@ 80 lb) Italian Velata, 100% cotton, all hand torn
- Construction: Handbound using double-needle coptic stitch.
- Endpapers and signature cover: Custom, hand-marbled paper
(Italian Velata)
- Features: Front pocket made from cardstock; closure from vintage button and waxed irish linen thread

Please read my shop policies for important information regarding shipping and returns.

FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE Everyday Animals Reinvented Journal with custom marbled paper and found pages

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:21:40 -0500

$30.00
NOW THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 21: US customers pay regular shipping rates and receive free upgrade to priority shipping. All packages will go out same or next day.

This journal is made from a children's reader from the 1930s entitled "Everyday Animals." The cover illustration is filled with animal friends (porcupine, squirrel, chipmunk, bunny and . . . skunk??) having a confab around a venerable old oak. I've included within the text block animal themed "found pages" from old enclopedias, as well as some pages made from ledger, graph, legal pad and primary paper. The end papers and signature covers are made from custom hand marbled paper that I created to go with the cover. The first signature cover forms a pocket made from sturdy card stock to hold notes or mementos. The closure is an ivory-toned vintage button.

Check out my other journals made from nifty old books here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5243056§ion_id=5210239

Specs:
- Dimensions: 5-3/4" x 8"
- Blank Pages: 48 (96 front and back) from ivory, 120 gsm (@ 80 lb) Italian Velata, 100% cotton, hand torn
- Found Pages: 10 animal themed pages from 1950s encyclopediasand 20 from ledger, legal pad, graph and primary paper.
- Construction: Handbound using double-needle coptic stitch.
- Endpapers and signature cover: Custom marbled paper
- Features: Front pocket made from cardstock, vintage button
closure

Please read my shop policies for important information regarding shipping and returns.

FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE Story of God's Love Reinvented Journal with custom marbled paper

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 01:41:49 -0500

$30.00
NOW THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 21: US customers pay regular shipping rates and receive free upgrade to priority shipping. All packages will go out same or next day.

This journal was made from a vintage children's book from the 1930's entitled "The Story of God's Love." I love the little children illustrated on the front. The light color on the front is actually metallic silver. The back cover is also illustrated with a dove, making this a very special book indeed.

The cover is paired with custom marbled paper which I created especially to compliment this great old book. The marbled paper is used for the end papers and signature covers. The first signature cover forms a pocket made from sturdy card stock to hold any mementos you may wish.

See my other journals made from nifty old books here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5243056§ion_id=5210239

Specs:
- Dimensions: 5" x 7-1/2"
- Paper: 118 pages, counting both sides, from Ivory 120 gsm (@ 80 lb) Italian Velata, 100% cotton, all hand torn
- Construction: Handbound using double-needle coptic stitch.
- Endpapers and signature cover: Custom, hand-marbled paper
(Italian Velata)
- Features: Front pocket made from cardstock; closure from vintage button and waxed irish linen thread

Please read my shop policies for important information regarding shipping and returns.

FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE Reinvented Horse Journal with custom marbled paper and found pages

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:56:58 -0500

$30.00
NOW THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 21: US customers pay regular shipping rates and receive free upgrade to priority shipping. All packages will go out same or next day.

This journal is made from an old children's book entitled "Here Comes Kristie". This would make a perfect gift for the horse enthusiast in your life. It's even in festive Christmas colors! I've included horse themed "found pages" from old encylopedias and children's books, as well as some pages made from ledger, graph, legal pad and primary paper.

The end papers and signature covers are made from custom hand marbled paper that I created to go with the cover. The first signature cover forms a pocket made from sturdy card stock to hold notes or mementos. The closure is a bright red vintage button.

Check out my other journals made from nifty old books here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5243056§ion_id=5210239

Specs:
- Dimensions: 5-3/4" x 8"
- Blank Pages: 58 (116 front and back) from ivory, 120 gsm (@ 80 lb) Italian Velata, 100% cotton, hand torn
- Found Pages: 10 horse themed pages from old encyclopedias and children's books and 20 from ledger and primary paper.
- Construction: Handbound using double-needle coptic stitch.
- Endpapers and signature cover: Custom marbled paper
- Features: Front pocket made from cardstock, vintage button
closure

Please read my shop policies for important information regarding shipping and returns.

FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE An Apple for Jack Upcycled Cereal Box Journal

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:45:41 -0500

$18.00
NOW THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 21: US customers pay regular shipping rates and receive free upgrade to priority shipping. All packages will go out same or next day.

Reduce, reuse, recycle with this adorable little journal made from a single serving Apple Jacks cereal box. Yes, this is a book made from potential trash BUT it has been lovingly and somewhat obsessively "beefed up" into a very sturdy little journal. See specs below.

Perfect to toss in your bag for notes and lists or as a gift for a friend who still appreciates the small joys of childhood!

I have to say, I think these are the straight-up CUTEST things I've ever made. They make me so happy! :) However, they were a Bunch O' Work, and I probably won't make more.

Check my shop policies for important information regarding shipping and returns.

Specs:
Dimensions: 2-7/8" x 4-1/8"
Pages: 40 blank pages (80 front and back)made from Ivory 120 gsm (@ 80 lb) Italian Velata, and 24 from graph, legal, ledger and primary paper for interest.
Construction: Handbound with Long stitch, covers reinforced with chip board and lined with fabric. Fabric and double-thickness box spine reinforced with Tyvek for strength. All edges machine stitched for strength and textural interest.
Closure: Coordinating 3/8" ribbon sewn to spine and secured with button ad threaded through cuts in cover. Ties to close.

FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE Science Text Reinvented Journal with custom marbled paper and found pages

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:54:17 -0500

$30.00
NOW THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 21: US customers pay regular shipping rates and receive free upgrade to priority shipping. All packages will go out same or next day.

This journal is made from an old children's textbook entitled "The How and Why Club". I've included science themed "found pages" from encylopedias from the 50s, as well as some pages made from ledger, graph, legal pad and primary paper. The end papers and signature covers are made from custom hand marbled paper that I created to go with the cover. The first signature cover forms a pocket made from sturdy card stock to hold notes or mementos. The closure is a vintage button.

Check out my other journals made from nifty old books here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5243056§ion_id=5210239

Specs:
- Dimensions: 5-1/2" x 8"
- Blank Pages: 58 (116 front and back) from ivory, 120 gsm (@ 80 lb) Italian Velata, 100% cotton, hand torn
- Found Pages: 10 science themed pages from old encyclopedias and 20 from ledger and primary paper.
- Construction: Handbound using double-needle coptic stitch.
- Endpapers and signature cover: Custom marbled paper
- Features: Front pocket made from cardstock, vintage button
closure

Please read my shop policies for important information regarding shipping and returns.

FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE Holiday Storybook Reinvented Journal with custom marbled paper and found pages

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:07:54 -0500

$30.00
NOW THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 21: US customers pay regular shipping rates and receive free upgrade to priority shipping. All packages will go out same or next day.

This journal is made from a festive children's book entitled "Holiday Storybook". The sweet cover has a little boy and girl looking at a book together in perfect sibling harmony -- every mother's Christmas wish! I've included Christmas themed "found pages" from some old books, as well as some pages made from ledger and primary paper. The end papers and signature covers are made from custom hand marbled paper that I created to go with the cover. The first signature cover forms a pocket made from sturdy card stock to hold notes or mementos. The closure is an flowery, wreathy ivory vintage button.

Check out my other journals made from nifty old books here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5243056§ion_id=5210239

Specs:
- Dimensions: 6-1/4" x 8"
- Blank Pages: 48 (96 front and back) from ivory, 120 gsm (@ 80 lb) Italian Velata, 100% cotton, hand torn
- Found Pages: 10 Christmas themed pages from old books and children's books and 20 from ledger and primary paper.
- Construction: Handbound using double-needle coptic stitch.
- Endpapers and signature cover: Custom marbled paper
- Features: Front pocket made from cardstock, vintage button
closure

Please read my shop policies for important information regarding shipping and returns.

FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE True Book of Houses Reinvented Journal with custom marbled paper and found pages

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:10:46 -0500

$30.00
NOW THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 21: US customers pay regular shipping rates and receive free upgrade to priority shipping. All packages will go out same or next day.

This journal was made from an old children's book entitled The True Book of Houses. This would make a great gift for anyone building or remodeling a house or an architect or architecture student. Inside I've included some pages from an architectural graphics book, as well as pages make from ledger and graph paper.

The cover is paired with custom marbled paper which I created for the end papers and signature covers. The first signature cover forms a pocket made from sturdy card stock to hold any mementos you may wish. The closure is a vintage button and waxed irish linen thread.

See my other journals made from nifty old books here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5243056§ion_id=5210239

Specs:
- Dimensions: 6-3/4" x 8-1/2"
- Blank Pages: 58 (116 front and back) pages of Ivory 120 gsm (@ 80 lb) Italian Velata, 100% cotton
- Found pages: 10 from ledger paper; 5 from graph paper, 10 from architectural graphic book
- Construction: Handbound using double-needle coptic stitch.
- Endpapers and signature cover: Custom, hand-marbled paper
- Features: Front pocket made from cardstock, vintage button closure

Please read my shop policies for important information regarding shipping and returns.

FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE Christmas Eve on Lonesome Reinvented Journal with custom marbled paper

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 17:30:19 -0500

$30.00
NOW THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 21: US customers pay regular shipping rates and receive free upgrade to priority shipping. All packages will go out same or next day.

This journal was made from an old book entitled Christmas Eve on Lonesome. I love the homey colors and simple pine cones on the front. I don't think it's lonesome at all. I've filled it with a mix of ivory and camel blank text pages.

The cover is paired with custom marbled paper which I created for the end papers and signature covers. The first signature cover forms a pocket made from sturdy card stock to hold any mementos you may wish. The closure is a vintage button and waxed irish linen thread.

See my other journals made from nifty old books here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5243056§ion_id=5210239

Specs:
- Dimensions: 5" x 7-3/4"
- Blank Pages: 58 (116 front and back) pages of Ivory 120 gsm (@ 80 lb) Italian Velata, 100% cotton; 20 pages of 90 gsm Hahnemuhle Ingres Camel, all hand torn
- Construction: Handbound using double-needle coptic stitch.
- Endpapers and signature cover: Custom, hand-marbled paper
- Features: Front pocket made from cardstock, vintage button closure

Please read my shop policies for important information regarding shipping and returns.

FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE At the Zoo Reinvented Journal with custom marbled paper and found pages

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:18:56 -0500

$30.00
NOW THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 21: US customers pay regular shipping rates and receive free upgrade to priority shipping. All packages will go out same or next day.

This journal is made from a children's phonics book from entitled "At the Zoo." Don't the little drawings on the front make you smile? Of course, I couldn't resist including animal themed "found pages" from old books, as well as some pages made from ledger and primary paper. The end papers and signature covers are made from custom hand marbled paper that I created to go with the cover. The first signature cover forms a pocket made from sturdy card stock to hold notes or mementos. The closure is a red vintage button.

Note that the cover of this book shows some wear, but it has been thoroughly cleaned.

Check out my other journals made from nifty old books here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5243056§ion_id=5210239

Specs:
- Dimensions: 5" x 8-1/4"
- Blank Pages: 58 (116 front and back) from ivory, 120 gsm (@ 80 lb) Italian Velata, 100% cotton, hand torn
- Found Pages: 12 animal themed pages from a 1952 encyclopedia and children's books and 20 from ledger and primary paper.
- Construction: Handbound using double-needle coptic stitch.
- Endpapers and signature cover: Custom paste paper
- Features: Front pocket made from cardstock, vintage button
closure

Please read my shop policies for important information regarding shipping and returns.

FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE 100 Percent Recycled Grocery Bag Upcycled Journal

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:18:50 -0500

$24.00
NOW THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 21: US customers pay regular shipping rates and receive free upgrade to priority shipping. All packages will go out same or next day.

This journal is made from a recycled Whole Foods grocery bag. Using the same technique as my better-than-leather journals, super strong Tyvek is layered between two pieces of the bag and fused together with flexible, high-gloss gel medium, resulting in a very strong and durable cover material.

The closure is made from Irish linen thread, which has been tied into the binding thread and finished with a stone bead. The bead slides to open or secure the book.

The text block includes plain pages made from my beloved Italian Velata, as well as mixed pages from graph, ledger, legal pad and primary paper.

This is a great "take it with you" journal. The cover material is extremely sturdy and tear-resistant. With the closure mechanism and back cover extended to fold over and protect the text block, you can throw this in your bag without worrying about it being damaged. It's also highly expandable, so you can alter it with all sorts of mementos and memorabilia and still close it securely.

Keep in mind that this was made from an actual grocery bag, which was also somewhat distressed to coerse it into cooperating with my processes. It's proud to be handmade!

Specs:
- Dimensions: 4" x 6"
- Paper: 50 pages (100 front and back) hand torn from ivory 120 gsm (@ 80 lb) Italian Velata, 100% cotton; 20 pages taken from graph, legal pad, ledger and primary paper.
- Cover: Distressed paper grocery bag layered with Tyvek for strength
- Closure: stone bead and waxed irish linen thread
- Construction: Handbound using longstitch.

Please read my shop policies for important information regarding shipping and returns.

FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE Oak Remnant Better-than-Leather Art Journal

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:17:27 -0500

$25.00
NOW THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 21: US customers pay regular shipping rates and receive free upgrade to priority shipping. All packages will go out same or next day.

Last winter, I was walking up a friend's driveway when a leaf caught my eye. I picked it up, studied it and was enthralled with the texture and variegation of colors encompassed on this one small relic from the previous season. Of course, it's like any other leaf, nothing special. But it illustrates the beauty that can be found in the mundane things we literally walk over every day.

This cover started with distressed kraft paper stained with white acrylic paint and gesso to accentuate the texture of the paper. It came out looking so much like the bark of a tree that I decided to use it to showcase my treasure leaf. The painted paper is fused together with a layer of Tyvek and another layer of distressed kraft paper, which is what you see on the inside cover. The end result is super strong and flexible, like leather only better because it's cruelty free. The back cover folds over the edge of the text block, protecting it from damage in your bag.

I pressed and glue and glazed the leaf onto the cover so that it has literally become part of the cover material. The border around the leaf is hand stitched with red waxed Irish linen thread. I painted the spine red to add some visual interest and affixed a postage stamp onto the spine for the finishing touch. The closure is made from a vintage whistle button.

Specs:
- Dimensions: 4-1/4" x 7-1/2"
- Paper: 60 pages of Ivory 120 gsm (@ 80 lb) Italian Velata, 100% cotton, hand torn.
- Cover: Distressed kraft paper painted with acrylic paint and gesso and layered with Tyvek for strength, cover embellished with a natural oak leaf found in nature
- Closure: Irish waxed linen thread and vintage button
- Construction: Handbound using criss-cross longstitch.

Please read my shop policies for important information regarding shipping and returns.

FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE Grrrreat Upcycled Cereal Box Journal

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:36:40 -0400

$18.00
NOW THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 21: US customers pay regular shipping rates and receive free upgrade to priority shipping. All packages will go out same or next day.

Reduce, reuse, recycle with this adorable little journal made from a single serving Frosted Flakes cereal box. Yes, this is a book made from potential trash BUT it has been lovingly and somewhat obsessively "beefed up" into a very sturdy little journal. See specs below.

Perfect to toss in your bag for notes and lists or as a gift for a friend who still appreciates the small joys of childhood!

I have to say, I think these are the straight-up CUTEST things I've ever made. They make me so happy! :) However, they were a Bunch O' Work, and I probably won't make more.

Check my shop policies for important information regarding shipping and returns.

Specs:
Dimensions: 2-7/8" x 4-1/8"
Pages: 40 blank pages (80 front and back)made from Ivory 120 gsm (@ 80 lb) Italian Velata, and 24 from graph, legal, ledger and primary paper for interest.
Construction: Handbound with Long stitch, covers reinforced with chip board and lined with fabric. Fabric and double-thickness box spine reinforced with Tyvek for strength. All edges machine stitched for strength and textural interest.
Closure: Coordinating 3/8" ribbon sewn to spine and secured with button ad threaded through cuts in cover. Ties to close.

FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE Red Record Mini-Journal (brought to you by the letter B)

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:19:50 -0400

$18.00
NOW THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER 21: US customers pay regular shipping rates and receive free upgrade to priority shipping. All packages will go out same or next day.

This little journal is made from transparent red 45 rpm records, cut down to two petite 2-3/4" x 4" covers. I love the way the first page shows through both the hole in the record and the clear cover! The front of this features part of the "B" page from a 1950s encyclopedia, and all of the "found" pages in this little book are from that same volume. Baby, brazil, bicycle, bomb, Beethoven and on and on! Lots of fun!

The journal contains about 80 pages (160 front and back), roughly half made from my favorite Italian Velata and half made from ledger paper, graph paper, primary paper, yellow legal pads, graph paper and found pages (see above).

The closure is made from a little flat stone bead and red waxed irish linen thread.

Please read my shop policies for important information about shipping and returns.