Im a good judge of books. Really. Newberry librarians compliment me. Most of the books I read—and buy—are books that feed you, make you think, give you scope for the imagination and never, ever bore you.

Another thing I look for in a book for my shop is a great-looking spine. Clean, bold lettering; unexpected design details; a book that has something special.

When I group books together, they have something in common. They belong together. With books-by-the-foot, I make sure that all the fonts speak to each other, and that the books' spine colors look remarkable side-by-side. Each set goes through a lengthy metamorphosis to become a group I'm proud to offer. Vintage sets are carefully grouped to make a striking composition. I scour my sources for vintage books that have a special look that resonates with the past and brings it closer. These too are carefully matched and rigorously vetted for a rich, dignified and elegant presence.

I pay close attention to content, because I want to be sure every set makes sense together. A frothy book about Audrey Hepburn doesn't belong next to a military history!

In my workshop, I have shelves of books, vintage and used, that I up-cycle into cards, envelopes, folios, albums and other useful things. Every piece is carefully constructed and as exquisitely made as I can. Above all, I try to make them pretty and if I can, witty. Imagine carrying a notepad in a book cover titled 'Stone Maiden'. Seriously. I love design elements like the stunning engraving on an old postage stamp or the look of an old patterned library book. Who doesn't?

Remember that if you buy vintage books from me that these books have been read and re-read, loved and used. A little wear and tear is to be expected. (If a book has a worn and lovely patina, I don't consider that poor condition — I think it's a bonus!)