Paris Book

I have shown you paper/stitch pages in progress, and the cover for that book, but couldn't reveal it properly because what I was making it as a gift for a special friend. Philippa is going on holiday to Paris in September and I wanted to give her a special journal to capture her thoughts, and hopefully inspire her to write some poetry while she is away. I gave it to her yesterday for her birthday. I was going to be smart, and do this as a slideshow, but it became too complicated to be able to do and share with you today! So this is a very long post of pictures - hoping that you will scroll through and enjoy them.
I made her a birthday/bon voyage card, in keeping with the Paris theme. And inspired, once more, by Ruth Rae.The journal cover front and wrap The spine - the pages were reasonably thick, so I nestled 4 spreads together, and stitched them in as 4 separate signatures. This gives her 64 pages in total. Open front cover - 1st page. The picture is of the apartment where she will be staying. Above left - Moulin Rouge and a clear envelope. I have included a few envelopes for her to insert wee treasures. Below left - the Windmills cafe from the movie "Amelie". She will be staying in Montmartre.Had to include Carrie in Paris (below left) since we are both big fans of "Sex and the City"The page below left because she goes in September. Below right is a vellum page. The below left page was created by printing the image of the eiffel tower onto sheet music fed through my printer. Another vellum sheet on the right. And to finish - space for a glue stick and a couple of fav pens.I have used images from a variety of sources (with special thanks to Katherine for booksale hunting and Sandy for travel guides). Some are attached with stitch and others with gel medium. I really appreciate Mary Ann Moss's talents and sharing on her blog. It was seeing her beautiful work that inspired this project.
I hope Philippa has as much fun using this journal as I had in creating it.

Meeting Deadlines

I love it when a plan comes together.

My paper/stitch book is completed. Full reveal coming on Tuesday.

Charity quilt completed. Was very heavy, so quilting lines are a bit irregular, but I've been told it works. Not my style, but happy to contribute to a good causeIf you want to see my style of quilts, click here, and also check back about Thursday. I will share the 4 quilts I am exhibiting next weekend.

Found this DVD on sale and purchased it at last. Has been on my list for quite a while: Couple of other movie recommendations from this weekend. The first is a story of love : first love, love of ballet, love and loyalty to your home country, but mainly love of family. This is uplifting. And it's based on a true story.

This second movie had love in it too : first love, and the love of roller derby! Directorial debut by Drew Barrymore. Click here to read the review I would have written if I was that articulate! I turned this movie off feeling good. Hope to see you again very soon. Have a good week.

Review of this week

Another busy week. More training at the library, and I got paid for the first time in 4 years!
These in my garden - more promises of spring. The magnolia will be magnificent. First tulip out.And looks like I will have some unusual colours too. So exciting to see - their first year.Charity quilt is completely quilted - only 1/2 the binding left to stitch on. Will share photo when done.

Completed the 4 signatures of my paper/stitch book. These just need to be stitched into this cover. I will be taking photos and showing the entire book next week.

Reading this non-fiction book - a lovely account of the pleasures of reading. It is reminding me of books I have read, books I want to read, and some nice mentions of libraries :-) I have started another list of what to read nextBlog love this week : Awesome slash and burn technique blogged about here by Joanne Thieme Huffman from a class she did with Ruth Rae.

Progress on DJ Pettitt's online class in this blog post

If you are interested in trying Art Journalling, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer has been posting a week of great techniques. First post here

BEAUTIFUL quilting here

Last Saturday of rugby for the boys...hoping the fields are open and the rain holds off! Have yourselves a lovely weekend.