I've always loved the various styles of the 18th century. And it's lovely to see so many of my fellow Etsy sellers who share this appreciation. My latest journal was inspired by the decadence of the 18th century, with this wonderful paper-backed fabric which evokes the feeling of 18th century dress fabric. It goes perfectly with the dark green book cloth, which I've used on the spine and the corners of the book.
The finishing touch to the book is a cabochon, in a bronze, antique-effect setting. Inserted into this is an image, based on a painting by Fragonard ('The Love Letter'), which depicts a lady in full magnificent 18th century attire, glancing furtively over her shoulder as she reads a love letter. It's my first attempt at cabochons - quite pleased with the results, but as is often the case, next time I'll do things differently. Any hardened cabochon-users out there? Please do let me know if you have any advice you'd be happy to share.
The matching slipcase is covered in the dark green book cloth used on the spine and corners of the book, whilst internally, the slipcase is lined with green and gold patterned paper.
And so there is my personal homage to 18th century style. New designs will be posted soon, including Autumn and Halloween-inspired books. Watch this space!
Back from summer holidays, feeling refreshed and raring to go, having been inspired by a fabulous week checking out the delights of the Kent coast – my first ever visit. Weather wasn’t brilliant, so spent much of the time sitting in cosy cafes with steamed-up windows, sipping lattes and people-watching, in between investigating all the fabulous boutiques, selling wonderful handmade goodies. Special mention must go to the boutiques along Harbour Street in Whitstable, including Frank (where I saw the wonderful work of Abigail Brown in the flesh!) and She Sells, and also the Margate Old Town, including Blackbird. Also fond memories of lunches in the Belgian cafe in Ramsgate, wonderful seafood at Wee Willie Winkles on the sea front at Whitstable; exploring the beautiful city of Canterbury; and snug evenings sat in our rented cottage in Fordwich – loving the exposed brick detail and original floorboards.
August has arrived, and with it, the school holidays, stretching out like a never-ending road before me. There's nothing like the challenge of trying to keep a six year old entertained for five weeks, when you have little money, no transport and the weather is awful. Started off with the best of intentions this morning by walking to the swimming pool (in the pouring rain), setting off early in the hope that the pool would be quiet (it wasn't), but after about an hour of trying to get my daughter to swim rather than just splash about noisily, I'd had enough, and it was time to trudge back in the rain again. I was so hacked off that I had to treat myself to a Cadbury's Dairy Milk from the vending machine (why do leisure centres always have such unhealthy food?). But I figured I'd burnt most of those calories off during my swim anyway. At least I managed to get my latest journal finished, covered in this fabulous fabric depicting dainty ladies' shoes and handbags, complete with charm feature.
Spent a wonderful day on Friday in Chorlton perusing the aisles of Leon's Fabric Superstore, like a kid in a sweetshop. The weather was also fabulous - unlike today, which has seen a constant downpour of rain. After spending about an hour in this wonderful Aladdin's Cave of a shop, it dawned on me that I was going to have to make a purchase, but the choice of fabric was just breathtaking. Eventually settled on two beautiful lengths of fabric, which have provided inspiration for my next bookbinding projects. Watch this space!
