I try to think about what the collection means.

What objects will enhance, but not distract from the books?

For this last collection, The Willow Collection, I wanted something that connected to nature,

but also to the illustrated bookplates.

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With the recent wind storm, and some neighbors pruning their trees in preparation for spring,

there were many branches down.

I decided to use these in my shoot, and added some much needed leaves.

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I’m very pleased with how the photographs turned out.

With each additional photo shoot, I find myself more and more excited to see the results.

I think I’ve finally found a system that works well for showcasing my work,

and still giving the customers as much detail as possible.

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I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed creating them.

I’d love commentary or thoughts on this collection if you have any.

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I’ve been working on this collection for a long while,

and it’s so nice to finally have finished it.

I love bookplates,

and thought that they would be a nice addition to my sketchbooks.

I wanted something that would personalize the book for each artist.

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Nancy Muller is an extremely talented illustrator,

and I was thrilled when she agreed to illustrate some bookplates for me.

I wanted something earthy, and LOVE her animal illustrations.

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The collection is comprised of 25 books,

and there are 5 books available

for each type of illustrated bookplate.

There are birds, a fox, a buck, a bat, and owls.

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Here are a couple of the finished ones:

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Check out www.NancyMuller.com for more of her amazing illustrations!

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I can definitely admit to being antsy for spring.

This has been my first New England winter in a few years,

and it was tough getting used to the cold.

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Today I worked on some more books for the Juniper Collection.

(Some seriously bright thread colors in anticipation of spring!)

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Also, this last weekend Mark and I FINALLY did some more framing.

Our diplomas are up!

So is the rubbing Bobbi and I made

from the plaque in front of The Tree that Own Itself.

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that there’s some new (and very exciting!) work

on Nancy Muller’s blog.

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I’m pumped because I’m always interested in what she’s working on,

but also because I’m currently working

on a collection of books featuring her illustrated bookplates!

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These have been a long time in coming, but they’re almost done!

Get ready to spot them in my shop!

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to check out supplies for To Boldly Fold.

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Leather Shop:

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Button Shop:

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Thread Supply:

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These shops didn’t always have exactly what I was looking for,

but it was great to check out anyways!

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I’m finally back home and back to work

after three weeks in Taiwan and San Francisco visiting family.

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It was a lovely trip involving lots of food and warm weather.

Here’s some images I took to help your think of spring!

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but I wanted to share it here because it seems so fitting for my aesthetic.

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Oh the beauty of computers and books becoming one.

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If only they had it in a 12″ version for my adorable computer.

Or maybe I’ll make my own.

hehe.

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I only had one color of thread.

White.

Easy, simple, and a necessity.

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As time went on,

I started to experiment

with various different binding styles.

I found exposed bindings

to be my favorite.

So, I found myself  in need

of various colors of thread.

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One grew to three.

Three grew to ten.

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Now, my collection has grown

to 33 different colors.

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Oh my.

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on SwissMiss the other day.

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I was instantly floored

and hungry.

But more importantly, was the fact

that I looked at the name of the designer,

and said, “NO WAY!”

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Beverly Hsu is someone that I got to know very well

while we took the same SAT Prep classes together years ago.

We used to sit and doodle while we were supposed to be

“preparing for the most important test of our lives” (HA.)

Instead, I remember talking about art school

and what we really wanted to do.

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I’m so amazed by the work she’s produced,

and excited to see what’s to come.

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Congrats Bev, and keep up the good work!

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a wonderful sewing and fabric store in Whitman, MA.

They’ve been around since 1919,

and have a fantastic assortment of fabrics and supplies.

They even repair sewing machines!

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I needed some new buttons for my books,

and boy did they have a selection.

Racks upon racks of buttons and a bin full of miscellaneous ones!

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The same sign that’s probably been there since they opened.

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Sewing machines in the front window.

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Bucket of buttons!

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My loot!

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Take a look if you’re near by!