Book Necklaces 50 through 60

 Making these 11 necklaces has been a true joy from creating the miniature books, to choosing the "just right" bead or charm, to assembly with chain length and type- I love it!  Although I have met my threshold for now, there may be more Book Necklaces in the months to come. Take a long luxurious look at them, they don’t mind. I know I don’t need to say it- but if you know of a librarian, a book lover, reader, or cool cat that can talk literature- then this may be an optimal gift to give this season.
Peruse and then choose your Book Necklace, go to: http://www.gofundme.com/4lawj8
The number of the necklace corresponds left to right.

Donate and then send me, the artist, a message with your preference!

Book Necklaces 50, 51, 52, 53, and 54
Book 50 was purchased as a gift, yea
Book 51 is now joyfully going to Salem, MA
Book 52 was also purchased as a gift
Book Necklace 54 is going to Iowa.

Book Necklaces 55, 56 and 57

56 is now happily in transit to Salem, MA

Book Necklace 57 is happily being worn in Beverly, MA

Book Necklaces 58, 59 and 60

Book Necklace 58 is traveling in all it's awesomeness to Ohio

Book Necklace 59 is now going to Iowa.

Book Necklace 60 was purchased as a gift, enjoy!

Where do all the materials come from? EXTRAS (extras for creative reuse) READ ON!

 EXTRAS: Extras for Creative Reuse

Many of you know that this year long project has multiple goals, to increase and give form to my own creativity, to be productive daily in an artistic form, and to use the materials that I have been collecting, gathering and housing for more than 10 years. Yes, 10 years. Where, you might wonder, did these materials come from? In 2004 I was introduced to an amazing non-profit organization named EXCL (extras for creative learning) in Dorchester, MA, currently named EXTRAS (extras for creative reuse) located in Lynn, MA. This organization salvages (pick up in a truck) materials from companies that would ordinarily be placed in a landfill, good clean art materials (if you can expand the definition of what you understand to be an art material – which is what art therapists and art educators are especially good at doing, and perhaps you –even if you are neither). EXTRAS has been incredibly inspiring and each of my handmade books has at least one or more material that came from EXTRAS from over the years. I don’t know if I can express how exciting it is to go to their warehouse and see bins, barrels and stacks of potential art materials! Additionally, the mission to keep useable and often beautiful materials out of the landfill is wonderfully motivating as well. Check out their website and blog below. If you are local consider becoming a member- very inexpensive for a wide variety of materials that change and flow and get replenished. Truly it’s a mixed media artists dream come true.

Blog: http://extrasforcreativelearning.blogspot.com/

Website: http://extrasforcreativereuse.org/about.html

“Extras is a clearinghouse that recovers tons of material from being burned or thrown away and redistributes it for creative educational use. You won’t believe all the amazing supplies and products we have available every time you visit. This isn’t junk, it’s terrific materials of all sorts.”

“Our mission is to stimulate creative learning and help children awaken their creative potential in education and play through the use of reusable, recycled, and surplus material.”

Quotes from EXTRAS website.

 

 

Book 41

 

 

 

 

Book 41

Book 41 was chosen while it was still being created, that's really how special Book 41 is.

Book 41 is on it's way to Providence, RI, where it will continue to be quite special.

 

Book 41: approx. 4 x4x, 50 pages, longstitch with handwaxed thread, hand embroidered felt wrap with wood button.

Papers: artist doodles while at a conference in attachment psychotherapy, 50lb and 80lb blank paper, cover paper is black and white origami paper.

Book 41 was a delight to make, in part because I was with two close friends who are brilliant intellectually and creative and also amazingly caring. Book 41 holds curious doodles that were made while I was in a conference on attachment psychology, so Book 41 has a lovely energy and desire for a healthy connection. Book 41 certainly would like to be held a lot, and carried around daily, hourly perhaps. I’m sad that you reading now cannot choose Book 41, however it’s a joy to know Book 41 is in the world, and who knows, if you are in Providence on a special day, you may see Book 41.  





Book NECKLACES 38 through 49

Miniature Book Necklace 48 and 49
Book 48 has been selected and is thrilled to be traveling to Medfield, MA

Miniature Book Necklace 45, 46 and 47
Book 46 was purchased as a gift, smile
Book 45 and 47 are lovingly being worn by two girls in Ipswich

Miniature Book Necklace 42, 43 and 44
Book Necklace 42 is no longer available
Book 43 was purchased as a gift, enjoy
Book 44 is enthusiastically looking forward to a continued life in Iowa.

Miniature Book Necklace, 38, 39 and 40

 Book Necklace 39 was chosen and is no longer available

Book 40 is now making it's way to Iowa!

Book Necklaces 38 through 49

Yes it’s true miniature book necklaces with special charms and beads for embellishments. Each book is hand folded, sewn and covered. The numbers correspond to each necklace left to right. Each miniature book necklace is $25, contact me with your choice or perhaps choices at http://www.gofundme.com/4lawj8

Book 36 and 37: Woodland Sisters

Book 36 and 37: Woodland Sisters
The Woodland Sisters were chosen by my Mom, one will be going to her best friend, and I hope the other she will save for herself, these Woodland Beauties are now cherishing the Ohio landscape

 

Book 36 and 37: Titled “Woodland Sisters” Each book has 100 pages, a cover created with bark and other natural materials, longstitch, papers include various 80 and 50 lb blank papers, maps, imagery from bees and hives and more.

Woodland Sisters are a very special set of two books, created with bark covers, secured with wood glue and tacky glues, Woodland Sisters are both remarkably resilient and a bit delicate. As you can imagine they live in the woods, adventurous and brilliant, they know about survival and bliss in the wilderness. They have many stories to share, however the Woodland Sisters are excellent listeners and have vast spaces for your own stories and creations.

Woodland Sisters are $55 each individually or $100 for both

Book 25 through 35

 

 

Book 25 Through 35

 

 

Book 25 through 35: Each book is 3 x 12 landscape oriented, at minimum 20 pages in each book, Japanese stitch binding with hand waxed cotton thread

Paper: a wide variety of papers, both artistic and blank, graph, vintage maps, artist made paper from placing dye into bubble solution and blowing bubbles onto the page, art from artist’s sketchbooks, original art by artist, card stock, images of clouds, vellum, envelopes, pages from “The World of Birds”

Book 25 through 35 is a set of 11 books that have the same dimension and binding. They are a stack that could reasonably be exhibited in a home or otherwise, however they do prefer to be written or drawn in. Their long narrow landscape orientation reminded me of old Tibetan texts. As I was creating these books and stacking them for 11 days I felt a connection to time in this 11^th month of November, knowing that I have 11 months to complete this project, but I also got lost in time as I created.  Choosing, stacking, cutting and binding the books became a welcomed rhythm. Looking through Book 25 through 35 can be a joyful meditative practice that may inspire writing or imagery that speaks to what is most meaningful, with the strong Japanese stitch, Book 25 through 35 is ready to hold all that you have to offer it.

Book 25 through 35 is the first $100. book that I have made.

To choose Book 25 through 35 donate at http://www.gofundme.com/4lawj8

and then send me, the artist, a message that you are choosing this Book Set



 



Book 12 &13 (wrapped together) and Book 18 are on EXHIBIT!

 

Book 12 &13 Now on Exhibit at The Gallery at Porter Mills

 

 



 

 

Book 18 Now on Exhibit at The Gallery at Porter Mills

 

 

I am ecstatic to announce that Book 12 & 13 (wrapped together with wool) and Book 18 (all on its own ) were accepted into a juried Small Works show at Porter Mills Gallery. Elated, we are all in a tizzy about how proud we are of Book 12 &13 and Book 18. See the links below for their exhibition dates, and please consider joining us for the Opening of the Show Thursday November 7, 2013 from 6pm-8pm at 95 Rantoul St., Beverly, MA. At the Opening and during the Exhibit you may purchase Book 12 &13 and Book 18 directly from the Gallery.

http://studiosatportermill.blogspot.com/2013/10/3rd-annual-small-works-exhibition.html

https://www.facebook.com/events/157782581097543/



Book 22, 23 and 24

 Book 22
Book 22 has been chosen and is happily on it's way to Medfield, MA

Book 22: approx. 4.5 H x 6W, 50 pages, cover made with paper from “The World of Birds”, hand sewn with waxed linen, bound with waxed linen and found shell

Paper: a wide variety of papers, both artistic and blank, graph, vintage maps, artist made paper from placing dye into bubble solution and blowing bubbles onto the page, card stock, images of clouds, vellum, envelopes, pages from vintage sea observations

Book 22 is certainly for the observer, be it the stars, moon or the sea, or anything really that changes and grows, or decomposes. Book 22 opens flat and generously invites you to write, draw, doodle, or simply makes marks in time to rhythms that you hear. Book 22 is a no-drama book, more on the scientific, creative and a bit sensitive side.

Book 22 is a $25 book.

Choose Book 22 and Donate at: http://www.gofundme.com/4lawj8

 

Book 23

Book 23 was chosen before it could have a photo shoot, yes it’s true.  Book 23 was a lovely 3.5 x4 book with 40 pages and a small rock and hand waxed linen wrap. Book 23 had a variety of pages, some original art by the artist, as well as vintage pages from “The World of Birds”. It was chosen with enthusiasm and now adventures in Portland, Maine.

 

Book 24
Book 24 has been chosen and will be making it's new home in Ipswich, MA

Book 24: precisely 5x7, 50 pages, Japanese stitch binding

Paper: Hokusai and Hiroshige recycled 2008 calendar, variety of 50lb, 80lb and textured white paper

Book 24 contains beautiful images by Hokusai and Hiroshige, in-between these images are blank paper in which you may fill with Japanese inspired imagery, landscapes or daily life activities. Perhaps you have a hankerin’ for some real or imagined calligraphy, if it’s possible to hanker for that….anyway, Book 24 is a solidly bound book with integrity and new found purpose.

Book 24 with it’s 50 pages and Japanese stitching is a $55 book.



Book 18, 19, 20 and 21

Book 18

 

Book 18: 4.5x10, 80 pages, longstitch, button clasp with wool wrap

Paper: 50 lb blank, 80 lb blank, drawings from artist’s sketchbook, original art by artist, mandala and biology/cells coloring pages, papers from x-ray folders

Book 18 is the longest book I’ve made so far and with 80 pages, the longstitch and copper button I feel it’s the most substantial and professional. I would feel good about giving Book 18 as a gift to any number of friends. Hmm I certainly have thought about keeping it for myself, Book 18 politely stated it would not like to stay with me, and prefers to go to someone who is actively sketching or writing imaginative short stories….I wasn’t aware of this…….so if you are writing short imaginative stories, or sketching here and there, Book 18 would like to join you…and hence leave here…..

Book 18 is a $55 book.

Donate and choose Book 18 at:  http://www.gofundme.com/4lawj8

 

 

Book 19

Book 19: approx. 5x30, accordion style, wool wrap with turquoise suede tie

Book 19 is about texture and subtle color and engages spontaneity and inspires unexpected narratives. I think Book 19 would also display beautifully and with curiosity as a piece of Book Art on any wall in the home.

Book 19 is a $25 book.

Donate and choose Book 19 at:  http://www.gofundme.com/4lawj8

 

Book 20

Book 20: approx. 6x5, 28 pages, pamphlet stitch, waxed linen, hand blown glass beads by Roessler in Gloucester, red wool wrap sleeve hand stiched

Paper: 50 lb blank, 80 lb blank, drawings from artist’s sketchbook, decorative, papers from x-ray folders

Book 20 is casual, and does have a little “Day of the Dead” feel to it, the colors and some imagery points to this. I also noticed some pages from my sketchbook that were spontaneously included are from a directive to combine imagery of a duck and a bicycle…..interesting….The cover is made from a tea box, so we have tea, ducks, bicycles, day of the dead, special glass beads and a warm red wool wrap, wish I could throw in a kaleidoscope for even more fun… perhaps I’ll try, Book 20 does mark the project as established (for 20 days at least).

Book 20 is a $25 book, (with kaleidoscope priceless)

Donate and choose Book 20 at:  http://www.gofundme.com/4lawj8



 

 

Book 21

Book 21: approx. 4.5x5, 40 pages, longstitch with waxed linen, woven, felt and cotton wrap with special button

Paper: 50 lb blank, 80 lb blank, drawings from artist’s sketchbook, decorative, vintage maps, graph, lined school, mandala coloring, magazine, illustrated fetus

Book 21 was assembled without constraint and with much care. The papers were cut and combined without much thought; the care came about with the stitching and cover. On the outside Book 21 is very lush. On the inside Book 21 is a bit complicated. “Who would Book 21 be for?” I asked myself. Tough. “When would I have liked to have received Book 21?” I rethought the question. I would have felt ever so grateful to have received Book 21 when I was contemplating the idea of becoming a mother and the whole world of pregnancy. Yes, the person having those thoughts should be lovingly gifted Book 21.

Book 21 is a $55 book.

Donate and choose Book 21 at:  http://www.gofundme.com/4lawj8

 



Book 14, 15, 16 and 17

Book 14

Book 14: approx. 5.5x32, accordion book

Papers: Collage images from mass media, cardstock, felt, wrapped in twine

Book 14 fulfilled my need to collage and to respond to a recent visit to a friend’s house. My friend’s house was filled with beautiful rich deep colors, many candles and sea glass. Book 14 was inspired by this coziness that also was motivating. If you are perhaps looking for imagery to inspire you to create, Book 14 would serve as an excellent backdrop to draw upon. Book 14 would also be the perfect backdrop for beginning a fall to winter sacred space of sorts, a shrine if you will, and in fact comes with a special lotus flower candle….

Book 14 is a $25 book

If you are interested in Book 14, go to http://www.gofundme.com/4lawj8

Book 15
Book 15 is now on it's way to Lynn, MA, enjoy!

Book 15: approx.. 4.5x30, accordion book, special rock, red fabric wrap

Papers: Collage images from mass media, cardstock

Book 15 continued my interest and collage and urges me into awareness that fall will turn to winter. Light begins to lessen and darkness will eventually, beginning almost at 3pm here, take over. Oh but Book 15 sees the cup half full, and has included inspiring images of how winter brings it’s own vibrant light into being. On the back side of Book 15 there is plenty of space to write your own reflections, perhaps inspired by imagery on the other side….

Book 15 is a $25 book

If you are interested in Book 15, go to http://www.gofundme.com/4lawj8

 

  Book 16

Book 16: approx.. 5x5, 80pages, self taught longstitch, snap buttons, fabric cover

Papers: 50 lb blank, 80 lb blank, drawings from artist’s sketchbook, original art by artist

I’m reluctant to present and describe Book 16. But I will. Book 16 is like a sweet stray kitten that I found on the back porch, however sweet and easy it is to have in one’s lap, it may be part monster. It’s a little wild, significantly frayed, unyielding to hold. It’s also my first attempt at what more professional book artists call, “longstitch” in which I fumbled, but eventually felt quite good about. The snaps on Book 16 were an ordeal and required some outside help, however the snaps bring some civility to Book 16 that I think you will enjoy immensely.

Book 16, due to all the new learning, time consumption, and 80 pages, is a $55 book.

Donate and choose Book 16 at:  http://www.gofundme.com/4lawj8

 

Book 17
Book 17 is skipping it's way to a lovely home in Lynn

Book 17:  2.5x4, 24 colorful pages, pamphlet stitch, dragon/ Buddha, bead/charm

Book 17 is a simple happy colorful book. The cover is made from a thank you card that I received. Book 17 would be perfect if you were looking to record what you felt grateful or many thanks for – for 24 days. Perfect for fitting in pockets or small bags, Book 17 can travel anywhere, or stay on your night stand awaiting appreciative thoughts.

Book 17 is a $25 book

Donate and choose Book 17 at:  http://www.gofundme.com/4lawj8

 

 

 

Book 10, 11 12 and 13

Book 10
October 27, 2013 Book 10 was chosen and has moved to Portland, ME

Book 10: 4x6, 25pages, Japanese stitch binding with hand waxed thread, leather cover front and back

Pages: from the “World of Birds”, 50lb blank, wool, felt

Box: approx.. 4.5x8,  handmade from artists previous work, red wool wrap

Ohh Book 10, being Book 10 I guess I had some unconscious hopes that Book 10 would be a “10”. Intended to be a luxurious book, Book 10 is made with a front and back cover of soft brown leather and has a Japanese stitch for binding, along with hand waxed thread I might add. However as I punctured the pages for stitching, they all shifted, which lead to a series of trying to “fix” Book 10. After sewing I tried to realign the pages and ever so slightly trim the ends, which lead to ever more needing to fix- all the while Book 10 protested that it was fine just as it was- is……I listened and took the evening away. When I returned I compassionately stopped trying to fix Book 10 and instead created a comforting box to hold it in, a nested accepting environment. If you ever had someone try to fix you, when you really didn't need any fixing of any sort, and then wished that something else in the environment would change, well then, Book 10 is eager to have a conversation with you.

Mostly due to therapy costs Book 10 is a $55 book.

If you are interested in Book 10, go to http://www.gofundme.com/4lawj8

 

 

 

 

 

Book 11
Book 11 is freely and happily going to Cambridge, MA!

Book 1: 6.5x5.5, 20 pages, pamphlet stitch binding with hand waxed thread, wood bead button

Pages: from the “World of Birds”, 50lb blank and colored, artist’s original artwork

Book 11 is the young yogi apprentice of Book 8. Book 11 looks very similar to Book 8 however is a little more simple and grounded. With the faux fur wrap and wood bead button Book 11 is lovely to hold and with pages from “The World of Birds” and old world imagery, Book 11 is also quite smart. Book 11 hopes to join the Peace Corps and generally wants to volunteer and contribute to the betterment of humanity…. it’s entire life, and travel……really.

Book 11 is a $25, however Book 11 is free to go to any home that truly wants it and that can convince Book 11 that s/he also wants to contribute to the good for all.

If you are interested in Book 11, go to http://www.gofundme.com/4lawj8

And send the artist a message.

 

Book 12 and 13

Book 12 and 13: approx.. 5.5x6, 20 pages each, pamphlet stitch, waxed linen, bound with wool

Pages: from the “World of Birds”, 50lb blank and colored, artist’s original artwork

Book 12 and 13 have requested to be photographed and presented together. Each are made from bird nest imagery from previous artwork by the artist. Book 12 and 13 are twins of a sort, they don’t have to live in the same home, but could. They prefer to stay connected in some way, perhaps you have a best friend and intend to write when you are together- Book 12 and 13 would be ecstatic if this were the case. Or perhaps you have twin children…..or have a friend that recently moved away and want a gift that can keep you together in some way. Book 12 and 13 are perfect for drawing or writing and then-sharing.

Book 12 and 13 as a set are $55

If you are interested in Book 12 and 13 as a set, go to http://www.gofundme.com/4lawj8

 

 

Book 6, 7, 8 and 9

Book 6

Book 6: Approx 2 x 2, cardstock cover, 50lb paper, gold elastic

Book 6 was a reprieve from Book 5, in which I taught myself Japanese stab stitch binding, I feel like I learned the real meaning of those words. To take time to heal, Book 6 was made without the awl nor the needle (my favorite broke while stitching book 5). Book 6 is a little love, and provides you with ample opportunity to write little love messages to others or to yourself. The gold elastic binding holds it all together, a small treasure for sure.  

$25

http://www.gofundme.com/4lawj8

Book 7

Book 7: Approx 8 x 10, felt paper cover, Japanese stitch binding with turquoise waxed linen, 20 pages, cardstock sleeve cover/holder

Papers: brown craft, traditional school lined, 50lb blank, original art by artist, open paper sleeve, cardstock

Book 7 continues my learning of the Japanese stitch binding and has helped to build my confidence. Book 7 stays snug in the sleeve I made for it, with room to contain whatever you may contribute. 20 pages keeps it simple and yet refreshing. Book 7 could easily be exhibited, shared, or kept all for yourself. I like Book 7 very much, if you like Book 7 very much, it is a $25 book.

http://www.gofundme.com/4lawj8

 

Book 8
Book 8 has been chosen and is on it's way to Ipswich, MA, slow and steady

Book 8: Outer cover approx. 5x6, inside pages approx. 4.5x5, 26 pages, hand sewn with waxed linen, includes wool and a one of a kind carved wooden button

Papers: 50lb blank, artist’s original artwork, vellum (clear and colored), found art (found in one of my classes)

Book 8 was made after a long yoga class and a deep sleep. Book 8 is calm, centered and ready to start the day with ginger lemon tea & honey. Book 8 sets the tone for being with, reviewing, contemplating and enjoying life. Book 8 is ideal for recording what is most important, doodling, and finding links between the two. The luxurious faux wool and one of a kind carved button makes Book 8 a $55 book.

http://www.gofundme.com/4lawj8

Book 9

Book 9: Outer cover approx. 5x8, inside pages approx. 4x6, 40 pages, hand sewn with waxed linen, includes wool and three copper buttons

Papers: 50lb blank, artist’s original artwork, vellum (clear and colored), found art (found in one of my classes)

Book 9 is Book 8’s more serious partner. Book 9 studied the psychological and biological aspects of yoga and is most interested in the idea that everything is interconnected. I have once seen Book 9 wearing glasses, upon confronting Book 9, Book 9 says that it’s vision is fine, but it hopes to see with even more clarity. If your quest (or daily goal) is to see more clearly what is and to begin complicated conversations in coffee houses, then Book 9 is for you. Book 9 is rightly a $55 book.

http://www.gofundme.com/4lawj8