Friendship, Hollander's, and A New Journal

Friday was everything I expected it to be and more. The only thing missing was the treadmill and I kept a date with it on Saturday, so all is well in that department.

It was a beautiful, but very cold and snowy day on Friday. I drove to Nancy's early in the day, but late enough to miss the rush of workers trying to get to work. We went to Ann Arbor and decided to stop at Hollander's first. It was by far my most productive visit yet. For one thing I not only knew what I wanted, but I actually knew the right questions to ask to get help finding things. I bought a variety of book cloth, some bugra and some other handmade cover weight paper; more curved needles; and a variety of light weight waxed linen thread. We then had lunch at Kosmopolitan, a small Korean lunch place right next door in the Kerrytown Shops. I had my usual, the Bop. I chose brown rice, chicken, spinach, broccoli, tomato and mushrooms. It comes with a fried egg on top. Yummy!

We then went to a place whose name I never remember - The Scrap Box - it just popped into my head from space - go figure. I picked up a couple scrap pieces of leather, some paper by the inch, and a handful of fabric samples. It is a really fun place to walk around and get ideas and materials.

Our last stop was a Salvation Army where I found a lovely red handbag (I am planning to use it to make journals) and a handful of hard cover books with interesting covers for repurposing. I've already read two of them and may read the rest before taking them apart.

On the way back to Nancy's house we drove through a blizzard which made me nervous, but we drove right threw it. I did have to brush about 3 inches of snow off my car in order to drive back home, but the roads were fine.

I had the whole weekend to look forward to and all these new supplies. I expected I'd make all kinds of things. On Saturday morning, the daughter called to ask if I'd watch the girls while she went grocery shopping and the son called to use the truck for a couple hours and to ask if his Little Miss 7 could spend the evening with us while he was out with the daughter helping a neighbor celebrate her birthday. When the son arrived the other Little Miss 7 and Little Miss 3 were already here so his Little Miss 7 opted to stay while he took the truck to town. The girls had a lovely time. The daughter returned to pick up her girls, but left her Little Miss 7 to play with her cousin. The two Miss 7s ended up staying the night.

On Sunday I thought I'd get several journals done, but I am just so not into the assembly line type of making books. I thoroughly enjoy the one book at a time experience, so I only have one to show you today. I love how it turned out.

Leather bound with button closure.

My latest favorite stitches called Dos Esquos in Keith A Smith's book.

A better look at the button.

The journal measures 3 1/2" x 4 1/2" and has three signatures of eight folios each. The paper is a heavy weight textured off-white paper that can take a bit of water media and is ideal for sketching. It's size is perfect for me because I carry a very small handbag and it fits in it quite nicely. This journal is available for purchase here.

This morning the hubster and I are making a trip into town to purchase a mattress for the cradle he made when our first grandchild was born. I will be giving it to the son for his new baby girl due in late February. The hubster also has to renew his driving license and we need some salt for the water softener. We will also stop into Toys 'R Us to see the daughter and order a shower gift.

I'm planning to take my SC journal with me today so that while the hubster is waiting in line for his license I can sketch a bit.

I hope to see you tomorrow and have more to share.....

xoxo