I've been growing a creative community since the internet dark ages of 2007 when I started my first blog. I now run an online bookbinding community called the Handmade Book Club. It's a subscription site that provides monthly education and connection. As of the end of of 2023, my list is 23k. I'd love to collaborate with other artists and creators.
After 4 Years Covid Got Me
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Hello Reader, do you ever feel like when things are going really well, the universe has a way of bringing you back down to earth with a bump? That happened to me this week. Mikki visited the office last week and we made lots of exciting plans for the Handmade Book Club in 2024. I was back doing YouTube lives after a break during the Fall and I was hoping to end the year strong - we just hit 23,000 subscribers and 1 million video views. Then after 4 years of avoiding getting sick with Covid, down I went. And I haven't been able to move for almost a week :( This is a long winded way of saying that I won't be live on YouTube today. But I'm not abandoning you and have compiled a list of my favorite quick and easy tutorials that you can use to make last minute gifts or fun projects with your kids/grandkids. Holiday GivingDuring this season of abundance, we're giving a portion of our profits to the Dover Children's Home, a non-profit residential treatment program serving some of New Hampshire’s most vulnerable youth and their families. I know that not everyone is in a position to help, but if you’d like to join us, here are two ways:
GIFT CARD HOLIDAY DONATIONS.pdf If gifting is part of your holiday tradition, where are giving to? Hit reply and let us know. Stay healthy my friends, Ali |
Handmade Journals with Ali Manning
I've been growing a creative community since the internet dark ages of 2007 when I started my first blog. I now run an online bookbinding community called the Handmade Book Club. It's a subscription site that provides monthly education and connection. As of the end of of 2023, my list is 23k. I'd love to collaborate with other artists and creators.
Happy February, Reader, While I’m an introvert and rather solitary soul, moments of connection and collaboration are vital to my well-being and help refuel my creativity. I adore connecting online, but nothing beats a hug and being able to look at others' books in person. That’s why I was thrilled to join the Massachusetts chapter of the Handmade Book Club at Indigo Whimsy in Tewkesbury last week. We worked on a collaborative canvas, chatted, hugged, and shared books. A big shout-out to...
Hi Reader, The world has felt particularly turbulent this week. To avoid total overwhelm, I tried to focus on my own tiny sphere of influence by seeking refuge with my family, my friends and my handmade book community. In doing this I was overcome with such a sense of pride in this group of makers and for this safe space we have made together. I'm so thankful to those who stepped forward this week to teach, to facilitate meetings, to answer questions in the Facebook group and create artwork...
Hi Reader, I just had a perfect winter weekend and it only involved wearing a bra for two hours! I caught up with Substack newsletters, drew some Zentangle tiles and watched an old movie. I played with Flo in the snowy garden, watered house plants and cleaned out a drawer. Andy and I went out for dinner then listened to nostalgic music while sipping gin and tonics. I took a hot bath and experimented with air fryer recipes (not at the same time). This type of weekend might sound boring to...