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Hi Reader,
I’m so glad to be back. It feels like I’ve been away for a long time, but it’s only been a couple of weeks. Andy and I had a great time in Spain with Andy’s mum.
But I have to tell you—I fell in love with our first stop, Lisbon.
I can sum it up in two words: pastries and patterns.
While the delectable pastries satisfied my sweet tooth, the city itself was a feast for the eyes: the black-and-white mosaic pavements, tiled buildings, intricate stone facades, and wrought-iron balconies.
Everywhere I looked, there was another pattern to notice. I came home with hundreds of photographs and what feels like years’ worth of creative inspiration. I want to design bindings, carve stamps inspired by the pavement designs, draw mandalas based on the tiles, and play with repeating patterns in my journal.
I think that’s one of my favorite things about travel. We may leave a place after only a few days, but the things we notice there can keep feeding our creativity long after we’ve come home.
Where do you notice patterns most: when you travel, in nature, in architecture, or in the everyday things around you?
Inside the HBC
Here it is! 👀
Last week we gave you a little hint at October’s Handmade Book Club project, and now I can finally show you what Kerry Engel and I have been working on together.
Painted canvas, embroidery, French knots, and loads of gorgeous texture all come together in this beautiful book. I especially love how the stitching adds so much dimension and personality to the painted covers.
The full tutorial is available in the Handmade Book Club, and we can’t wait to see how members make this one their own.
Want to make this one with us? Join the HBC and get instant access to the full tutorial.
New on the Blog
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What exactly makes a book a book? In this post, we’re exploring the wonderfully open-ended world of artist books — where structure, materials, imagery, and even the way a book is handled can all become part of the artwork.
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Tip of the Week
Let glue get tacky when needed
Some materials are easier to control if the glue has a moment to become slightly tacky before assembly. This can help reduce slipping when positioning pieces.
Book of the Week
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This week's featured book was created by Kathy Johnson. Her book caught our eye with its beautiful botanical details and sweet little slipcase. We love how it has such a light, lovely feel. It makes you want to keep unfolding it to see what comes next! |
Ali's IG Shares
Thought I would share a few from Substack too:
A lovely piece about how to really show up for someone going through a difficult time—with specific, practical offers of care.
A funny and very relatable piece about the things we buy for our imaginary selves—you know, the version of us who journals every day, keeps a perfectly organized planner, and definitely uses all those art supplies.
Is there a Substack you love? Send me a link, and I'll add it to my list.
Warmly,
Ali & the VPD Team
