A Take-Along Journal

I'm going to a health retreat this weekend and I decided that I needed a little journal to bring with me.

Last year at the same retreat I filled many pages of my main journal with musings. This year I want a separate journal for this weekend only.

I started by choosing a hardcover book cover that I'd already stripped for its pages (for other collage projects). I sliced along the spine so that I got three separate pieces. I'll use the spine in another project, but for this one I just need the two covers. 

The inside covers are totally adorable, so I'll be keeping those intact instead of collaging over them. 

Then I picked out some nice Spring-y papers to put into the journal and cut them down to size - just slightly under the size of the cover.

Then I put the pages through my binding machine. I chose a half inch wire coil binding for this little journal. 

The end result is a great little note book that measures 4.5 by 6 inches. It`ll be perfect for jotting down musings, sketches and thoughts while I`m away this weekend.

Coptic Wha....?

When I was researching different methods of bookbinding, I did a double-take when I came across Coptic stitching for binding books. Having taught grade seven for a couple of years (before venturing into high school), I learned a lot about Ancient Egypt. Did you know that Coptic Egyptian is a language that goes back hundreds of years? Coptic is also a type of bookbinding stitch.

After some research and a couple of videos, I am now the Coptic Master. I definitely don't speak Coptic Egyptian, but I can sew a great Coptic stitch!

Check out what  I  did tonight! In particular, I'm not only proud of my Coptic Artistry, but of my great cover designs. Totally unique and definitely one-of-a-kind!

Psssst! They'll be for sale at A Real Piece of Work on the 19th! Come and get 'em!

Here's my cheesy proud video - I'm so stoked about these journals that I don't even mind showing my face on camera. Now THAT'S excitement!