journals — Blog — ReImagined by Luna by Melissa Oesch

I’m knee deep in leather, thread, paper, and piles of books waiting to be completed. If you’re waiting on a custom or wholesale order, I’m working steadily to catch up on them. I’ll be in touch over the next couple of weeks if you haven’t heard from me already. Then, I will be creating for my last few shows of the year. If you’re in the area, be sure to put them on your calendar. For everyone else, I may do one more web store update in early December if I have the inventory. If you are definitely wanting a Christmas gift from me and cannot make it to a show, let me know so I can add you to the list. I also sell in a variety of shops and galleries. You can check my website to see if there is one near you: www.reimaginedonline.com. Thanks for shopping small and local! We really appreciate it. Next up: Cincinnati Winterfair Covington, KY Nov. 26-28 Columbus Winterfair Columbus, OH Dec. 3-5 Lexington local show Details to come Dec. 11 #handmade #shopsmall #shoplocal #kycrafted #handboundbook #journal #leatherjournal #inprocess #artiststudio #lexingtonky #sharethelex

“To the child who always knew the world contained magic and wonder, beauty and goodness, even when the pain was enough to swallow her whole. To the small young one I used to be, I owe so much to her heart that never gave up hope. She didn’t let the adult me completely cover my heart in concrete, she kept the ancient song that whispers in my bones, alive. When this human world was too painful to be in, she knew that this natural landscape; inside and out, still contained strength, courage, medicine and tenderness. And now I come back to her more and more with each day, full circle; with gratitude beyond measure.” ~ Brigit Anna McNeill Remembering to slow down as the seasons shift to consciously shift with it, to breathe, to acknowledge the medicine of Life, and to be thankful for the strength and awareness it built/is building in me. Do you feel the shifting inside you as the seasons change? What are steps you take to shift with it? Beautiful handcrafted mug: @audrydealmcever Delicious “leaves” candle: @kozykandles #slowmorning #reflect #journal #handbound #handboundjournal #handmade #leatherjournal #writeitdown #writingprompt #journalinspiration #journalideas #handmade #handmadeinky #madeinky #kycrafted #reimagined #reimaginedbyluna

“In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” - George Orwell “Live courageously” is a timely reminder with the full moon in Aries today. Aries is ruled by Mars and offers strong, warrior energy. It’s courageous and must remember to act on principle and not simply impulse. We’re all being given extra help right now to engage our spine and act with courage, letting go of old chapters, old beliefs, old fears, and old ways of being and relating. Step into your courage and open yourself to the new that is waiting for you. #livecourageously #livewithcourage #nofear #georgeorwell #fullmoon #fullmooninaries #aries #mars #handbound #handboundjournal #leather #reclaimed #handmade #kycrafted #madeinky

A beautiful weekend on all levels! Thank you, Nashville, and all those visiting for an incredible @tennesseecraft fall fair. This was definitely a weekend I will never forget. The @tennesseecraft staff and volunteers were so present and helpful. To everyone who showed up, who showed support, and who stop by to tell me about the journal they had gifted or the how well their leather bag was holding up, thank you. It has felt so good to be back to Life, and I’m grateful for each of you that is supporting it in whatever way you can. Second photo courtesy of @tennesseecraft #thankyou #tennesseecraft #centennialpark #nashvilletn #handbound #leatherbooks #leatherbags

This smile is on behalf of the gorgeous weather, being back in Nashville, and enjoying my last outdoor show of the year. Also, my friend @audrydealmcever whose pottery you should check out pulled this one out of me. She is my neighbor at the @tennesseecraft fall fair. We’re out here with many other fabulous artists in front of the Parthenon. I’m in booth i32. We’re open today until 6, tomorrow 10-6, and Sunday 10-4. Come take a stroll and get some treasures and inspiration! #tenneseecraftfair #taça #nashvilletn #nashville #artshows #handbound #leatherjournals #reclaimedleather #centennialpark #parthenon #reimaginedbyluna

First backpack in this shiny marble leather! I’ll have this backpack as well as a tote in the same leather at the @tennesseecraft fall fair this weekend. It’s looking like it will be a beautiful fall weekend, and we will be filling up Centennial Park in front of the Parthenon with artists. It’s Fri. and Sat. 10-6 and Sun. 10-4. I’ll be in booth i32. See you soon, Nashville! #tennesseecraft #nashville #nashville_tn #fallfestival #handmade #leatherbackpack #reclaimedleather #oneofakind #reimaginedbyluna

What an incredible weekend! It was so good being back and seeing everyone. Thank you to everyone who came by for your support and smiles. Big thanks to Elaine and Susan and Jeff and all the @st_james_art_show volunteers who care so much and make this huge show run so smoothly. It would be easy to get lost in a show that big, but they make sure each artist is seen and taken care of. A woman came by as I was loading out and thanked me for being there. I was initially confused because I didn’t recognize her. She said, “I just want to tell every artist thank you. I live in the neighborhood and this was such a sad weekend last year without you all here. Thank you for coming back.” Kim Vaughn, I hope your comedy shows start opening back up, and thank you for letting us know that even our showing up matters. The first photo is my friend, Jason of @ussoapandbody check out his soaps! Next up: this weekend will be the @tennesseecraft fall fair in Nashville. It starts Friday! For now, it’s back to the studio for me. #thankyou #stjamesartfair

It’s only drizzling now at the @st_james_art_show, and the river in my booth went away. Thankfully, nothing was damaged. We’re out here until 5pm today if you were hoping to come by. You can avoid the usual crowds and still enjoy all the great art! I’m at booth #777 on 4th st.

Art shows are certainly an adventure! The past two days at the @st_james_art_show have been amazing. Today, we’re having thunderstorms, and I have a river going through my booth. I’m taking walk-up orders but there is currently too much water to walk into my booth. It may let up this afternoon 🤞 In the meantime, thanks for showing up, Louisville! You’ve been great! #stjamesartfair #louisvilleky #thankyou #rainyday

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." –Emerson Day 2 of @st_james_art_show! Here today until 6 and tomorrow 10-5. I’m in 4th St. in booth #777. Join us if you’re nearby! #stjamesartfair #louisvilleky #oldlouisville #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinesses #havecourage #handbound #leatherjournal #journal #beyourself #emersonquotes

I’ve been working this show for awhile to be able to earn this pin. I’m not sure if this is my 11th or 12th year, but it feels good to be back at the @st_james_art_show . I’m on 4th St. Booth 777, and it’s going to be a beautiful day! #stjamesartfair #leather #reclaimedleather #leatherbags #leatherbookbinding #leatherjournal #handbound #hamdmade #kycrafted #madeinky #louisvilleky

@st_james_art_show starts tomorrow! It felt so good setting up today and seeing so many familiar friendly faces again. It’s obvious that we’re all really excited to be back. Come join us! I’m in my usual place on Fourth St. in booth #777. It’s close to West End Baptist Church near Magnolia and Fourth st. The show is the next 3 days- Friday and Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 10-5. #stjamesartfair #louisvilleky #artfair #handmade #madeinky #kycrafted #leatherjournals #reclaimedleather #togetheragain #kentucky

Morning view: finishing up mini books for @earthfirespiritgallery Next up: @st_james_art_show Louisville, KY October 1-3 Fourth St. Section Booth #777 @tennesseecraft fall fair Nashville, TN October 8-10 Booth I32 #handbound #leatherbooks #journal #mini #minibooks #booknecklace #bookmarks #reclaimedleather #morningviews

Thanks to everyone who braved the rain and mud on Saturday to come by! The show ended up being canceled on Sunday due to flooding and constant rain. If you didn’t get a chance to stop by, I have some work listed at www.reimaginedonline.com. If you don’t see what you are looking for online, message me. Most of my inventory is not online right now since I’m doing so many art shows, but I can send you photos of what I have available. Next up: @st_james_art_show Louisville, KY October 1-3 Fourth St. Section Booth #777 @tennesseecraft fall fair Nashville, TN October 8-10 Booth I32

We’re on top of a mountain in Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, AL. The forecast says rain, but it’s only a little drizzly and foggy so far. There is so much coverage from the trees that we may luck out regardless. The fog makes the green leaves shine. It’s a pretty magical setting. We’re open with @artshuntsville 9-5pm today and 9-4pm tomorrow. #huntsvillealabama #artshuntsville #artfestival #montesanostatepark #handmade #reclaimedleather #handbound #journal #leatherbook #leatherbags

“The difference between a criminal and an outlaw is that while criminals frequently are victims, outlaws never are. Indeed, the first step toward becoming a true outlaw is the refusal to be victimized. All people who live subject to other people's laws are victims. People who break laws out of greed, frustration, or vengeance are victims. People who overturn laws in order to replace them with their own laws are victims. ( I am speaking here of revolutionaries.) We outlaws, however, live beyond the law. We don't merely live beyond the letter of the law-many businessmen, most politicians, and all cops do that-we live beyond the spirit of the law. In a sense, then, we live beyond society… When freedom is outlawed, only outlaws will be free.” -Tom Robbins This was a custom order for @tonydepirate who I met at the @stlrenfest last year. I had so much fun participating, but unfortunately will not be participating this year. My schedule filled up. But I’m wishing each of you well and loads of fun- huzzah!! I will be at Monte Sano Art Festival with @artshuntsville in Alabama this weekend. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone! #pirates #outlaws #tomrobbinsquote #onlyoutlawswillbefree #reclaimedleather #leatherbook #handmade #stlouisrenaissancefaire #montesanoartfestival

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” -Nelson Mandela Come join us at the last day of the KY Crafted show at the Waveland Museum. There are over 50 artists in a sweet, idyllic setting. We’re here until 5pm. @kyartscouncil #kycrafted #wavelandmuseum #lexingtonky #sharethelex #nelsonmandelaquotes #upcycled #journal #handboundbook #nofear

We’re out here with the @kyartscouncil at the Waveland Museum for the Ky Crafted show. We’re open today until 6pm and tomorrow 10-5pm. There is a $5 entry fee and I’m near the entry at booth #10. It’s the perfect weather for it! #kycrafted #kyartscouncil #wavelandmuseum #lexingtonky #sharethelex

“Do not be afraid of spending quality time by yourself. Opt for privacy and solitude. That doesn’t make you antisocial or cause you to reject the rest of the world. But you need to breathe. And you need to be.”~Albert Camus This photo is a throwback to this weekend and taking time to slow down, reflect and record the latest happenings/understandings. I love this leather and how well-worn it’s becoming. I’ve been writing in this one since last December. Fast forward to today and my studio is a mess, my sewing machine is in the shop, and I’m flying around getting what I can ready for the KY Crafted show at the Waveland Museum this weekend. Thankful for both the serene and busy moments…and really great sewing machine repair people (@continentalsewky 🙌). ——————- Next up: Sept. 11-12 (this weekend!) Ky Crafted at the Waveland Museum Lexington, KY Sept. 18-19 Monte Sano Art Festival Huntsville, AL #quotestoliveby #albertcamusquote #reflect #journaling #handboundjournal #handbound #reclaimedleather #takingtime #solitude #kycrafted #sharethelex #lexingtonky #artfestival

What a weekend! To the many very loyal people who have come out to @artinspeedpark year after year, thank you!! My heart is full. Thank you for showing up consistently and making a small show in a small town so well-attended and well-loved. I’m glad our paths crossed, and I’m sad that it was the show’s final year. Thank you all for making the effort to come out and reconnect and show your support at the show one more time. I hope you’ll find me elsewhere in the future. All the best! Special shout-out to the ladies in the first photo, especially Maria for her large collection of journals that are awaiting her MANY adventures!! To Kim and Dave and everyone who helped put the show on, thank you for all the years you invested in it and for making it such a success. I’m glad that we got to know each other a bit, and I appreciate all the heart and sweat and thought that you put into it. Thank you all, and I’ll see you down the road! Next up: Sept. 11-12 Ky Crafted at the Waveland Museum Lexington, KY Sept. 18-19 Monte Sano Art Festival Huntsville, AL #liveart #feedyoursoul #handmadejournals #leatherbags #thankyou #artappreciation