I've been asked often "What happens once my hand-bound journal is filled up? Is there a way to refill it?" While there has always been that option, I am officially making it easier than ever.  You can now go to my shop and purchase refill options for either your large or medium leather journal.  If you have another type of journal that I've made that you would like me to refill, please do not hesitate to contact me.  You can also purchase the "rebind text block" option if you would like.  This would be in addition to the refill for your journal.  Let me explain:  The old pages have to be cut out of your journal before I can sew new ones in.  If you don't want to keep these pages or aren't concerned too much with them, this is not something you will want.  However, if you want to keep those old pages and want them sewn so they stay neatly together, I can do that.  You'll want to purchase the refill and the rebind text block option.  As always, let me know if you have any questions.

I was asked to create a custom piece featuring a sea turtle. I had to do a bit of research to do so and discovered some pretty fascinating aspects, especially the way they are shaped. The customer was correct in asserting that the pattern on the back echos a labyrinth. It was fun discovering how intricate I could get while still maintaining a clean, minimalist look.

For those of you who do not yet know, Noteables are journals that are made with roof from the RCA Dome.  I happened upon People for Urban Progress (PUP) a couple of years ago and began learning about this material.  The RCA Dome was an Indianapolis landmark between 1984-2008. Upon demolition ofthis structure, PUP arranged for the salvage of approximately thirteen acres (about 90%) of the roof material.  PUP was already creating other products out of the Dome roof, and I asked if I could try making books.  Since that time, I've created over 500 books in partnership with PUP.  Those pictured below are plain covers with elastic closures.  They are all handbound and have 96 recycled pages in them.  They cost $24, and I will hand-stitch intials for an additional $7.  You can also pick from a variety of thread colors.   These would make great Christmas gifts!  Get your orders in ASAP to make sure it is completed in time.

"The trees in the storm don't try to stand up straight and tall and erect. They allow themselves to bend and be blown with the wind. They understand the power of letting go. Those trees and branches that try too hard to stand up strong and straight are the ones that break. Learn the power of the trees. Let it flow. Let it go. That is the way you are going to make it through the storms."

-from The Legacy of Luna by Julia Butterfly Hill

"Dancing is not rising to your feet painlessly like a whirl of dust blown about by the wind.  Dancing is when you rise above both worlds, tearing your heart to pieces and giving up your soul."  -Rumi

This custom journal was created for a special woman whose twin brother passed five years ago.  She is a dancer and said she feels close to him when she dances.  This book is for memories, daily reflections, and letters to him.  She knew she wanted a dancer on the front as well as a fedora, a tulip leaf, and their names.  As I began making it, I had the sense that her brother wanted her to know that she isn't alone.  I felt like I needed to show them both dancing, to show that he does still dance with her.  What is interesting about this design that you may not know from looking is that both dancers are from the same cloth--just different sides of it.  This also feel significant given that they were twins.  The female dancer adorns a fedora and the back of the journal has a tulip leaf with their names hand-stitched on it. This 10x7 journal has acid-free, recycled pages inside so the writings inside will not yellow over time.  I am honored to have been asked to create this.

Here is a peek at a custom-made wallet that is on its way to Chicago...

This bi-fold was created from black reclaimed leather. The wallet is thin and will fit nicely into a back pocket. It has deep yellow and teal blue circles stitched onto it. There is a sleeve for cash, two pockets for credit cards, and a window pocket for your license. 

 

What involves an owl, a zipper, and multiple pockets...

A custom-made sketchbook case for Studio Spectre!

Have old photos that you want to do something creative with?  One lady had me take her old family photos and turn them into several sketchbooks/photo albums for her.