Mixtogether
Some time back I signed up for a blog meetup - ‘Mixtogether’ - held by Nichola & Justine (aka the crafty girls behind Mixtape Zine). Sounded good - come up with a crafty gift (the theme this time being Creative Journals), turn up, meet & greet other crafty-bloggy girls, eat & drink yummy stuff. Yay. Only we know how good I am with deadlines, so it’s probably not terribly surprising to you that - with the Mixtogether on today - I was just starting my gift two days ago!
Anyway, long story short (too late!). I got it all done in time with only a few moments of panicky stress and swap anxiety (would it be good enough? would I be laughed out of Amitie in shame?) I’ve been meaning to have a go at some bookbinding for ages (Dermot gave me this book for Christmas - it came in handy). This binding is a Japanese stab binding, with a hinged front cover. I’m pretty happy with the outcome, and I’m pretty sure Nichola liked it too 
Here’s the inside of the journal so you can see the funky end papers (it’s difficult to photograph a book that by design does not lay flat):
And to go with this, I whipped up a pencil roll which is a slightly more grown up version of the crayon and pencil rolls I’ve made before. This kind of just evolved from fabrics I had in stash. It’s a little bit reminiscent of the aesthetic of two of my very favourite bloggers, I think (Tree Fall and Soulemama).
Here’s the inside - Finn helped me to pick out floss colours to match all the coloured pencils (they’re watercolour pencils, in case you’re wondering about the paint brush there in the middle):
And a close up, coz I just can’t get over those little circles! They were fun to stitch while we were watching the Olympic opening ceremony last night:
Despite me feeling less than perfect (random virus #27 (or so) for the year is still hanging about, and I have an ongoing headachy thing), the mixtogether afternoon was lovely. I received a beautifully made portfolio from Jane, but that will have to wait for some morning light before I get photographs. I’m dragging me and my sore head off to bed.
August 09 2008 11:19 pm | Other Craft and Sewing
Missy on 10 Aug 2008 at 3.29 am #
I love love love your pencil roll! Perfectly made, and the coordinating circles are just the cherry on top. Great job!
Marita on 10 Aug 2008 at 8.46 am #
Wow. That is amazing. I am in awe of your talent.
Handmaiden on 10 Aug 2008 at 11.30 am #
Well, it looks fantastic in the photos and so much work. I am sure the lucky girl was overwhelmed
sharon
Christine S on 10 Aug 2008 at 11.56 am #
Just gorgeous, as usual, Melanie!!!
Claire - Matching Pegs on 10 Aug 2008 at 8.39 pm #
Awesome swap gift Melanie.
Hope you are feeling better now.
Nichola on 11 Aug 2008 at 7.01 pm #
I LOVE LOVE LOVE my gift! Thankyou so much. My girls had their greedy little eyes on the pencil roll but i’ve hidden it out of reach :)
Your work is beautiful and soule mama and tree fall are some of my favourite bloggers too!
susannah on 11 Aug 2008 at 9.49 pm #
You did a great job bookbinding by the look of it Melanie! The pencil roll is gorgeous too. LOVE the little circles :-)
CurlyPops on 11 Aug 2008 at 11.19 pm #
Your gift was absolutely beautiful…the journal and the pencil roll were absolutely amazing! The embroidery was the perfect finishing touch.
Kerry on 11 Aug 2008 at 11.32 pm #
Oh my gosh, they are fantastic Melanie.
Kerry
Karin on 12 Aug 2008 at 9.34 am #
What a great pencil roll - and I love how you marked where each pencil was supposed to go.
molly on 12 Aug 2008 at 12.36 pm #
your pencil roll is absolutely beautiful. so many sweet, beautiful details.