Today was my second bookbinding class at the Craft Guild of Dallas. I didn’t tell you about my class last week because all I did was cut paper and I’ll admit cutting paper is my least favorite part of the whole process. Today was my favorite though, sewing. I love to sew and learn new stitching techniques.

Our studio is well-equipped and I’m taking note of a few extra things I need to get for my own studio (I don’t really have a studio – it’s just that my living room has sort of morphed into one). For example, isn’t this book press great? I wish I could get my hands on one of those.

Anyway, for my first project I’m learning how to make a multi-signature hardcover book. I’ve made one before but it’s been a long time ago so I actually feel like I’m learning it for the first time. I think in our next class I will probably decorate the book boards. It’s a slow process but so worth it. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll have any show and tell for a while but stay tuned.

And, good thing I’m back to making books because I just ordered, Journal Revolution, so I’m sure I’ll need lots of blank books to play with.

I am not one to make a lot of reading plans because inevitably I get sidetracked by other shiny, new books and there goes the plan. Still I do get excited at seeing all the challenges and reading plans my bloggy friends are making. For example, I recently saw that Matt shared his vacation reading list, Danielle has a reading plan for the rest of the year, and Nymeth talked about some of the challenges she is taking on next year. I know a lot of you are starting to share your reading plans and this is great for me… Makes me motivated to make some myself!

So far I do know I’m joining Estella’s Revenge Year of Reading Dangerously Challenge. I have a tentative list of books which I will share soon. It’s hard to make this list but luckily I have my 1001 Books book to look through and jog my memory about those writers I’ve shied away from. It’s time to tackle some of those books you know.

And, if there’s another fantasy/sci-fi challenge next year I think I may be set. Nancy Pearl just listed some books that are out of this world. Gotta save this list. Even if you don’t read sci-fi/fantasy check out the article, Nancy makes some very good points about genre fiction.

Off to read now. I’ve started Raven Black by Ann Cleeves and I’m really enjoying it.