I hope you all had a great weekend? Did you do read some good books or visit a bookstore? We visited Barnes & Noble because I was looking for some of the Stampington Magazines which I like to get every once in a while. Unfortunately they did not have the latest Bella Grace edition (they had one that said display until Dec. 2020!). I know I can order these online but of course it’s always much more fun to get them at the bookstore.
I had a bit of a look through at the craft books and that area has gotten even smaller which is such a shame. I’m surprised because I thought people were turning to handmade projects since the start of the pandemic? Anyway, I actually was happy to find a book on bookbinding that looked interesting, Bound by Hand by Erica Ekrem. I have another of her books which I’ve enjoyed so while I didn’t get it, I’m tempted to go back for it.
I haven’t talked much about bookbinding lately and that’s just because I’ve been taking a bit of a break but I was excited to hear that the Georgetown Art Center, which stocks some of my journals, has been opening up again and some of my journals have recently sold. Yay (picture shown is from some different journals I’ve made).
Also, the Austin Book Arts Center has a workshop I’m very interested in later this year so I hope to sign up for it. I really miss in person classes but completely understand the need for virtual courses.
In other news, I know you all sent me good wishes for my father-in-law and I’m very happy to report he has been at home now for more than a week and is doing well. So thank you again or all the prayers and good thoughts.
I have so many updates on books read – I think I’m behind on at least 11 book reviews. I want to tell you about my current reads and how my challenges are going but more to follow. I hope you have a great start to the week!
I had no idea that you did bookbinding. I’ve always been interested in learning to do that. It’s nice to know that there are classes available on Zoom. I think I’d enjoy doing one in person one of these days.
Glad to hear that the Georgetown Art Center is opening up and hope your beautiful journals will find themselves in good hands. Now is a perfect time to keep a journal as the climate (physical and political) is in constant flux. I know you’ve been looking forward to workshops and hope in person classes are available to you soon. Virtual classes are a great substitute when necessary, but the camaraderie of like-minded persons is a plus in so many ways.
So glad to hear that your father-in-law is home and know that you and your family are relieved.
Iliana, I didn’t know that you had journals available at the Georgetown Art Center! And I’ve just left Georgetown. Bummer. You do make beautiful journals and everything else that you create. I hope you get to go to the workshop that you are interested in. And by the way, can I just complain a bit about all the traffic lights and traffic as one comes and goes through Dripping Springs, Oak Hill, the Y, etc. That’s how we are travelling to and from Kerrville and what a mess! No alternative much though unless we want to go north through Marble Falls. I’m afraid that Austin traffic is going to get even worse in upcoming days. Sigh. Have a good week!
Deb Nance at Readerbuzz – I love bookbinding and have actually been practicing it for about 15 years now. I love it and have been lucky to have taken a lot of courses. Just wish I had more time. If you get a chance to do a course with the ABAC I highly recommend it. Of course in person is best but still.
Jen Mullen – I definitely know that the older I’ve gotten the more journals I keep. Between travel, daily news, poetry, etc. I can’t have enough 🙂 I so agree, I love taking classes even if it’s for something i already know but to share the enthusiasm with like-minded folks! Thank you so much for the kind words!
Kay – Next time you are up there you’ll have to go see the GAC. Actually though I’m embarrassed to admit I haven’t been there either. I need to go up there and check them out. Oh and I feel so bad you have to drive around that mess. I’m so glad that on the days I do have to go to work, I am not in traffic but I used to have a commute on Mopac and that sucked. One time I was on the road for 2 hours before I got home. Hope you are having a good week too!
Great news that your father-in-law is home! I’m sure you and your husband are very relieved. xoxo