Our Family

My heartfelt journey to bridge the gap between generations, leaving an indelible mark on the pages of family history.

Through these unique handmade books, I have embarked on a quest - 12 books in total so far. These volumes tell a story of love, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to family.

In a world where distance and circumstance can keep families apart, these books serve as a living testament to the strength of family bonds. They are more than just collections of pages; they are portals to the past, gateways to the future.

I want my grandson to know that he is part of something special, something bigger than himself. These books are my way of ensuring that he knows his family, even if we haven’t been allowed to be part of his life.

In the pages of these books, the story of our family unfolds—a family determined to ensure that our history remains alive for Joseph.

Some pages are adorned with intricate paintings and drawings, capturing the essence of family adventures. Others display fading photographs, faces of ancestors, and places that hold the secrets of generations past. A treasured guest page from his late Grandfather whom he called Boompa.

There are writings that convey wisdom, values, and lessons learned. And throughout, there are thoughts and reflections, all dedicated to my grandson Joseph.

Brooklyn Art Library

The digital world is a constant but Brooklyn Art Library has both. You can create a book and it will be digitised for others to see anywhere in the world. It also has a physical form where people can touch and read the books creatives have made.

It was a fun process to fill the 27 pages. I rebound the book and gave it a spine as it started yawning. I’m not against yawning books. I have made a few myself as they get fatter with collage additions.

“Wearing Out” is available to view online.

https://www.sketchbookproject.com/library/S2628949

Flip through the pages and leave a comment if you can or click favourite so I know you’ve seen it.

Joseph Books

I last blogged about the Joseph Books I make on 27 August 2018.

I’m still making them and every page is filled with memories for Joseph my Grandson. One day he will be able to read about me and all his family who love him dearly. He lives in Cape Town but we are still denied contact.

I write in them, draw in them, glue photos in them and hope that one day he will treasure this insight to the other half of who he is. He was 11 last month.

Today I chose ladybird paper as I love the outdoors and I see many of them while gardening. The other cover is shells. New Zealand has many shells and I love the beach.

Happy reading Joseph.

Memories and Making

In 2012 my Grandson was smuggled out of New Zealand to Cape Town, South Africa. This left a huge gap in all our lives. 

To cope with the loss and to pass on family memories that I may never have the opportunity to share with him, I made him a book. 

I treasure these books. Not because I made them but because one day it will be a link to my Grandson. 

Each day I wonder what he is doing and where he is and if he receives the things I send.

My one book has grown into 8 books now. This will be his New Zealand family history. One day he will know he had a great family who were denied access to his precious world. 

One page is special as my late husband, his Grandfather wrote in the one of the books.  

This year Joseph was 8. We all love him and miss him

I call these Joseph Book’s

They measure 140mm x 75mm

Inside are drawings, photos, presents I've sent and cards I’ve made, copies of postcards about New Zealand, family photos and events, memories of times spent in the first 2 years of his life and jottings of what Bizzel, cat is up too.  

 

 

Christmas

Every year we would unearth handmade Christmas decorations from years gone by. These would be hung amongst the branches with much mirth. 

Receiving something handmade at Christmas is pretty special. There is the thought, the labour and the creativity that goes into the making. It's treasured forever. 

We have a collection in our house. The pottery made by 9 year olds, the carved dogs, a small footstool made by my Dad 80 years ago. 

Handmade presents stand the test of time. Not in usability but in the care and attention that went into making a unique handmade gift.

#memories