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.

Eye of a Needle

In 2022 I took up the challenge of hand stitching an icon a day for a year. That's 365 icons, many more threading the tiny eye of a needle.

It's been a lot of fun and along the way I have learnt a few things. I decided it would be full of happiness, things I had done, people who interacted, my garden and of course my cat Bizzel is there too. When I look at it now it is colourful, cheerful and full of memories.

I used a 10inch hoop.  Would use a 12 inch if I did it again as small icons are hard to get detail. The wedges for each month are small so detail is difficult.

Keeping a drawing and story of each icon was invaluable in catching up

Always having needle threaded and embroidery handy to just pick up and do.

I decided in February to make the icons all face the same way so the finished piece when framed didn’t need turning to view.

December 31st has a happy face icon as I finished what was a challenge. In New Zealand we are the first in the world to see the New Year in. 2023 a new project underway.

So many happy memories tied up in stitch.

Junk Journal

What is the purpose of a junk journal?

It can be anything you turn it into. As I enjoy bookbinding I'm stitching my own book.

Over the years I have kept ephemera so have plenty of supplies for gluing in collage, old drawings, memorabilia, old books and photos.

I have often been told I can't draw so I’m using it to doodle and paint in. My skills are improving and I’ve found I like using a fine black ink pen. I'm on a junk journal journey so who knows what it will turn out like. I’ll keep you posted.

Start at the Second Page

Bookmaking has its challenges. After spending time cutting pages, stitching a cover and binding that bundle, the first page often poses fear and anxiety.

What if I make a mistake?

I don’t really know what to write?

Shall I just leave the book blank?

This blank page is daunting.

Start at the second page. A quote is always a good way to start as someones else's words can give you inspiration.

Randomly paint a few pages.

Colour on a page can give you objects or patterns that you can make out. It's called pareidolia. Just like we see the ‘man in the moon.’ In some dyed paper I saw a blue splodge as an eye and so embroidered a few stitches.
Give things a go. There are no mistakes.

Junk Journal

Stash, collection, hoard, cumulation, stockpile, assemblage. I have them all. Who collects offcuts that they may use one day?

Today is my day. I have two boxes collected over the years. They have been very useful but it's time to lessen the hoard of all the treasures that have been part of an artwork.

I’m making a junk journal.

The white paper has shading and the stockpile of precious collage will diminish.

Let the book begin.