Every now and then I get asked if I have any books in stock suitable for watercolors, and every now and then I do! I opted to bind these hardcover watercolor journals in a landscape format and postcard size, making them practical for travel journal use, too. The covers are once again made with vintage kimono silk, and there are 44 pages of 180gsm watercolor paper suitable for writing, drawing and painting.

You can find all the new books in the shop.

I’m not exactly sure which season this blooming landscape represents, but the colors feel very autumnal to me. I love how it’s dark and colorful at the same time.

It’s especially important for the book to open well when one paints. Ease of use and other practical matters have always been at the core of my bookbinding practice. The vintage kimono silk I use is of course fairly delicate, but these books are definitely intended to be loved and used.

This jacquard silk woven with different shades of metallic thread on black makes for a showy piece!

I also made a small batch of tiny kimono notebooks, which are a steady favourite for a small but luxurious handmade gift. In the past customers have ordered them not only themselves, family and friends, but also teachers and colleagues. (By the way, I do absolutely love to hear where my books end up!) These smaller books are also a really big part of my income as a bookbinder, as it’s obvious not everyone can afford my bigger and more complex work, but many people still want to treat themselves something special yet affordable. And these tiny books are also totally adorable! Your orders are always hugely appreciated no matter how big or small!

This shimmery gold silk jacquard is beyond gorgeous. I keep imagining gowns and purses made out of it, alas, I have mere scraps.

Another special case is this white and blue shibori piece, on which you can still see and feel the stitched pleat pattern the dyeing technique is based on.

I’ve just received a big haul of small kimono silk remnants and will be making stacks of totally one-off books in many sizes this autumn. My poetry book due out next September is coming along quite well (knock on wood). One simply doesn’t edit poetry without taking a step back to give the text time to become what it wants to be, so it’s nice to keep my hands busy while my mind is brewing poetry.