Tuesday 17 August 2010

How doth my journal grow!

Well very slowly is the answer as it takes so much time!

But I am getting there slowly


I have finally managed to sew all the signatures/pages in - which took me a few days to do, and today I glued on the outer cover.
As usual my photography skills leave a lot to be desired but you get the overall idea.
The material is a scrap/offcut I found and is really rich in colour with a lot of gold on it.
I made a padded name plate which looks much better in real life as you can see the printing very clearly on it - but not in the photo.

Because this is a story journal, it is taking me a long time to do, so I decided to assemble it and then do the  remainder of the story a bit at a time. 
It was a bit soul destroying seeing all the pages etc loose in a bag and it wasn't tempting me to do any more to it - it was too daunting.
The above left is a serviette which I have painted over, which  has turned it from a paper napkin glued on  - to looking like a delicate painting with room for some journalling.

Here are a few more pages.......
They look so much better now that they are sewn to make a book, and more tempting to fill now
I used a skein of embroidery cotton - which I bought in  a charity shop - I just sewed it on with a zigzag stitch and I like the effect.
I have so many more pages apart from these - but it takes too long to upload them all.

These will look so different once they get the text and images on them.
All closed up
I just wish you could see all the gold work in the photo - it positively gleams in  daylight.

27 comments:

Ati said...

It looks nice Lottie. I like the page with the fern! Good luck with the rest of the pages. I liked the story very much.

Chris said...

Gosh, Lottie. What a lot of work has gone into it already and it's looking beautiful. Looking forward to seeing more.

Chris x

sam21ski said...

It will all be worth it in the end Lottie, it's coming along very nicely xxxx

Cath Wilson said...

Absolutely gorgeous work, Lottie - a labour of love, I think. Stunning, though. I can see the gold in the close up of the photo but as you say, it would just be so much more sumptuous in real life. The napkin page looks good - but I also love the fern page. The whole thing is simply stunning. Can I come for lessons, lol?

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Your journal is very beautiful and I can see how putting it all together would inspire you to want to complete it. Fabulous work. Best wishes, Tammy

Maggi said...

A gorgeous journal. I love the fabric that you have used for the cover. What a good idea to pad the nameplate, it makes it look so special.

Zoechaos said...

Fabulous piece congratulations on all your beautiful workmanship. Happy to wait until you have the time to complete the task but am looking forward to it. xx Zoe

Shane Pollard said...

Dear Lottie

You've created such a beautiful journal.
I adore the cover fabric which fits in so well with your story.

Take care
Shane

Sally H said...

It's stunning Lottie! I love everything you have shown so far, but the Fern page I think is my favourite. Stunning!

cockney blonde said...

WOW Lottie. It's absolutely beautiful. You are one talented lady, x

Createology said...

Miss Lottie your journal is stunning and I love it. You have certainly put a lot of thought and time and love into making it. Happy creating...

flutterbycrafter said...

This is so gorgeous, what a lot of work, but certainly worth it, it's stunning.

Effie said...

That looks fabulous.. love your bunting too!

Retired Knitter said...

So inspiring. I just popped over from "A Simple Blog" where you are listed as one of the blogs she follows. I can see why. Beautiful. I, too, am a retired lady, - but not one a leisure - I am the caregiver for my elderly mother. And I started my blog with the idea of documenting the things I want to do with my next 20 years - my best 20 years I hope - sort of a counter activity to caregving which at times absorb all that you are and there is nothing left for anything else.

I plan to "follow" you on your blog to see where you are going with this beautiful story book. And to inspire me to keep up with my hobbies and the stuff that is important to me. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

This is such a stunning work of art - a real treasure.xx

themessycraftroom said...

Hi Lottie sorry only just caught up to look at your post. Your journal is looking absolutely fabulous. The colours and all the lacy look so rich. You have put so much fantastic work into it.Its a beautiful keepsake. I'm afraid I haven't had time to start mine yet. But hopefully soon. I've just got a pattern to make two dressing up costumes. Another xmas present. Happy crafting. Hugs ChrisB

Kras said...

Oh that's great. I will wait eagerly for more

Pearl said...

So creative I love it!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

ooooh - your journal is gorgeous!! I can see I have a LONG way to go with mine.

Neet said...

When can we have lessons. Could spend a month with you and just play with all the wonderful things you do. This is truly beautiful - an absolute treasure. Well done for making something like this - it needs to be exhibited somewhere,

LazyKay said...

Totally stunning Lottie, I'd love to see it in real life, you're an inspiration.

xxxxxxxxxxx

Doreen G said...

A beautiful journal Lottie and I especially love the serviette page.

Anonymous said...

looking good!Seems like youve found your style...look forward to seeing more.

Minxy said...

All i can say is FRICKIN WOZZERS, this is totally amazing, i'm in ore

Kathryn Zbrzezny said...

OMG! I LOVE love love this! it's amazing. Every page just makes me weak...

Shairon said...

The cover is absolutely stunning Lottie and just so right! There isn't one page that I don't love and I can't wait for the rest of the story!xx

Jester said...

This looks fantastic - wonderful work!