Poobird's Rarities

What's on my desk this week?

   A stack of work piled up on my desk this week. Well, more like I had stacks of work spread over every possible surface to work on... I even utilize the floor sometimes:)

 I had a few TN Airmail refills to make, a personalized travel journal, and a special custom memory book order. The custom orders take a lot of time because I have to design everything from scratch and put it all together for the first time. Every one I make takes on a personality of its' own and is as unique as the person it's going to. 

  I love meeting all the different people that trickle in to my shop and ask me to create something special for them or a loved one. The process feels almost magical sometimes because from basic materials like paper and chipboard emerges something so much more.
 
 Every time I start a custom project I have a ritual that I have to go through... Tuning in to the person I am creating each book for is essential. Because of this I can usually only work on 1-2 custom commissions at a time. I really need to be able to focus on the person and what the book needs to become.
I have a series of questions I always ask to help me fine tune the details and then a vision slowly starts to form in my mind. I may mull it over a few days and let the idea grow. While I am turning it over in my mind I begin constructing the "bones" of the book.

 I am always amazed how a piece of fabric and chip board evolve into this beautiful, functioning piece of art. No two are ever alike because of the energy that goes into creating each piece. 

 I pour an insane amount of attention into every detail of construction and design. I have learned so much about bookmaking over the last couple of years. I can tell you from experience using professional materials is worth every penny. If all you want is a fun little junk journal you can certainly use what you have around the house. With a little duct tape, a cereal box, some old magazines,  and a little imagination you will be on the right track to making a crafty junk journal. 

 Each book commissioned is truly a piece of art designed to inspire the customer it was created for. I create books that will hopefully become family heirlooms so the quality of materials is imperative.

 Usually, by the time I have the book constructed I have a pretty solid plan in my head and it's time to sit down and get started on the next phase.

 The next phase is a combination of digital and good old fashioned painting. I can't seem to go entirely digital.  For some reason, the process of painting, the smell, getting my hands dirty, it's an essential part for me. It's one layer of a thousand that go into each page.

   

 At some point the book begins to take on it's own personality and like magic it all comes together.
 

Once I complete an order, before I can begin a new one I have to go through my work space and clean everything top to bottom. I need a completely clear palette before I start on a new book so I don't contaminate it with the previous energy.

 Now that all of my current orders have safely arrived to their new destinations it's time to clean my mess and start on the next batch... I wonder what I'll create for someone next. The possibilities are endless.