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By shayna, August 26, 2010

coptic stich binding

So, I’m sharing a booth at renegade craft faire with Cheesecake Handmade Beauty.  I didn’t officially apply this year (I didn’t want to take on more than I can handle what with the wedding and all)  so I’m going under the radar.  Initially Claire had only wanted me to help run the booth and sell her wares on Sunday morning while she’s running the half marathon. In exchange offered me half her booth for free as compensation.  As the fair is approaching, has offered me space in her booth on both Saturday and Sunday.  This is exciting! But stressful as I have lots to do to get ready for the day. I’ve been working on better packaging and getting my whole display set up together.  That’s been the easy part.

The studios where I print are closed until September, so in the mean time I’ve been working on producing hand bound journals (finally!) which seems like its taking fooooorever.  I have at least 10 started, which I think will probably be my limit for what I can do in the time I have while also needing to work on tying up countless other odds and ends.

So, I’ve bound journals before, and I’ve helped edition artists books, but I’ve never ‘mass’ produced journals.  The first thing I’ve learned from this experience is next time only  make ONE size journal!  (or two for variety)   Seriously I have 10 journals that are all different sizes.  I thought they would look more interesting that way, but it’s taking my probably twice the amount of time just to cut the paper down to size, and my head is swimming with numbers and calculations and ways to produce the least amount of scraps.

I am also thinking I’ll do a few little, super simple single signature pocket notebooks to sell for $2 or so.  Those will be much easier to make and satisfying to see finished as I crawl my way through the larger jornals.

ALSO — my kutrimmer has been my savior!  I don’t think I’ve loved (or used) a new tool more than this.  I am in love with that thing.  Once I get more done on my journals I’ll take some pix and post em.

Thanks for listening!

~ shayna

Comments (3)

By shayna, May 21, 2010

This bad boy will be the newest addition to my home studio.  No more coordinating with the book and paper center, driving down there or paying fees to rent for cutting.  This will (eventually) save me time AND money.

My goal is to someday own my own presss and studio.  That won’t happen for years down the line, but hey, gotta start somewhere.  YAY!