Good morning sweet friends, today’s post is long – I hope you read it all! On one of the last Day of Giving Friday’s I asked you all what you collect. A million guesses what I collect . . . Well, I collect many things but as a guest in my house you would immediately know my love for books. They are a comfort, they are beautiful, they are brimming with knowledge. As a child if there was something I didn’t know, wanted to create or wanted to fix, I knew the answer was in a book. It’s no wonder why, when give the opportunity to create, I created a book die – Spellbinders S5-289 Filigree Booklet. It’s very close to my heart because although you know me for cards, this is the signature type of gift that I personally give.
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You can see all Amazing Paper Grace Dies at this link on the Spellbinders Website.
I recently taught a group of fellow designers with the AFCI Canada, a technique driven project. It is hands down one of my most favorite projects that I’ve ever made. I’ve shared teaser pictures on Instagram because I didn’t want anyone to see it before I taught it, but I’m so happy to share it now. As I mentioned, I often work with paper, and cards sometimes seem that they are of a temporary nature, but this project is one of permanence and one I sweetly hope, of legacy. To get things down pat, I made several of these and each will serve a purpose; one will be a gratitude journal and one will hold my favorite quotes. I have no doubt that as a handmade, this will go into my keepsake box, with my writing, and thoughts, as a part of me. I can’t imagine it would ever be thrown away – as might happen with one of our card – but stowed away for the memories locked inside.
I’ve used my newest die, Spellbinders S5-289 Filigree Booklet to quench this thirst I seeming have for permanence. No two ways about it, I have been obsessed with this die and it is filling my creative soul to the brim. In fact, in late June 2017 there were two add-ons to support this Booklet die and make it a more valuable stash investment. Please see upcoming posts where I show you a mini card and with mini card sets for gifting.
If you want to, you could make this book right now without a big fancy tutorial from me, I’ll explain. The book is made using 2 pieces of matboard/chipboard covered with a scrap of linen that I ran through a Xyron machine and holes were poked using the pointed end of my Spellbinders Tool in One. This book contains 10 sets of pages with a thin resume paper (purchased from the office supply store) which allowed me to cut three at once. The decorative inserts from the die, were used on the inside covers and hide all the raw edges visible after applying linen to the front and lace as an embellishment. I used my embroidery machine to embroider the lovely chocolate teardrop motif and snagged a heart locket from my button stash. Because someone will ask, this heart locket is no longer available.
Pearl cotton embroidery floss was used for the stitching.
Lets talk about the stitching – it just in and out of the holes made by the die; when finished, it looks like a braid. It’s not difficult and because I don’t do this every day, it’s kind of like when I pick up my knitting needles – I need a little refresher and then I’m off. I have several bookbinding books but there’s a very accessible reference I recommend having by your side to learn and as a refresher. In fact, my recommendation if you want to give it a try – if you can find this magazine by Better Homes and Gardens – MakeIt Yourself – Spring/Summer 2017 Edition.
I did this project to prove that if you wanted to take a baby step into binding a book, that you don’t have to buy any special tools and that it is not complicated. I’ll warn you, you cannot make just one. After teaching this, the emails came. People who never worked in paper admitted they were gathering these few supplies to make more. Sharing, enabling, encouraging? I’d say my job is done :-) Please have fun with this, and yes, I still love to make cards!
Stamps: None
Paper: Any 24lb weight paper – similar to a typewriter weight – best source is resume paper
Ink: None
Accessories: Spellbinders S5-289 Filigree Booklet, Vintage Lace, 100% Linen from Joanns, A Gilded Life Pendant (Spellbinders)
P.S. I have also made bound books with this die which I’ll share in the future. I love this configuration because it goes together easily and lays flat which makes it perfect for writing in! Off to have some tea and do some writing.
Wow that is beautiful!! I am. Curious about the binding. TFS
Hugs
Kay
My filigree booklet die is winging its way to me now…I LOVE this one!
Oh Miss Becca, you have touched my heart. I love making books and for someone who didn’t care for school I am sure I must have been a book maker in another life. Not really because I know this is the only life I have had and will have until called home to eternity. I’m going to need this die and it is on my wishlist which keeps getting longer and longer. LOL
So very beautiful Becca , you are just one lovely talented Lady.
God Bless.
Elaine H X
Wow Becca!!!!! This is drop jaw gorgeous. Hope you will be sharing more pics of the inside as well. I am so impressed with the tear drop motiff that you made with your embroidery machine. It is stunning. Looking forward to more on this project and on the upcoming dies. What a fabulous project and I am sure you would want to make more then just one once you got started.
Marcie
I love it as I do all your work. You are amazing.
This is a wowzer! Little books just capture my heart! Well anything actually made of paper does! I’d like to pursue how to make this little delight as I can think of a lot of gals who would love receiving something so sweet and useful and personal!
Your link to the booklet die takes me to the S3-731 Filigree Bookmark Tag instead of to the booklet die. I can find the die by searching for the number but just thought I’d mention that FYI.
Thanks Patricia, I got the links straightened out.
How beautiful and a lovely keepsake to treasure.
Isn´t there anything you can´t do Becca? This is sooo gorgeous, and I´m blown with the whole project here. You just keeps on amazing me with your skills for creating. Keep it comming hun, I love it all.
Beautiful Becca, another take on the one you showed us in Canada at our class. This die is so useful in many ways. Trying to figure out how you did the binding with all the mini booklets so they are all together. Perhaps you might explain this in a blog.
Becca you just keep amping it up. The book is beautiful and a wonderful way to use the die and our crafting skills to make a perfect keepsake. I got my Platinum 6 Machine for Mother’s Day (thanks for the scoop to Paula Jones at your workshop and for Cathie Weary for telling my I could use a coupon for it), and am waiting for my filigree booklet die to arrive so I can start my latest obsession. I’m in awe of your unending creativity!
Stunningly beautiful!
Doreen R
BECCA,
So this is what you taught in Canada!! Oh my gosh, it is so beautiful! Unbelievably georgous! I love little books like this. You are amazing!
Hugs
Ann Robbins
This is SO LOVELY, Becca! I’ve been interested in book binding, but didn’t want to purchase one of those expensive machines! LOL THIS IS GREAT! I can see using it for personal thoughts & quotes & tucking it away… ;) I look forward to seeing the other little books you’ve made! ;)AND can’t wait to see what else comes out to coordinate/additions with this! ;)
How lovely!! What a treat in this world of emails and texts to return to the elegance and permanence of a paper book. I confess, I use my iPad for everything from reading to note taking to organizing to Bible Study… and so on.But I might have to go back to the beauty of writing in one of these pretty books.
My husband was a book binder for many years. With the advent of the internet, most binderies have been closed! But there is nothing like the feel and the smell of a familiar, favorite book! I love this little book, and eagerly await a tutorial, as I would love to make some! Thank you Becca, for sharing your creations, and your heart!
You never cease to amaze me. What a gorgeous product and lucky is the person who receives it. Just beautiful!
Although I haven’t commented before I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your creations and posts. I’d love to get hold of your filigree book dies but can’t find a UK stockist. Do you know if they have reached here yet or will be getting here at all. I don’t want to order direct as customs charges can be absolutely ridiculous here. Thanks, Debra x
Wow Becca … xx
Sooooo gorgeous!!
LOVE IT LOVE IT SO GORGEOUS
Loving this little book.
Joanna
Wow Becca , this is gorgeous! Those lucky ladies in Canada that got to learn how to make these with you. Wish Australia wasn’t so, far away so we can get an opportunity for you to come & teach us Aussie’s a class! I have never doen anything like this but would love to give it a shot x
WOW!! Becca you have excelled yourself. This is BEAUTIFUL! The cover is stunning, just love the embroidery and the heart. I too love reading real books and have lots including the ones kept from my childhood like Anne of Green Gables and Heidi. Using your Filigree Booklet die you could make personalized yearly diaries as Christmas gifts for family and friends. It has lots of possibilities. I love your cards but this is awesome. Hugs, Jeanette
This has it all; grace, beauty and, since it hold one’s innermost thoughts, spirituality. I absolutely love it, like everyone who sees it! I had never even considered making a gratitude diary, but now I’ve started a list to give! Bless you!
Hi Becca what a great idea I love this it would make lovely gifts to give to family and friends, like you said you can’t make just one. Christine S.
I AM IN Love!!!! These are just awesome. I love making Journals and my own post it notes pads. I love the lace where did you find it? I have a English gal I love to watch make Shabby Chic crafts on YouTube and that is where I order a lot of mine.
Outstanding! Every stitch, color, and detail is perfection! Wish we lived closer so we could connect in a book club, both reading books and making books. It would be a double duty inspiration!
Good morning Becca, yet again you’ve knocked it out of the park!!! You clever lady!!!
Have a good one!!!
Loopy Lyndaxxx
Elegant.
Becca, this makes my heart sing! Love it!
Very beautiful Becca!
Oh this is so beautiful, I’m putting this on my wish list for sure. Love the vintage look!
Oh, Becca! This is a beauty. I am with you 100%. While I am a card maker, I’d love to give paper projects that will last and useful! I will have to give this a try! Got to get the die set and the magazine!
Just WOW!!! So beautiful!
Love this book!! Everything is beautiful.
OH MY GOSH!!!! This is BEAUTIFUL!! MY TONGUE IS HANGING OUT AND I THINK I’M DROOLING!! “o”
This booklet is so charming and is just lovely! What a grest new die! What is the size of the finished booklet? I tried to find it on Spellbinders but it wasn’t listed. Thank you for such beautiful art!
Hi Sandra, thanks for your kind words! The book is 3-1/4″ by 4-1/4″, roughly the size of a passport.
This is beautifully done Becca. I can also see it as a very special gift to someone! although I would like me one for those special thoughts
Morning Becca, Wow !! Wow !! Wow !! this booklet die set looks fabulous. Your embroidery is magnificent and your book looks truly stunning !!
Lots of love from Patricia xx
Beautiful…..my imagination has been sparked with this project. Thankyou
So innovative!!! With your example and dies….I think I can do this!!! I have always been curious on how to make this type of book….and now it is there for my making. Thank you!
Hi Becca can’t wait to get this die thanks for all you do
Hugs Pamxxxx
Aaah, books! I would have thought you would have a collection of antique buttons and luscious silk ribbons. Your journal is so lovely that you made. I am impressed that you also did the embroidery piece on the front of the card. It’s nice when another of our collections can be intergrated into our current projects, or current obsession. I remember that you like to make journals for your overnight family members and guests. You are so thoughtful! Looking forward to seeing more of your “book” dies.
Lol Suzzie, I have a collection of those too ;-)
Be still my heart! Becca, you have just shown me my future. As I mentioned in a previous post most of what I collect are books, mostly “HOW TO”..books. I have at least 10 books on how to make one, including binding instructions and layout. Your creation is absolutely beautiful and I am speechless. I cannot wait to move and have my own space in order to create “books”. There are some very special friends I will leave behind, but your idea of gifting yours with a “Journal” is a wonderful idea. Just might do that if time permits. And if not, they surely will get one in the mail. Thank you Becca, for all of your surprises of creativity. Hugs,
Sara
OH. MY. GOODNESS!
That is adorable and I’m just blown away by your creativity and the machine embroidery!
You have spurred me on to dust off my embroidery machine and see what the possibilities are there. It has been under cover for too long!
Hugs
Anne(UK) x
WOW!!! Amazing indeed…Love it”
Oh my dear Becca, You just never seem to run out of ideas. I just love this. How stunning. I am going to have to run out as quick as I can and see if I can find the magazine you suggested. Thank you again for another winner. God bless…Denice with a “c”
Beautiful, Becca!
Thank you Roberta!!
WOW! Love, love, love this project! I have made booklets before but mine used spiral metal spines. I soooo have to get this die and give this a try. Just in time for my daughter’s wedding…book for guests to write hints about marriage?
Joy, I think it would be lovely for that purpose!!
This is a lovely gift! What kind of embroidery machine do you have?
Hello Becca,
This is stunning and a “must make” for me. I’m going back to read what and how, and will write down the instructions and hope for the best!!!! I would imagine stitching the sheets is a bit like stitching pergamano together (hopefully). Anyway, I’ll give it a go.
love Maureen xx
I just bought this die set and was curious on how the construction was done. First place I checked was your blog and low and behold there it was. My granddaughter was just married the 19th of this month and wanted to send little photo books to family members who could not attend. Thank you Becca.
Like your book very much. I also enjoy making books.
How do I know how much your dies & stamps are?
A beautiful project! Your embroidery piece is exquisite! I thought it was a lace. Love the mini book. I’ll be trying to make one like it. I can see many uses for memorable thoughts.
I recognise the table mat under the book. You bought it at tjat it at neat store in niagara on the lake.:)