{ sunday activity }

Looking for something to do in Sydney on Sunday? Why not drop by the Eveleigh Artisan Market? It's on the first Sunday of each month (that would be tomorrow) and it's undercover so no need to worry that it's likely to be rainy tomorrow!

I'm grateful to be able to say that I had a good couple of markets in the lead up to Christmas so the last couple of weeks have been a joy of making new books to re-stock.

A small selection of new coptic bound books coming along with me:


And I've also been working on some new little 'scribblers':


I've had fun covering these little notebooks with everything from washi tape to health instructions for entering South Korea!

{ my sunday }

Yes, my desk is often this messy. I do clean it up, but I often wonder what the point of that is when it just gets messy again the minute my back is turned.

Lots of cutting today. My stock levels dropped in the Christmas lead-up, something I'm very grateful for -thank you to my wonderful customers. Making lots of sales also means lots of fun making new books. I'm right in the middle of that today, most of which I spent cutting down the boards and then selecting and cutting down the paper for the covers.

Also, I found my camera so here are some shots of the box I made last weekend. I'm really happy with it despite 2 mis-measurements. I managed to over-come them to the point that probably (hopefully) only I can see them and I'm going to keep it that way and not point them out!

{ i need a deadline }

It's taken me until my last 2 days of 10 days leave to get cracking on my creative to-do list. It's not news to me that I need a deadline to get into action, it's always been that way, but it's surprising when it's things I actually want to do and don't have to do - why is that?

Here's what I've been up to:

* Attempt 1 of a display folder for kids artwork. Covers are sandwiched within drying boards at the moment, will check them tomorrow night, put them together and see how they look

* Two months ago I did a course on making boxes, today was my first solo go. Just 3mm off perfect! Box making, like book, making is a precise endeavour.

* Re-teaching myself to knit. I've had it in my head that I'd like to make a knitted blanket for on the couch in winter, nothing too large. Also need a new project for craft group and I think there'll be others there who can help and motivate as needed.

* Finished Stieg Larsson's The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest (great read). Moving on to one of my Chrissie presents - Stephanie Alexander's Kitchen Garden Companion.


Battling some last day of holiday blues tonight, but there's no putting it off I guess.

Sorry for no photos of my works in progress - can't find my camera!

{ things I love about Japan #4 }

CRAFT BOOKS



They’re so beautifully styled and very inspiring. I just wish I could read Japanese or they had English versions!

Good shop for craft books is the Kinokuniya outlet in Shinjuku. Actually, there are 2 outlets there, the one I found to have the best selection was near Tokyu Hands. Go to 2F and when you alight from the escalator the craft section is to your left.



DIRECTIONS

SHINJUKU (outlet near Tokyu Hands) : The closest exit would be the New South Exit I believe however I always get lost going that way so my directions are probably the long way! Take the East Exit and at the exit turn hard right, walking along the side of the building. After the department store ends you’ll pass the Kirin Beer Pub and then Gap, both on your right. Next on your right is a large set of stairs which takes you up and into the station eventually. Ahead will be an underpass, take this and continue straight, you’ll pass a Uniqlo outlet and then the next main building is the Takashimaya department store. Walk alongside the store and at the end you’ll see Kinokuniya across the road to your left.