It's something that I've wanted to do for so long.....and now....it's done!
A fabric book is making me ridiculously happy in it's completion.
I discovered the beauty of sari fabrics a few months ago. From there I found a beautiful, inspirational Facebook site called Bohodaydreams where, from Sheila Gingerich the owner, I can purchase the most amazing fabrics and trims. I've never seen anything like it and they are certainly not available over here in Australia.
Sumptious fabrics adorned with sequins and motifs, hand dyed silks and velvets... all the colours of the rainbow. She really puts together the most gorgeous bundles of luciousness.
She has also renewed my love of beads. Putting together colourful dangles of beads is a quick and fun pastime. I just adore storing them in a glass jars...even the noise they make. is satisfying.. can you just hear it? Glass beads againt the glass jar ....clink, jiggle, clink ;)
The Bohodaydreams page is full of lovely supportive women, all with amazing talent and it's a great site for inspiration. Scrolling through the page gave me the push, and inspiration, to utilise some of the digital files that I had been creating. This first journal is the result of that.
From there, I gained the confidence to start my fabric journal. I've never made this type of journal before, so there was a lot of 'wingin it' and also some 'finagling'......but I did it!
This book is just so lovely to hold and, while not a journal as such, is comforting to flip through.
The construction of the pages is supported by thick felt....this has made them strong, easy to hand-sew through and gave them a sturdiness that a soft center just wouldn't have had.
The book contains fabrics from my old clothes, vintage laces, sari fabrics and motifs, vintage printouts and some beautiful glass beads.
I would do some things different if I ever attempt one again. Everything has a learning curve and that is what makes it even more interesting to us. It's probably why I flit from one type of art to the next...always seeking a new experience and to learn new skills.
It's so satisfying to get out of your comfort zone and pick up that inspirational, 'want to do' idea that's been floating around in amongst all our 'must do' thoughts.
Are you starting, or thinking of, a new idea/art project? Enjoy the process and stretch those creative muscles...but most of all....enjoy!