“To be an artist is to believe in life.” – Henry Moore

My wife, Dr. Heather Thorp, taught me to make handcrafted books a couple of years ago. I’ve wanted to make handmade books for as long as I can remember. Our sixth-grade teacher, Mrs. Davis, taught us how to use contact paper and cardboard to make a cover for our handmade poetry books. Then, she mimeographed copies of our typed-out poems. Wow. In that last sentence, the things that went obsolete since I was in the sixth grade like a mimeograph machine and a typewriter. Though the typewriter is beginning to make a comeback.

We’ve talked about ways that we might be able to sell these books and cover the costs of materials. Once we figured out the costs of paper and paint, we realized that these handmade journals would never be a way to make a little money. Really, the only money we make is simply to cover the costs to create such joy in our lives and in the recipients’ lives when they choose a book. Even those who do not necessarily keep

journals are pleased to receive one of these works of art and love. I talk to my friends about how I love making the journals for specific people because, in addition to thinking of colors they might love, I can pray for them or sing about life when making the book. The book-making process is both meditative and creative. One can use these books as scrapbooks, sketchbooks, address books, etc. Heather and I have fun talking about all the ways these books can be compiled, as well as what they can be used for.

                     “Art should be something that liberates your soul, provokes the imagination, and encourages people to go further.” – Keith Haring

This coming Winter, Heather will have a table at the Watauga Winter Farmer’s market so that these can be easily looked at and bought once you’ve found the one you like best. The Winter Farmer’s Market moves from Horn in the West to the Watauga Agricultural Conference Center in Boone, NC. In addition to various crafts for holiday purchases, there are baked goods, winter foods, and often, local musicians playing some old-time music. My favorite part of the Winter market is having the ability to visit with people from the community that you normally might not see in the winter. Also, because it’s less crowded than the summer markets, there’s more time to talk with the vendors and hear their stories.

 

My journals are often dream journals as well as journals about thoughts and challenges of each day. These books are great for creating letters to loved ones as well. One of my friends shared her book with her family, asking each person to write something in it. I don’t know the contents, but I know that those she contacted to write in it were as happy as she was to receive it.

“The main thing is to be moved, to love, to hope, to tremble, to live.” – Auguste Rodin

One of the things that has to be pointed out is that none of these books can be exactly recreated. Even as we create the paste papers, we are often trying new techniques. Although we often paint these together and with our friend, Tracey, it is rare that any of us can remember the exact process used to create each paste paper. Even when we do remember the technique and colors, the weather plays its part, as does the way we use our hands. This makes each paste paper unique.

If you are interested in a specific size, please contact Robin at robin @ jrobinwhitley dot net and she can give you quotes for the cost of materials. The time spent cannot be calculted because each minute spent with art is precious.

 

 

“Creativity takes courage.” – Henri Matisse