Or, Book Week: Day Four
For those of you who have been participating, Book Week has been a great deal of fun for me. It started out with creative ideas for book storage, then we examined creative uses for books (books as art), and after a short disappearance from the blogosphere we returned today with creative and dedicated small press publishers. Today we continue the Book Week theme with creativity of another kind: the creation of books themselves, or to be more specific–journals.
Journals are something I have collected over the past few years. It has not been since high school that I actively participated in the art of journals. I have always viewed journals as being magical–they are books that are full of so much potential. Whether one uses them diary-fashion, writes stories, composes poetry, sketches, whatever, journals are a portal into one’s inner thoughts and feelings and dreams. It is that which gives them their magical quality.
In between two covers lie the beginning of a journey, that is why my latest journal, which you will see soon, begins thus:
“Remember what Bilbo used to say: It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”
~J.R.R. Tolkien
Today I have the pleasure of using the Friday Favorite section to introduce you to Blackthorn Workshops and its creator, Stormfilled. Stormfilled is a creator who is taking a risk and as such I find her very inspiring. Not to mention the fact that she makes high quality journals. I feel like this fits in so perfectly with the Book Week theme and with the Once Upon a Time II theme as you will see shortly. Stormfilled, like a few before her, braved the onslaught of the grilling Stainless Steel Droppings interview. In between my questions and her answers you will see examples of her beautiful craftsmanship.
Come with me, step out your door, and allow me to introduce you to Blackthorn Workshops.
1. Tell us something about yourself. Who is Stormfilled?:
I live in England, in a tiny house with apple trees outside the windows. I used to live on a boat and haven’t got out of the habit of stacking things in every available bit of space. When it’s stormy, I still want to go and check the mooring ropes, even though I live in bricks now. After graduating from University, I wrote for a few months, got hungry, then worked as an internet moderator, before going into teaching because I kept dreaming that it was what I was supposed to be doing. I left recently after it became clear that to do it well required absolutely everything I had. I am blessed with two cats who both believe, quite correctly, that they rule the world. I am here to do their bidding.
2. The user name Stormfilled is interesting, where does that originate from?
It’s a Neil Gaiman invention: in Stardust, when Dunstan Thorn visits the Faery market. ‘What need, Dunstan wondered, could someone have of the storm-filled eggshells?’ It was an idea I liked and one Easter I made a set of them as a gift, including one which was a lightning storm that had broken out.
[Ed’s Note: I love those briefly described moments of the market in Stardust. Lines that spark the imagination and then move the reader on. I for one would love to see those eggshells!!!]
3. You were/are a teacher. How did you progress from the molding of young minds to the molding of beautiful journals for minds young, and old, to get creative in?
I’m not sure I’d call teaching ‘molding young minds’ so much as pointing them in a certain direction and yelling “Go!” I’ve always loved books and writing, so in a way it seemed like a natural progression. When I first bought my bookbinding equipment I set out mending a few books I’d rescued from pubs, and the journals just sort of happened.
4. Why do you suppose your creative inclinations leaned towards handcrafting journals?
I’ve always made and loved books. My first was my own rendition of Little Red Riding Hood when I was about five. I wrote diaries and dream journals all the way though my teens, spending many hours choosing my next notebook. The ones I make now I make mostly for selfish reasons really, they’re the ones I would have liked to find.
[Ed’s note: It is interesting that you say that as I often hear authors make similar comments about why they started writing or why they write the kinds of books they do.]
5. What things light that creative spark in your crafting of journals? Who or what are your influences?
Books are my influences! Properly made books have always been a fascination. I remember very vividly making the discovery that the old headbands on books were hand sewn and often stitched around a piece of waste paper. Old paper was always recycled, the card that made up the covers was simply layers and layers of used paper, pasted together. I read that a Mozart manuscript had been discovered because it was used as backing. When I took apart a wrecked old book I’d found in a second hand shop, I found old mortgage papers had been used to line the spine. Although I do love my computer, I worry that people will stop writing and just type instead. Journals urge you to write.
[Ed’s note: I certainly have that same fear which is why I am leaning towards a return to journaling by hand. What books were made of is fascinating! I certainly had never heard of that. Wow!]
6. Outside of your creative work, what kind of things inspire you in general?
I’m always been impressed by the skills that people have. Seeing someone who has passion for what they do is always inspiring. To see people living their lives creating and working and developing their own skills seems very right to me. This includes art, craft, writing, film, dance… everything.
[Ed’s note: That ability to ‘see people living their lives creating’ is one of the most wonderful things about the internet right now. The access to the creative process is unprecedented and is very inspiring]
7. After my second question I would be remiss if I did not ask you: Where does the name Blackthorn Workshops come from?
Blackthorn is the first thing to flower in my garden every year. The white flowers appear on the black branches like an Ezra Pound poem, and you know spring’s on its way. It’s also general enough that I’ll be able to do any number of things under the same name, if I decide to make different things too.
8. You have recently left full-time teaching to pursue your creative dreams. It takes courage to step out from one career and embark on another. Talk to us about this process a little bit and how you decided to take the plunge.
I’m not sure it was courageous. Foolhardy and overly hopeful, but not courageous! It was a necessary step. Although I loved aspects of teaching, the mass of work required to do it well and the aching responsibility of it was utterly draining. It would be the perfect job if you wanted to do nothing else, but I wanted lots of else. When it hit the lowest point, I sat down and asked myself what I actually wanted to do. The answer was make stuff. It took talking it through for a couple of months before I felt that it was the right thing to do though. I am grateful to a couple of people for some excellent advice.
9. Now that (theoretically) you can devote more time to it, what are your long term goals for yourself and Blackthorn Workshops?
If I can make a living out of making things, I’ll be happy. And that has to be the ultimate goal. I’ll be starting on craft fairs in a couple of months which will be very exciting.
[Ed’s note: I am certainly not alone in hoping that the craft fairs are a great success.]
10. Recently you’ve been able to add the very intriguing tagline: “As used by Neil Gaiman” to your site. How did this amazing event occur?
This is all down to a lovely man called Rog Peyton. He used to run Andromeda, a huge SF and Fantasy bookshop in Birmingham. Now he trades on-line and I bought several Jonathan Carroll novels from him, including my much longed for signed first edition of The Land of Laughs.
[Ed’s note: my first Carroll experience and my favorite of his books. Amazing isn’t it?]
I sent him a journal as a thank you, and he invited me to EasterCon to meet him and see if I could sell my journals there. He knew every writer there and was kind enough to show me around and introduce me to Christopher Priest and Neil Gaiman, who is a hero of mine. I’d always said that if I ever met him at a signing, I’d have to give him a journal because I know that he writes longhand. So I did. And he liked it. When I received an email telling me that I had permission to state this fact when selling them, I got hugely over-excited and ran around the house whooping and shouting for a couple of hours. It still makes me giggly.
[Ed’s note: It puts a huge smile on my face picturing you. I would have been doing the same thing. Considering how much I idolize the man I cannot express just how happy for you I am. Congratulations! His generosity is just one of the many things I admire him for.]
11. A visit to the Blackthorn Workshops site will reveal even more of your exquisite journals. I notice that your journals are categorized as A5 and A6. For the uneducated [Ed’s note: Me!!!], what do the distinctions mean?
It’s down to size. A5 is 148mm x 210mm and A6 is 105mm x 148mm, much more pocket sized. Hopefully I will be able to get some A4 bookblocks soon too.
[Ed’s note: for the only country not using the metric system that is roughly 6 x 8 inches and 4 x 6 inches, respectively.]
12. Your work is lovely. Talk to us about your process. How you create, how you choose your leather, etc. Do you have any specific area you work in, any rituals you do or things you do as part of the creative process?
My apron is my friend, it’s a sign that I can get on with things without accidental injury to clothing. There are always Polos in the pockets. One of the first things I bought for the workshop was a small stereo. The music goes on and after a while bad singing is inevitable. I tend to drink a lot of tea (Earl Grey) and I am easily distracted by trying out new ideas and techniques, sometimes forgetting to eat, or make the things that I set out to do. I may have to be more disciplined in the future! The best thing about the process is that it’s fun.
Materials are really important of course. I choose leathers by touch, look and smell. A book is such a tactile thing that the way it feels in your hands is vital. A lot of the leather is recycled from other sources, but I recently found a wonderful independent supplier who I will definitely be returning to. Wherever I can I source things from small, local companies. It isn’t always possible, but I do my best.
[Ed’s note: the fact that you are making an effort to support your local companies is quite admirable.]
13. Have you made journals with specific people or themes, etc in mind?
A lot of them are made with specific people in mind, often friends and family. I wonder what sort of book he or she would like, and then I make it.
14. You’re almost off the hook! What, if any, other artistic areas would you like to branch out in?
That’s a hard question, because there are so many answers. Firstly I’d like to get a lot better at what I’m doing now. I would call myself a bookmaker now, but not a bookbinder; that’s a skill that takes many years of training. If I could get somewhere closer to that, I’d really feel I’d achieved something. I used to do sign-writing and leaded glass, which I would love to get back into. For a long time it’s been a question of time, space and money. Sculpture is a growing interest, and I’ve had some success with polymer clay, making snails and mushrooms, so hopefully there will be time now to do more of that. And although the writing has been on hold for a long time, I’m still hopeful that at some point I’ll feel settled enough and have the courage and confidence to get on with that too.
I certainly wish you all the best Stormfilled in your continued growth from bookmaker to bookbinder and in all your other endeavors.
When I decided that I wanted to do a feature on Blackthorn Workshops I could not imagine doing so without having sampled the merchandise. And so a few weeks back I placed an order and in a very short time this beauty arrived in my mailbox:
If she hadn’t already, Stormfilled would have won me over with the extra special touches. I absolutely love wax seals. It is a very nice touch.
It is probably obvious with my not-so-subtle hints of the quote in the opening of this post and in the way I chose to photograph my very own Blackthorn Workshops journal that the first time I laid eyes on this journal on Stormfilled’s site that The Lord of the Rings came to mind.
The color of the leather reminded me of the journal in the menu of the extended edition of The Fellowship of the Ring. It also reminded me of the delicate craftsmanship that went into making all the props, costumes, etc. for the films. I just knew that I had to have it.
The gold tooling and ornate decorative corners sealed the deal. I also have to admit that I am thrilled by the raised bands on the spine.
This is a wonderful book to hold. I can attest to what Stormfilled said earlier about how she picks leather–this journal looks, feels, and smells great. It sits on the beside table right next to my head and my nightly ritual since getting it is to remove my One Ring and lay it on the journal before I settle down to sleep. I love that leather aroma as I drift off to sleep.
Stormfilled is an inspiration. She is doing, in her own way, what so many of us either are doing ourselves or long to do: she is taking her creative spark and using it to create something beautiful. I ‘met’ her quite awhile ago through fellow bloggers and have enjoyed watching her progress. It is serendipitous that on top of creating lovely journals that she is also a member of the Neil Gaiman fan club. That alone makes her a kindred spirit! I for one am so curious as to what story, or stories, Neil will write in his Blackthorn Workshops journal. It gives me chills for Stormfilled’s sake just thinking about that.
Please take the time to visit Blackthorn Workshops to peruse her inventory. Also go by and visit Stormfilled at her personal blog.
Remember that everyone who participates in all the Book Week posts by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. CST will have their names put in a drawing for a fantastic prize pack (at least it is in my humble opinion).
Thanks for allowing me to introduce you to Stormfilled and I thank you so very much for your participation, Stormfilled. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your answers to the interview questions. Great job!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone.
(for more examples of Stormfilled’s beautiful endpapers, click here)
Absolutely beautiful! Yet more journals for me to fall in love with. And from my home county nonetheless. The raised bands on the spine are certainly the selling point for me. Grear post, thanks!
I collect journals – but am too scared to write in them and destroy their pristine beauty 🙂
These are wonderful
these look absolutely amazing, amd so insipiring. I would want to start writing on one of those straight away!
Ah so it was you who bought the green one I wanted! I am in the process of buying a couple of her notebooks after Chris put up a post not long ago. I love collecting journals and notebooks and then finding a specific use for each.
Gorgeous journals. I too am attracted to buying them but never seem to write in them. I keep hoping one day that will change. I had a wicked leather one that I took out for my first dig in Egypt, I swear it was something Indiana Jones would have had on him. Almost like the 3rd picture posted above, only mine was 6 inches tall and really rustic looking like it had been around the block a couple of times or passed through generations. I loved that little book!
Carl forgive me if I missed it, but did you announce the winner of The Girl in the Castle Inside the Museum?
Hope you have a great weekend! I’ll be spending mine with Philip Pullman among others. 🙂
Oh, what a wonderful interview! It really is fun to get inside an artist’s mind…and hers is perfectly delightful! I visited her site after Chris posted about it not too long ago. I was in awe! But I kept thinking…what could I possibly write in it that would be worthy of its beauty?
Thanks to both Carl and Stormfilled for an inspiring start to the morning!
Beautiful interview, beautiful books . . . I’m off to Blackthorn now. Thanks.
Absolutely gorgeous journals! But I’m really here to say that I LOVE your new header!!! I just showed it to my husband and he agrees. It’s fabulous. Very post-apocalyptic. BTW, I picked up a copy of Wastelands yesterday at work. We finally got it in. I plan to give it to my husband for his birthday on Sunday, but he’s a fast reader, so hopefully I’ll get to it in the next week or so. I also grabbed a copy of The Brief History of the Dead when I was at Half-Price books last week. Thanks for the great recommendations, Carl! These both look like winners.
I’ve visited Stormfilled’s site before and admired her journals.. and you are so right when you say you can’t think or see a journal without thinking of Bilbo! I have 3 copies of “A Hobbits Travels” (blank journal with sketches on every page, not used of course!).. I only wish I did things to write about in a journal!
I also wish/wanted to do your contest here but I will be away Saturday and Sunday at the sutograph show.. I should be home early enough to do sundays post but I’ll have no computer with me for Saturday (boohoo) But know I tried!!!
that’s Autograph show.. *sigh*
Ohhhhh my… I love journals, especially leather-bound ones. I find them inspiring, yet I only own one or two.. and never manage to write much in them if I do. I don’t know why that is 🙁 But these I will definitely be checking out, and probably putting on my Christmas list this year, at the very least!
I enjoyed this interview for reasons unrelated to my biblio-obsession. Leaving one phase of life and moving towards another is such a difficult phase. Even if the change is a good one, it’s still marred with stress. I’ve listed my personal blog in the link (which has links to my biblio-blog on it) instead of linking to my book blog. Although I normally keep the two separate (professional reasons), I hope others in a transitioning phase might benefit from my musings about my own divorce from teaching and my empty nest angst.
I wish Stormfilled the very best luck, fulfillment and joy that following one’s dreams can bring!
Once again Carl…. fantastic post that made me wonder and smile:-) I am soooo thrilled that I joined my very first book challenge HERE!
Tasses: You are certainly correct, transitions can be very, very stressful. I think that is where my admiration comes in for those that choose to do so in order to follow their heart. Thanks for the other link. I’m glad you made this your first book challenge as well! 🙂
Asara: I’m the same way. I collect journals but don’t write in them, but I’m determined to start changing that with my Blackthorn Journal.
Deslily: Yep, journal=Bilbo…I’m programmed that way as well. And I don’t think you’ll miss anything. This is my last post of Book Week, unfortunately, because tomorrow I go to Omaha to pick up my new car (one of our vehicles died this past week…another reason the car header is ironically fun) and Sunday I’ll be getting my post ready for Monday to announce the winner. As long as you’ve commented in these 4 you’re good to go! You have a great weekend at the show! As always I’m thrilled for you and envious!
Les: As I said above, I’m heading your way briefly on Saturday! I cannot wait to read what you think of those two books. You’re right, the car is very post-apocalyptic.
Debi: I too really enjoy finding out what makes artists, and authors, tick. I’ve had the same mindset in the past that has kept me from writing in the journals I collect…got to make some changes though and quit being afraid (we’ll see if I succeed or not).
Ashleigh: Great Indy reference!!! And thanks for the reminder! I intended to announce the Girl in the Castle winner with the post that came the day the site died and have promptly forgot all about it. Thank you so much. I would have eventually been reminded when the Amazon package showed up (which should be today) and I would have had the same ‘oh, duh!’ moment I had when I read your reminder. Geez, what a week! 😉
Andi: I couldn’t help but think ‘I’m off to see the wizard’ when reading your comment.
Rhinoa: Sorry! There is another great green one over there I believe. 🙂
Valentina: That’s the spirit!!!
Sally: I hope to keep mine beautiful and yet use it as well.
Mariel: Gotta love the raised bands!
Stormfilled is bloody awesome, and so are her journals. 🙂 I have several of them, and I daresay I’ll probably have a few more before the end of the year, the black goatskin design is calling to me, for one…
She’s totally a kindred spirit, and has wonderful taste. I’m so glad that she has taken the plunge, and I hope that it proves to be every bit as successful as she deserves. I can’t wait to see what other things Stormfilled comes up with in the future.
I was SO happy to see this post Carl, really brought a smile to my face (and I needed it today!).
Oh, and you picked my favourite design! I love the green leather journal with the raised bands, gold tooling and corners. Yummy. Love your picture of it on the map of Middle Earth.
These journals are definitely every bit as gorgeous in person. My addiction is second only to my Poppet addiction. 😉
Cool wax seals but even better header!
Oh, Carl, you definitely touched a chord with me here; I’ve been journaling since I was FIVE, I kid you not. I have boxes and boxes of journals, more than even I could have dreamed possible. More than anything, they’re a balm for my soul: better than a photo album they capture the details and memories of my life taking me back instantly to a place or feeling. I’ve also taken several book binding classes, so I’ll be sure to write a post this weekend showing some of my journals.
Like bellezza, I’ve been “journaling” or keeping a diary since I was about 5 or 6, and have several boxes full of books. I wasn’t always so great at recording life’s details, but the books are still precious to me now.
Stormfilled’s books are amazing and I think I have to have one, even tho’ these days I do most of my journaling on the computer. One thing she said really hit home – teaching would be “the perfect job if you wanted to do nothing else, but I wanted lots of else.” That was my experience exactly – much too much else!
Bea-u-t-ful books. I’m drooling for one of my own, even though I don’t jounal much, I’m too busy reading. I really enjoyed your interview.
Journals for the hand, eye, and heart! Lovely.
I’m a journaling nut. I especially love sketch journals. Theere is something so refreshing about a clean sheet of paper and a really good pen. I’ll be checking these journals our closer. I love the rich papers and the details of the corner.
I love those journals too but as other commenters have already said, I’m always a bit paranoid about writing in them!
I still like my old Oberon Designs journal, although I rarely write in it.
That was a great interview! I love journals, mine is 8 by 11 and is packed with so many things that it’s probably 5-8 inches thick. I love the way Stormfilled journals look. Is the paper lined or blank?
I too am frightened of writing in my pretty blank books…fortunately blogging provides a different place to store my thoughts. 😉
I hadn’t seen Blackthorn before, but I agree – those are awfully pretty. Very classic and classy.
Perhaps for shy folks like me some reusable book covers like these at Sunburst Crafts would be a better deal. That way you get the pretty exterior, but the inside is cheaper so you don’t need to worry so much about writing in it. 😉
Those are gorgeous! If only I had an excuse to buy one…I’m a notorious slacker when it comes to journaling.
Wow and wow. Great pictures and great interview.
Oh these are gorgeous! Just so lovely! I absolutely adore journals, much to my husband’s chagrin, but there is just something about the look of smooth, blank paper that just moves me. I loved the interview too. Thanks for making this such a great “Book Week.” It’s been a nice thing to look forward to everyday.
Wonderful Post to cap off a wonderful series!!
I’ve forwarded the link for Blackthorn to my wife – Father’s Day isn’t too far away you know!
Have a great weekend Carl!
Speaking of Indiana Jones, here’s a pretty good replica of the Grail Diary from The Last Crusades.
I love journals, and keep a daily one… and I’ve always been discontented with the ones I can buy at our local stores. THANKS so much for introducing Stormfilled and her journals to us.
beautiful craftspersonship!
What a wonderful interview! Stormfilled’s journals are gorgeous and I really need to treat myself to one soon.
Aren’t they gorgeous? I have the one right under your question number 4 and it’s just what I had been looking for for literally years. I wanted a nice soft leather journal with a wrap around tie to keep it closed…and you just can’t find that! Her work is so perfect and exquisite that you need to feel them and smell them to truly appreciate them. But you did a great job of describing them and I really, really enjoyed this interview!
I love the journal that you bought! That’s the one that I’ve had my eye on too. I love the new green leather that she has. It’s gorgeous. I really need to treat myself to a second one. I’ve been using the first as a quotes journal, but I want to start journaling by hand with a new one and I think I’ll buy a fountain pen to do that! Just to add to the romance of these beautiful books.
What a great interview she gave too. So many things that I’ve been curious about for so long even though I’ve read her journal for awhile now. I love the origin of her name! I’d like to see those eggs too 🙂 I wish her all the luck in the world. She deserves it!!!
Have a nice drive up to Omaha. Hope the weather cooperates, although I doubt you’ll hit anything other than rain (unlike what the western portion of the state saw this week!).
BTW, what kind of car are you getting?
I’ve never been much of journaler – but those look really nice.
They are beautiful! I haven’t actually journaled in a long time. It seems to have gone by the way when my life got busy. It’s a shame too. Of course, these are just too pretty to write in!
Oh my gosh – I think I might pass out! Thank you, thank you, thank you for bringing the “journal pr0n” to us today!
I’m another longtime journaler – I can’t even remember when I started. I don’t remember NOT doing it.
I maintain that writing in longhand all those years taught me more about writing than any class.
I’m a journal junkie. In fact, I just bought another one today. The thing is, the nicer the journal, the more I’m inclined to just look at it rather than write in it. So, for me, when I actually want to get my thoughts our or poems written, I turn to Clairefontaine. I’ve yet to find paper so smooth it can take the ink from a fountain pen and not bleed on to the next; they may not be much to look at, but they are absolutely a pleasure to write in. Thanks for pointing these ones out, Carl; I loved the interview and I just might be adding another journal to my collection sometime soon.
Neth: and they smell good too! 😉
Les: I’m taking the bus up to Omaha in the morning and driving my new car back. I bought a 2006 Dodge Charger from my uncle’s car lot.
Chris: I too like the wrap around ones. Had she had one in the green leather I would have been in a quandry about it. I was really pleased with all of her answers, she really took time to answer them well and was very fun. And of course you have to get a fountain pen, the romance of journaling is all a part of the experience.
Nymeth: Yes you do!
Janet: Oh no, you didn’t go there, did you? 😉
Melissa: You certainly wouldn’t be discontented with one of her journals.
Ashleigh: Great link, thanks. I really hope the movie is as good as my excitement level wants it to be.
Ken: Great idea!!!
Heather: Thanks, I’ve really enjoyed doing the posts. I have other theme weeks in the works and hopefully they will be as enjoyable.
Thanks Becky! 🙂
Somer: you can just buy one to hold (and smell)! 😉
RB: That would certainly diminish some of the fear factor.
Vasilly: I think she has both! I bought a lined journal.
Heidi: That Oberon journal is great! Love the design.
Rachael: I have some sketch journals coming up in a later post, although I’d love to have one of Stormfilled’s with blank paper to sketch in as well.
Jenclair: “Journals for the hand, eye, and heart”…love that!
Carrie: Just so long as you don’t drool ‘on’ your journal then you are good to go!
jlshall: I think many of us want more and I don’t mean material things I mean more of the time, ability, and courage to do the things we want to do. If I can do anything, whether by my direct actions or promoting people like Stormfilled, to encourage others to take that step out the door then I feel like I’ve done something worthwhile.
Bellezza: I look forward to that post. The only time I really journaled seriously was in high school as a part of a class and some in college. I am really wanting to read those again so I think I’ll be digging them out of the basement this week.
Stephanie: Thanks!
Quix: I ‘met’ Stormfilled through your blog and I have to say a big ‘thanks’ for that. I certainly have found more kindred spirits through this blogging world than I ever imagined. Like Anne Shirley’s revelation, it is great to realize that they aren’t as rare as one would think. Glad you liked the LOTR image. I just had to photograph something to relay my emotional connections between the journal I purchased, The Lord of the Rings, and the Once Upon a Time II Challenge.
Chelle: I certainly agree that a journal has to be both practical as well as pretty. So glad you enjoyed the post, especially coming from the position of being a ‘journal junkie’.
Elizabeth: I am sure that you are correct in regards to writing in journals. RusVW posted a great post about that recently. If you pass out perhaps someone can revive you by waving a deliciously aromatic leather journal in front of your face. 🙂
Stephanie: Obviously Neil doesn’t think they are too pretty to write in! 🙂 As I said in the post, I hope someday to find out just what story or stories he writes in the gift from Stormfilled.
I used to be huge into journal writing, but I haven’t written in one in like two years. I was thinking the other night that I need to get back into it… Maybe I should buy myself a pretty one to get me inspired. haha
Those are gorgeous!
I wish I could get in the habit of writing in a journal. I always seem to start and then forget about it for months (or sometimes years) at a time.
these journals are beautiful, such wonderful craftsmanship.
very interesting interview with Stormfilled as well.
I just saw your ‘One Ring’ post, awesome 🙂
First off, you certainly have good taste, Carl. :] These handmade books are simply inspiring. I definitely agree with the point that journals chronicle the journey of an individual. Your Blackthorn journey is lovely! I can picture you coveting your journal while saying, “My preciousss!” :] Thanks for sharing such an inspiring art!
Orchidus: It is hard not to have good taste when you see exquisite work like this. Your picture isn’t far from the truth! 🙂
Bookworm: The One Ring post was only awesome because of the way it turned out! It could have been Gollum-ish.
Nicole: Blogging has certainly made it easier to do any form of journaling online vs. the ‘old fashioned’ way. It is much easier to remember and to execute journaling online.
Kailana: Not a bad idea, I certainly take whatever avenue I can to be inspired.
What gorgeous journals!
Wow. Those are gorgeous journals! I can see why you are so happy to have one.
These are very ornate journals. I would be afraid to write in them because if I messed it up, I would be very angry.
These journals are lovely. I got out of the habit of using journals many years ago but last year my husband switched from a handheld device back to paper and journals and he’s loving it. It’s made me think about trying to use a journal again too. This might just be a good way to start.
First of all, excellent post. I only have one journal and it’s been used only in times of crises. Second, YOU JUST DROP THE LINE, ‘I’M GETTING A DODGE CHARGER’ LIKE IT HAPPENS EVERYDAY AROUND HERE! That my friend is totally unexpected. Of course you realize you must have new shades and a very impressive shiny jacket to go with the muscle car.
I went to Stormfilled’s site when Chris mentioned her on his blog a few weeks ago. I fell in love with the journal that you just showed, the green one! Now that I’ve seen it again, I think I just saw a birthday present for me. It looks so soft and just waiting for someone (me) to write in it…..I’m always looking for new journals, since I carry one for story ideas and poems, wherever i go. What a fabulous post, Carl, and I hope Stormfilled’s dreams come true. I also love how she picked her name, and like you, would love to see her version of the storm-filled egg…..
I really enjoyed reading this particular interview. And the journals….. they are so beautiful, I don’t think I could write in one; I would never want to reach the last page.
Like many others who have posted here, I have been journaling all of my life. The question I have been pondering lately, is what to do with all of those journals? If I keel over tomorrow, I don’t think I want anyone reading (at least some of) my journals! They are not going to make the great American novel, so do I throw they away now? Burn them in a ceremonial way? Just put a sign on the box that says, “Children, please shred these.” and trust them?? When I think about stuff I wrote as a teenager….ewwwwwwww!
Amazing! I can’t believe you don’t show me these in person when I stopped over at your house you knuckle head.
Stormfilled I wish you the most sucess!
Sorry Jeff, I think because this was in my room and not in my computer room I just completely forgot about the fact that you needed to smell it…I mean, look at it. 🙂
Kerry: I think you underestimate just how important your thoughts may be to those who come after you. I’ve stumbled upon blog posts and radio stories over the past few weeks that involve people discovering their grandparents journals and how meaningful they were to them. More than anything they give an idea to future generations about what life was like ‘way back then’, how you thought and coped with the world as it was. And after you are gone why would you care at all who read what and what they would do with it? I say pass it on.
Susan: I hope her dreams come true as well and that you are able to somehow get your hands on one of these sumptuous journals.
Cameron: I kind of had to just drop it in, until it was actually in my hands (which happened today) it was more of a situation of hoping that I wasn’t dreaming. It is a sweet ride. I’ll post pics soon and of course you’ll see it at some point. Not sure I can do the slick jacket…my leather one however…
Tanabata: As much as I love technology I have to say that your husband’s switch makes me smile.
Callista: I guess when you write in journals you just have to consider ‘mess ups’ as part of the art of journaling. Which is easy for me to say but not practice as I have the same concerns. 🙂
Sarah, Mosker: They are lovely. So Mosker, now do you see why your comments yesterday were so timely and funny?
Oh, my god! Your blog is most amazing! And thsi interview and these pictures captivated me. Your blog goes to my Blog Roll.
I collect journals too and I would love to have one of these. I am so excited to read about work making. I always wanted to learn that skill!
That you so much Harry. I’m off to see Ironman now but will be sure to check out your blog as well later today. I appreciate the nice comments and hope you visit often.
Oh, do tell if the movie is worth the watch. I am interested in the adaptation. I am going to visit often, don’t worry about that.
Thank you to every one for the positive comments! When you’re just starting up something like this, they are very, very welcome indeed. Huge thanks to Carl for giving me the chance to natter for a while.
Must urge those of you who are reluctant to ‘ruin’ your journals with scribbles that you must do it! It’s what they’re designed for. They enjoy it and there are always more.
Those are some beautiful journals! I’ve bookmarked her site so I can visit it often and hopefully treat myself to one of these soon 🙂
Oh and of course great interview as always Carl!
Thanks Iliana. I hope you can treat yourself to one as well, they are lovely.