The Camille Journal

It's not often that clients come with a journal cover already in mind, but when Camille delivered this beautiful copy of Camille by Alexandre Dumas, I knew we were birds of a feather. I love the classic lettering style and the sweet vintage imagery on the front. (Also, I think the cheery mustard color is perfect for Camille's personality!)

I'm really obsessed lately with adding leather closures to the journals I've been working on, and this one serves a dual purpose. While holding the journal closed, this one also holds a place for a pen or other writing utensil. It's nice and snug and doesn't stand out too much. Unfortunately, I forgot to snap a picture of a pen actually in the elastic because I was too busy trying not to be eaten alive by bugs in my back yard. 

Something Camille told me about herself is that she is 'floral', so I wanted to make this journal like a garden on the go. I incorporated lots of floral papers into this journal and in the siding. I bound this journal up with a coptic stitch using waxed linen thread so that it can lay completely flat when opened. I also really love that coptic stitch allows the siding to be exposed, which I have always loved the effect of.

Camille's journal is full of heavy watercolor paper and drawing paper. I added in little floral themed "flags" for little notes and quotes, or to rip out for scratch paper. I love flags because sometimes I don't want to take up a whole page of my journal to write out a short thought or jot down a quote. They also serve to add some color and are super helpful for those moments you need to rip out a bit of paper to jot down a phone number or address. No more missing page corners!

Camille had also requested a back pocket for holding onto little notes and knick knacks. Up to now, I've been making pockets out of thick cardstock with velcro closure; however, while I like how those pockets close, I don't like how it caused the paper to balloon over where the velcro was placed. This time I took a risk and created a folder-like pocket out clear patterned acetate which worked out really well! Because their is no velcro involved, all the paper can lay flat, and the acetate is thicker than cardstock so it holds together better when sewing. I would call this a win-win. Also, the flamingoes are adorable. 

I liked the spine of the journal and didn't want to just toss it, so I turned it into a bookmark with a leather tassel.

I really enjoyed working on this journal and am excited about some new journals that I have in the works that will hit the shop this Spring (fingers crossed!)

Also, super excited to announce I will be going to ✨NYC✨🗽🍎 at the end of June and am hoping to visit The Center for Book Arts and a few fabric shops to pick up some leather to incorporate into some journals coming out this summer. I'm really excited to soak up the inspiration of the city and see how it comes out in my work.

The first batch of Spring journals will be hitting the website somewhat soon along with a giveaway, so keep an eye out for that!

XOXO,

Abigail