Nicole's Family Storybook

Hello friends! I hope this post finds you well. Tennessee is finally starting to enter the early stages of fall which means I'm entering into my peak creative season. Something about the cold temperature, changing leaves, and contemplative holidays pull the creativity out of me like no other time of the year. Thus, I am especially excited for the upcoming blogs I've been writing up to share with you. 

I especially fell in love with this project for my friend, Nicole. In moving her grandmother out of her home, Nicole managed to salvage several vintage Dutch books that she will be turning into journals over time, beginning with this one I have affectionately named, 'The Storybook.'

Nicole is a writer, and has specific plans to use this journal to write down the stories that have been passed down in her family so they aren't forgotten. I fell in love with her purpose for this journal--but then, I'm obsessed with people and their stories. It's what got me into this business in the first place.

I chose a daisy artisan paper accented in gold because I wanted to emulate that childhood feeling of picking wild flowers and the joy that the color yellow transmits--this pattern specifically makes me think of making flower chains and wearing them proudly like a wild crown.

I suppose I will eventually venture away from the Coptic Stitch, but that day is not today. I like that this stitch allows for an exposed spine (which allows me to incorporate another color/pattern into my overall design!) and allows the book to lay flat, which as a writer feels optimal.

I chose a gold flecked paper for the siding as a minor reflection back to the purpose of this journal; to dig out the gold in family stories and store them away like treasure for future generations. I also appreciated that the cream tone brightened up the overall aesthetic of this piece.

Truly, truly, I love hearing what you guys intend to do with these books! It inspires my creative process and makes me feel connected to you. Sometimes I get updated pictures of people using their journals and it makes me a little emotional to be honest; it's like getting a class picture sent to me of a kid I haven't seen in a long time. Keep writing your stories down, y'all. The world needs your voice, your perspective, and your creativity.

XOXO,

Abigail