What's busier than a bee?

Because that's how busy I have been. If I was a bee, I would be calling in for backup. I'm totally, completely, ridiculously swamped.

There's the new car, of course, and on Thursday my mother got rear-ended. Hard. So there's dealing with her insurance and taking care of her, and trying to keep up with the day job, and so much more.

I haven't been making any books at all lately. But I did sell a few - these three left for new homes:

And all got rave reviews from their new owners! So that's very exciting. 

I'm thinking of doing some softcover, maybe longstitch lizard skin journals in the near future. And I have a great idea for some rose-colored snakeskin I bought recently. 

Hopefully I'll be back to book making very soon! :)

Left this week...

I went paper shopping today, hoping to find a source for more interesting - and hopefully less machine-made - paper than I can find at JoAnns and Michaels. So Google Maps found me two possible sources - one of which is Kelly's Paper, in Westlake Village, which is near my workplace. I stopped by on the way home. 

Unfortunately, I was sorely disappointed. Instead of the lovely retail paper wonderland on their website, I found a cavernous warehouse; inside were tall, beefy metal shelves stocked with boxes of inkjet paper, envelopes, and cardstock in varying shades of off-white. It was like a giant Staples stockroom.

What a let-down! 

The only other option around here is Papyrus, which I will duly visit, but I don't have high hopes. 

Happier news, here's what left the shop recently. So far, the reviews are great! I'm so excited their new owners are happy. 

Books and bobs.

Two more journals will be leaving for a new home today. Which leaves both shops rather empty! Fortunately, I have lots of fabulous ideas for new books. Last night I only had a moment to work but I did make a couple of teeny weeny lizard skin longstitch journals. I think they will be listed as pendants. 

I like the mini journals that are so popular right now, I must admit I could make them all day long, they're so fun and easy. Something so small is nice for instant gratification. It only takes about twenty minutes from start to finish (if you work from start to finish, that is. I usually don't). However, I always end up wondering what in the world they're good for. They're nice for little teeny works of art, like this one from meowstro....

Perhaps as handy illustration portfolios, like this one from behappy... 

As earrings, if light and sweet enough, like these from KupoKiley... 

Or as thank-you gifts, or goodbye presents from coworkers or friends... 

Or as love letters, all wrapped up in one place... 

I always like my journals to be practical, not just interesting to make or look at. So I think their best use is for pendants in my case. Mine are a little bit bigger and heavier than Kiley's, and I'm not nearly as talented as behappy or meowstro. 

Anyway. So I have some bookmaking to do in the near future. Hooray!