Handmade Books and Journal

I haven't made books for ages. Too busy with other things as you can see! Handmade books are good for gifts. They take less time to make than quilting or gifts that involve stitching. Some handmade books do have stitching on them, but not as much as quilting. My book binding sessions I started at my work are still going strong. We are now into our third year. The members are now into stitching as well. Our joke is that we are supposed to be a book binding group, but most of the time we are stitching! That's okay as long as we create something. 
I made these books to take with me on my trip to Japan as gifts. One of them is my journal and the other two are for gifts. 

The reason I started making books is because there was so much wasted paper at the library where I work. Until today I'm still using recycled papers to make my books. The covers for the top two books came from scrap Japanese paper given to my friends. She passed it on to me. They were only small pieces and I joined them together as covers. The cover of the bottom one came from an old folder someone found at the back of the State Library of Victoria. I cut it up and only used part of it for this book. 

This is a handmade journal given to me by Herm (no blog) from Oregon. Herm made it for me to use on my trip to Japan. Herm also gave me the blue fabric and the acid-free and photo-safe glue. I'm so lucky to receive such treasures. Thanks so much Herm you are so generous. I love the journal so much I have decided to take an online workshop on journal making after I return from Japan.

Happy Easter everyone. Hope Easter bunny brings you plenty of chocolate eggs! We are spending Easter with DS and his family. Can hardly wait to see my grandchildren!