Thank you, thank you, thank you

thankyou, a photo by janet_p on Flickr.

As my first post here indicated, starting this new endeavor is a dream come true. As such there are more than a few thank you-s that need be acknowledged already. First and foremost I need to thank Bridget (my new studio-mate). She has opened up her studio and her business experience to me in a completely unselfish way. Undoubtedly she's taking a risk, but again and again she has openly answered the questions I've asked, directed me to suppliers and offered me her years of bookbinding experience. Without her, none of this exciting new adventure would be possible.

Secondly I need to thank my family. They are very knowledgeable of my whims... and yet have been nothing but supportive of my decision to take on this new challenge. They've listened and offered advice. All this support has made starting this new business a little less scary.

I also want to thank my friends and co-workers who've also listened and been encouraging. They were also my polling pool for finally nailing down the name of my new business.

There are more thank you-s as well from the woman at the bank who helped me open my new business account, to the authors of the books I've read on the craft business, to my local coffee barista who smiles and asks what's new with the book making. I definitely feel as if the universe is open for me to pursue this and I feel very thankful for all the encouragement.

Currently listening to: Natalie Merchant - Kind & Generous

Dream Realized

Book made in 2005

Starting a new blog is a little intimidating for me, but I'm incredibly excited about the new art/craft adventure that I'm beginning.  Sharing the journey here is something that I look forward to. 

So where do I begin?  Starting July 3rd (less than 2 weeks away!) I will begin sharing studio space with another book artist, Bridget Morris.  She's the woman behind Bella Forte.  I met her a couple of months ago, and since she was moving into a larger studio, she asked if I would like to rent space from her and have the opportunity to use her bookbinding equipment.  At first I was apprehensive about taking on the additional expense and realized that it would require me to take my own bookbinding to a new level.  With some deep thought I realized this was not an opportunity I could pass up and that the work involved to make my love of making books into a business was something I felt excited about. 

I'm a long-time crafter, but I feel learning to craft handmade books was my entry into art.  Since learning bookbinding back in 2000 I've taken on many artistic interests, but I return to books over and over again and love the feeling I get when I create a special book that can hold precious thoughts, memories and experiences.  I'll be sharing that love of bookbinding here and other milestones in my new business venture.  I'll be sharing other creative endeavors here as well.  You'll probably also hear about the music I'm listening to, the books I'm reading, and other thoughts on life as well.  I hope to entertain and to connect to readers and look forward to hearing from you through comments.

As for today I'm not so patiently waiting for July 3rd.  I have a number of ideas for books I'll be making in the coming months.  I can't wait until I have books to share with you.   I've just about completed gathering all the supplies I need for the first few months.  Please check back to see my new studio and where I came up with the name Spiral Journey Studio.