a great big new book to start the year January 04 2025
any time is the right time to start a journal, but there is something special when a fresh book aligns with the beginning of a new year.
i filled the pages of my extra large journal in november, just before my busiest time of year. i use this book every single day, so i knew i would need to make a fresh one the moment i could find the time. in the midst of the holiday frenzy, i took a moment to prep materials so i could dive in as soon as i shipped my very last holiday order.
often at the end of an extremely busy time filled with deadlines, i feel a bit lost and overwhelmed. surrounded by a messy studio and the endless possibilities of what to work on next, i begin to spin. this year was different, as i had laid the foundation and was able to jump in to this project with intention and excitement. carefully choosing right pieces of fabric from my ever-growing plant-dyed stash, meditatively tearing pages, and stitching books is just what i needed to slow down and re-connect. i made eight extra-large hand bound journals which are now in my shop, and i will keep the one that is left. i can’t wait to start my new journal.
this extra large journal is an essential part of my creative practice. i fill mine with to-do lists and ideas, sketches and inspiration, project plans and notes. it is stuffed full of photocopies of inspiring pages of books, torn pages of magazines, and bits of fabric as i explore color palettes. it is not precious, i am not careful with how quickly i fill the pages, i am not afraid to use it.
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here are some other journals if the extra large journal is not for you. perhaps you are looking for something to start the year that will fit in your day bag or pocket. i have stocked my shop with all different sizes: the daily practice extra thick journals (small batch), the classic slim hand bound journals, the little felt journals, and the pocket notebooks.
the start of the year is also one of my favorite times to learn something new... if you would like to make your own books, you can find DIY bookbinding kits and DIY accordion fold book kits in my shop as well. the process is addictive, and once you learn the basics it is endlessly adaptable to books of all shapes and sizes.
often at the end of an extremely busy time filled with deadlines, i feel a bit lost and overwhelmed. surrounded by a messy studio and the endless possibilities of what to work on next, i begin to spin. this year was different, as i had laid the foundation and was able to jump in to this project with intention and excitement. carefully choosing right pieces of fabric from my ever-growing plant-dyed stash, meditatively tearing pages, and stitching books is just what i needed to slow down and re-connect. i made eight extra-large hand bound journals which are now in my shop, and i will keep the one that is left. i can’t wait to start my new journal.
this extra large journal is an essential part of my creative practice. i fill mine with to-do lists and ideas, sketches and inspiration, project plans and notes. it is stuffed full of photocopies of inspiring pages of books, torn pages of magazines, and bits of fabric as i explore color palettes. it is not precious, i am not careful with how quickly i fill the pages, i am not afraid to use it.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
here are some other journals if the extra large journal is not for you. perhaps you are looking for something to start the year that will fit in your day bag or pocket. i have stocked my shop with all different sizes: the daily practice extra thick journals (small batch), the classic slim hand bound journals, the little felt journals, and the pocket notebooks.
the start of the year is also one of my favorite times to learn something new... if you would like to make your own books, you can find DIY bookbinding kits and DIY accordion fold book kits in my shop as well. the process is addictive, and once you learn the basics it is endlessly adaptable to books of all shapes and sizes.
a tidy and well organized desk space feels like a good place to begin the year. here are a handful of free sewing tutorials that might make your space feel uniquely your own. there are over 50 free sewing tutorials in my ever-growing collection.
happy stitching and happy new year!
PS: myra is pondering her intentions for the new year.
