I like how this spine came out. I tried something different and inserted linen tape through some slits I cut in the raggedy spine, and then stitched over them all the way through.

I also like taking pictures of the pages. I think this is pretty. And a blank page is so full of possibilities, don’t you think?

This book is in the shop.

Aww, you guys! I can’t believe how fast the chick and pincushions went. There will be more of both just as soon as I can get to them. Too bad I have an actual full time job. It just keeps getting in the way of the fun stuff! My biggest problem during the week is actually being able to take pictures. It’s dark now when I get home, and mornings can get a little hectic. I’d like to make a light box, but I’m really trying to clean my workshop out so I can paint and fix it up all pretty, not bring more stuff in. There must be a space-saving light box contraption out there somewhere, or maybe I just have to invent one myself.

This picture was not taken with the use of a light box, just the pale morning light from my kitchen window, which is quite nice, really. If only it didn’t hang around for such a limited time each day.

Enough about that, I actually wanted to talk about books again! First of all, I finished one of two books I’m working on for the shop, and have listed it. The second one is a little bigger, and nearly done too. I’ll let you read all about it over there, if you are interested in that sort of thing. I think I have enough of this lovely French printmaking paper left for one, or maybe two more books. I should look for a less expensive alternative, but it’s just so nice, and stands up well to ink and watercolors. It’s just right for a commonplace book, or a travel journal.

I’ve also squeezed in a bit of reading, some from the list, and some not. First of all, those of you who recommended The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, what are you trying to do to me?! Heart-wrenching would be the best description I can give you. For those of you interested in WWII/Holocaust books, put this one at the top of your list right now. And even if you’re not interested in that period of history, it still should be high on your list.

I’ve also continued with the Fablehaven books, and I think they are getting better. I finished the second and just started the third. I think kids that are Harry Potter fans and looking for something else to read would really enjoy this series. Fantastical, magical creatures are always fun, and the stories are suspenseful and keep you reading.

The Dew Breaker is also on my list, and I have the CD recording of it from the library, so I can listen while driving to and from work. I have to be in just the right mood to listen to a book, so maybe I’ll get to this one later this week. Looking at my to-do list I don’t see any spare time for reading, so this may be the best way to fit it in.

One of my big goals for the weekend was to finish all the laundry and put it away. I don’t mind laundry, and there’s only two of us, so it’s not like there’s even that much to do, but somehow I always get caught on that last step, you know, the actual putting away of the clean clothes. I wonder what that says about me. Nothing flattering, I think. Honestly, right now I’m pooping out and I don’t think the clothes are going to be folded tonight, much less put away, but I did finish a lot of other things, so I’m not going to feel too bad about it. Actually, I mopped the kitchen floor on Saturday, so I’m not going to worry about the laundry at all. Mopping earns you a break from laundry, doesn’t it?

As I mentioned before, my Spring Forward socks were easily finished on Saturday. I’m finally getting the hang of the elusive kitchener stitch. The toes on these aren’t perfect, but they’re the best I’ve done so far.

I did go up a needle size, from one to two, so they would fit my big feet. I could tell within a couple inches of knitting on the ones that they wouldn’t fit, so it was simple enough to undo and start over.

I’ve also been working away at some items for the shop, and finally got a few done and listed. I’m having a little crisis of confidence. All week I’ve been thinking of all these great ideas, sketching, making lists and just planning and scheming, but when it comes down to actually adding a listing to etsy I get all nervous and doubtful of my once great ideas. This isn’t a pity post, fishing for compliments sort of thing, because I think the only thing that will reassure me are actual sales with positive feedback. Blergh. Okay, I will just act brave and confident, and keep plugging away here in the Hey Lucy workshop. If nothing else, I’m really enjoying myself, going from one activity to the next. A little bookbinding here, a little sewing there, a little drawing and stenciling, and even knitting a tiny hat for a tiny chick.

He’s in the shop, all by his lonesome, except for these pincushions, but now that I’ve worked out the pattern, I’ll be making a few more. I think. Or maybe not, maybe no one will like him and I should just go back to the drawing board.

I caught a little bit of a cold this week. Nothing terrible just a sore throat and stuffy head. Of course, soup sounded pretty good, so I stopped at our regular Vietnamese Pho restaurant for some pho tai and Vietnamese egg rolls. I think the restaurant has changed owners, I didn’t recognize anyone working there, and the customer service was sorely lacking. Then, as the man behind the counter was bagging up my order, he put a tray of fresh rolls on top. When I asked them why he was putting those with my order, he told me they were what I ordered, Vietnamese fresh rolls. Um, no, I told him, I ordered egg rolls. Well, he said, egg rolls cost two dollars more, so did I still want egg rolls? Pfft. I was tired, and sick, and hungry and didn’t have any cash on me and didn’t want to charge two dollars for egg rolls, WHICH I ORDERED. So I went home, still happy with the thought that at least had my soup.

Pulling everything out the bags, once I got home I realized that there was no puffy plastic bag with bean sprouts and basil and limes. Boo! And they were stingy with the hoisin and chili sauce. I’m very particular about my pho, and this place has always done it right before, but after today I’m afraid I’m going to have to find another place. Anyone in San Diego know of a good place for pho in East County? Sigh. Life is hard sometimes.

I’m not going to dwell on my tragic problems any more tonight, however. I’m working on some things for the shop. Here’s a little peek:

It’s been a while since I’ve pulled out my bookbinding supplies, and I’ve been enjoying tearing up big sheets of paper to fit some old book covers.

I’ve also found a new favorite sock pattern, and will definitely have a finished pair of socks to show off by Saturday morning. I can’t believe how fast these guys are knitting up. If you’re looking for a quick sock knit, I highly recommend knitting yourself a pair of Spring Forward socks!                                  

I’ve decided to embrace my inner capitalist, and start listing stuff in my etsy shop again. I’m working in earnest this weekend on a few things, including some inexpensive items, like this tiny little pincushion in a tart pan.

Since I have a pretty severe case of creative ADD, there will be a pretty wide variety of items, from little quilts to hand-bound books to sock monkeys. I’m not sure if that will make for a successful etsy shop, but I’m going to give it a shot. Stay tuned for regular previews right here in this space!

Just a quick little post to show the after version of my little footstool.

Spray paint sure is fun. I wish you could get custom mixed colors, like regular paint. I do like this yellow, though. I’m still going to try lining the inside and making an embroidered cover for the cushion.