Yesterday, I made these two booklets. One is filled with graph paper and the other, plain paper. The covers are made from decorative paper napkins with a fun technique I learned from Veronica Phillips in an online workshop sponsored by the San Diego Chapter of the Society for Calligraphy.
These are simple booklets, made with a pamphlet stitch. Quick to pull together. The possibilities for covers is endless — and one more art supply to collect! In fact, I’ve heard the saying that every art is really two hobbies: The practice of the art itself and the collection of supplies for that art. I’m not sure which I really enjoy more! I do love my things.
I also love the creative process. I enjoy making things. I wonder what it is I’ll do with all the things I make. I’ve been painting large mixed media “mother sheets” that I’ve been cutting up into postcards and trimming up for greeting cards. I guess I need to develop a “greeting card” practice.
Several years ago, I spent 30 days sending out thank you notes. Thirty days of gratitude. It was a wonderful practice. It left me looking forward to each day’s thank you note; I spent my time looking around, asking myself “Am I grateful for this? Whom can I thank?” It taught me a lot about my life and what I value — and I how I can bring a bit of joy to someone else’s life.
Perhaps it’s time to do another project like that. I’m feeling a bit introspective at the moment; it would be good to put my energy toward others. I can make art and connect with others in a loving way.
I love your idea of sending love and energy to others.