a book made of good things

I’m really enjoying learning the rhythm of Coptic binding. There’s something wonderfully satisfying about watching a book take shape using not much more than folded paper, thread, and a little patience.

This one is particularly special to me because almost every part of it has a story.

The paper on the covers is a beautiful scrap that was brought home from Japan for my 50th birthday. The boards underneath? Recycled packaging from my favorite Quik Cardamom Tea. And the pages are sewn together with bright red thrifted crochet thread using a simple Coptic binding, leaving the spine open so you can see exactly how the book is held together.

I love that combination. Things that might otherwise have had very different lives: a piece of paper carried home from halfway around the world and a bit of packaging that would normally be thrown away meet blank pages waiting for a new story.

Maybe that’s one of the things I like most about making books by hand. They don't have to begin with precious materials. Sometimes the most interesting books are made from the things we already have—and the things that already mean something to us.

a little reminder

 

pieces of yesterday, bound for the future

Little pieces of yesterday combined at a collage event I attended last month.

Sherwood Park's Strathcona County Museum and Archives kindly set out a tempting array of vintage newspapers and magazines, card stock and glue, inviting participants to snip and paste away. 

Later, I cut my creation down to create front and back covers for this coptic-bound notebook, made to keep becoming.  

The next event is on September 10th. 

Should you be able to attend, I wonder which images and stories from the past might stick out for you.

made of scraps and stars

When you really love paper, you make use of even the smallest scraps.

This journal, collaged with beautiful bits of handmade paper from India, is part of my recent exploration into coptic bookbinding. 

Made with simple materials: paper, glue, thread, and wonder, this multi-signature book feels like a cheerful place for bright ideas to land.

Can you spot the matching purple and pink corner bookmark peeking out at the upper right corner?

little miss morning glory

A paper lady with flowers in her hair to complement her summer kimono stands on the cover of this single signature notebook. 

Miss Morning Glory, queen of the dawn, awakens growth, embodies fleeting beauty, and reminds us to cherish the moment.

I crafted this little assemblage for my growing collection of garden haikus -- reflections on the bright, sunny days, and velvety nights that disappear far too quickly for my liking. 

Stars in the garden,

dewy morning glories shine,

awakening joy.

If you'd like to fold your own little kokeshi doll, I recommend this video by kokkogarden8585.

blue star of calm

I'm having a rough day today but this model really helped me find my calm.

It's a modular, self-locking origami star by Brian Beitel, taught by the designer himself on a recent Origami Maniacs YouTube Live. 

Feel free to leave me a comment below if you give it a try. I hope it helps you find your calm too.

today at strathcona county library!

Thanks for joining me today at Strathcona County Library! 

Take a look around the blog and check the origami links page for more inspiration and resources.

Each of these workshops stands on it's own but they're also part of a larger collection of hands-on learning experiences where origami becomes much more than a playful craft. 

It's a way to explore creative thinking, mindfulness, nature, and meaningful conversations. 

Every workshop is designed to leave beginners and experienced folders of all ages with something they make and something they discover.

The collection includes:

Mindful Origami — creativity, focus, and flow

Wetland Wonders — nature through folding and observation, inspired by the Beaver Hills Biosphere

Community art projects — collaborative installations and displays

Reflection and journaling workshops — folding paired with thoughtful prompts

Seasonal and themed programs — connecting books, nature, and creativity

And more — let's keep folding!