A Box for the Birthday Boy

My friend Ann’s brother had a big birthday coming up, and she thought he would appreciate one of my little button-top boxes. So one morning she came over and we looked at buttons and papers and she selected a combination that seemed just right. The floral pattern on the brass button is striking against the gold highlights and dark tones of the hand-marbled paper. The red stone marble on the inside is a fun surprise.

Ann’s brother loves the box and, as it happens, it’s perfect for holding another gift he received that day: 50 grains of rice (one for every year), each coated in gold leaf.

Hand marbled paper by Chena River, vintage brass button. 1.75″ x 1.5″ x 1″

A special commission for a special birthday

A dear client presented me with a manuscript she had written extolling the many reasons she and her family love her Aunt, who was about to turn the magnificent age of 99 years young. As she described her aunt, it became clear that she is a very special person to many people—and that presenting this thoughtful manuscript in a one-of-a-kind handmade book would be a great way to convey her family’s adoration and appreciation.

The birthday celebration was less than a week away, so I quickly got down to work and came up with a few color options. For the cover, we decided on butter-cream silk and a Japanese floral paper because they convey the joy and warmth of her aunt as well as her home in Florida. A decorative flysheet and one of my favorite typefaces—the understatedly elegant Mrs. Eaves—provided just the right touch of sophistication.

The book was a big hit with my client and her family—and most importantly, with her aunt! It was truly a privilege and great fun to have a hand in creating such a sentimental and memorable gift.

12-pages, 5” x 5” with acid-free, vellum finish text paper.

Precious little treasures 

One day last Spring I received a big surprise in the mail: a package of buttons that had belonged to my grandmother. There were buttons of all kinds: mother-of-pearl, metal, bone, celluloid… Each and every one a fascinating miniature sculpture and a great addition to my growing collection. But what to do with all these buttons? Many of them are too big or bulky for my daisy journals, and they’re too precious to keep hidden away. So I started making little boxes topped with a special button on the lid. I just love making these precious, little boxes. Each one is a unique expression, sized just right to hold a special little treasure.

Approximately 1.75″ x 1.5″ x 1″ (1.5″ x 1.25″ at base)

$30 each

A book for those who think in numbers—or not!

“Basic math” symbols on the spine (the stitching you see is what holds this book together!) with spirographs on the front and back covers and a deckle edge.

Acid-free, vellum finish text paper—suitable for pen, pencil, writing, drawing.

5″ x 7″, 288 blank pages, $70

Item #2527

Like this handmade book? Pin in on Pinterest.

Perfect for worldly wanderers, armchair travelers, and history buffs!

A map of ancient Rome on the front and back covers is paired with “All Roads Lead to Rome” stitched on the spine (the stitching you see is what holds this book together!). Deckle edge on the text block.

Acid-free, vellum finish text paper—suitable for pen, pencil, writing, drawing.

A limited edition of 4 plus one artist proof. Spine fabric and map section varies with each book.

5″ x 7″, 288 blank pages, $75

Item #2526

Like this handmade book? Pin in on Pinterest.

This interaction is much like the process of building a collage, with the push and pull of color, texture and shape, and the unanticipated surprises that come from the element of chance. The element of chance is what draws me to collage: it’s without any pretensions of a deliberate stroke, and the most insignificant mark can become a serendipitous surprise.

Mixed media collage

4 5/8 x 3 3/4″

Mixed media collage

4.75″ x 4″

Sold

5 3/4″ x 4 7/8″

Sold.

5 5/8″ x 4 1/8″

4 3/8″ x 3 5/8″