Spirited and Soulful Journals

I recently enrolled in a class with the fabulous Martha Lever. Martha is not only an accomplished artist, calligrapher and teacher, but she is the most loving, kind and generous soul. I loved the classes I took. Here’s some of what she so spectacularly taught me…

These hardbound journals are created from “quilted” fabric. Essentially, several pieces of fabric sewn together and cut down to make the covers. Martha used batik fabric and since I had a huge stash of it, I followed suit. I chose a post hitch closu…

These hardbound journals are created from “quilted” fabric. Essentially, several pieces of fabric sewn together and cut down to make the covers. Martha used batik fabric and since I had a huge stash of it, I followed suit. I chose a post hitch closure with elastic for the book.

Bookplate cut from same fabric scraps

Bookplate cut from same fabric scraps

Three hole, four signatures

Three hole, four signatures

Martha led a tutorial of coffee dyeing papers.  Incredible.  I’d never had such fun results!

Martha led a tutorial of coffee dyeing papers. Incredible. I’d never had such fun results!

Inside cover pocket with tags

Inside cover pocket with tags

Believe it or not, another coffee dye paper…I never clean my stencils!  Can you tell??

Believe it or not, another coffee dye paper…I never clean my stencils! Can you tell??

Lots of fun coffee dyed sheets!

Lots of fun coffee dyed sheets!

There are four signatures in this journal. All signature “center folds” house a small paper bag cut from various vintage ephemera. Filled with tags and other items.

There are four signatures in this journal. All signature “center folds” house a small paper bag cut from various vintage ephemera. Filled with tags and other items.

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Move ephemera and paper goodies.

Move ephemera and paper goodies.

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Back cover pocket with cluster and flap

Back cover pocket with cluster and flap

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Such a wonderful workshop during this most difficult time in our world.  It sure was a breath of fresh air to devote my time and energy to such a great project and forget about all else!!  Thank you Martha!

Such a wonderful workshop during this most difficult time in our world. It sure was a breath of fresh air to devote my time and energy to such a great project and forget about all else!! Thank you Martha!