Some of the other ladies on the Etsy Bookbinding Team (BEST–Bookbinders of Etsy Team) were discussing how they have maps on their walls and every time they sell a book to someone in another country, they add a pin to their map. Now, while I love this idea and I really would like to have a map on my wall (I’ve always wanted to have a big old antique-looking map on my studio wall), I’ve never had the wall space for doing this.

From a 1923 Map

So I’m stuck with a virtual map in my head. While I’ve made a few sales overseas, the majority of my sales are in the US. But it’s always exciting when someone from another country purchases an item–it’s a thrill to think that your work is making its way across the world. So far, I’ve made sales in Norway (several times), Australia, Canada, and now the UK for the third time.

This most recent sale was one of my journal sketchbooks, one of the few limp bound journals I’ve done and it was a challenge piece for a team I’m on that celebrates the wonderful television show that was Firefly. Interestingly, the other book I sold to someone in England was also a challenge piece for that same team.

Front cover of the journal

This is one of two limp bindings that I’ve done. I’m not fond of them so I don’t make them very often, but the fabric was just begging to be used for a journal. When the challenge came up on our team, I thought it would be perfect since the show blends science fiction, western, and Oriental cultures. The Chinese dragons on a silvery background seemed very appropriate.

Another view of the front cover with buttoned flap

Here's the spine showing the longstitch

I thought that the red contrasted nicely with the greyish silver. Used a lonstitch for the binding.

This shows off the fabric I used for the cover

Journal pages

I always like the idea of having multiple colors of paper in a book. I feel like it has more depth somehow. The colors I chose, as well as the red thread and button, and the overall design all have meanings related to the show but they don’t actually mean much taken out of context, so I’ll spare you the details. However, if you’re interested in all those details, just check through the description that I included in my Etsy listing.

And this lovely journal will be making it’s way to London tomorrow (ships tomorrow and is supposed to arrive in 6 to 10 business days). Yay international sales!

I’ll leave you with a link to our Bookbinding blog and some pictures of other journals I’ve shipped overseas.

This is an accordion book with decorative relief designs and Swarovski crystal embellishments

An exposed spine binding, polymer clay covers and Arches Text Wove paper

Close up of Serenity journal--binders board covered in velvet with a silver leather spine and watch crystal on the cover (the Chinese writing says "Serenity")

Like a Glove miniature journal. Measures 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" and was made from a vintage ladies glove. The buckle was also on the glove, I used one buckle and both gloves to put this book together.