Important note to customers: The shop is closed for an undetermined duration of time due to the possibility of an upcoming Canada Post service disruption. If not resolved, new shipments/delivery of parcels already in the mailstream beginning on July 2 will be halted. Since my shop relies on postal delivery service to my customers, I have made the decision to close the shop until this postal disruption is over, so as to avoid any waylaid packages.
If you live locally and wish to place an order, please contact me to arrange order pickup.
Thanks!
LeatherFacts.org article
My journals were included in an article on LeatherFacts.org!
Thank you for the feature, Mr. Cooper... I feel honoured.
http://leatherfacts.org/old-looking-leather-journals
Thank you for the feature, Mr. Cooper... I feel honoured.
http://leatherfacts.org/old-looking-leather-journals
getting ready for the craft show
I've been bookbinding my brains out to prepare for the upcoming 21st Annual Seaside Craft Show/Market (Sept. 19, 20) at the Seaside Recreation/Community Centre in Beach Meadows/Eagle Head.
It'll be my 4th year selling there. My stock of books is quite low, as I've not been binding much for a while, due to time and energy constraints. Time to increase the inventory a bit, so I can offer some unique books at the show!
Just a few of the new books I'll be offering...
... and for the door prize, an itsy bitsy journal. :)
It'll be my 4th year selling there. My stock of books is quite low, as I've not been binding much for a while, due to time and energy constraints. Time to increase the inventory a bit, so I can offer some unique books at the show!
Just a few of the new books I'll be offering...
... and for the door prize, an itsy bitsy journal. :)
Shop closed for the weekend
Hello everyone! In preparation for the upcoming craft show this weekend, my online shop will be closed. It will re-open on Monday.
This will be my 3rd year at the Annual Seaside Craft Show. It's coming up on Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 20 & 21 (Sat 10-4, Sun 11-4) at the Seaside Center in Beach Meadows, NS. Last year was wonderful, and this year looks to be just as great! I love it so much, it's the only craft show that I do.
If you live in the area, come enjoy the local crafts and support your local artisans. Enjoy the yummy foodies (complimentary tea/coffee, and amazing homemade fish chowder and chili, sweets, etc.). Find a treasure for yourself or a friend. There's something for everyone!
I'll try to take some photos, to share later.
This will be my 3rd year at the Annual Seaside Craft Show. It's coming up on Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 20 & 21 (Sat 10-4, Sun 11-4) at the Seaside Center in Beach Meadows, NS. Last year was wonderful, and this year looks to be just as great! I love it so much, it's the only craft show that I do.
If you live in the area, come enjoy the local crafts and support your local artisans. Enjoy the yummy foodies (complimentary tea/coffee, and amazing homemade fish chowder and chili, sweets, etc.). Find a treasure for yourself or a friend. There's something for everyone!
I'll try to take some photos, to share later.
Sigh. Etsy's at it again...
First of all I must apologize, because it seems like I only blog here when there are issues with Etsy, but it seems like issues are happening A LOT lately with that venue. It is very frustrating and discouraging, especially as a long-time Etsy seller (since 2007). Etsy doesn't seem to really take seller's opinions into consideration either, it seems.
Now, every time I log in, it seems like the shop layouts are different. This is confusing for our potential customers, and for us (it's hard to navigate my own shop!). Apparently they are testing new designs over the summer. None of them really improve on what was, in my opinion. And it seems like other sellers agree. The forum is lit up with upset sellers. Here is my favourite post, which I feel accurately explains what I feel about the new design issues:
9) No more "shop announcements" section? What if you want to announce a discount, sale or special? What if you're soon going on vacation and want to give your customers a heads up before turning you shop on 'vacation mode'? Again, NOT cool.
Now, every time I log in, it seems like the shop layouts are different. This is confusing for our potential customers, and for us (it's hard to navigate my own shop!). Apparently they are testing new designs over the summer. None of them really improve on what was, in my opinion. And it seems like other sellers agree. The forum is lit up with upset sellers. Here is my favourite post, which I feel accurately explains what I feel about the new design issues:
Since this is a question forum, I thought it might be a good place to ask, why do we hate the test and what is has done to our shops. Here are the reasons I hate the new look:
1) The banner is gone. Etsy has told us from day one to brand ourselves. By taking our banners away, they have effectively removed part of our brand. Why? Some people on Etsy even sell banners. What's that doing to their business?My addition....
2) The search field is missing from our front page. Not the Etsy site search field - of course that one is still front and center, but the search field that allows a search within our own shop. So if a customer does not like what they see on the page and wants to search, they immediately leave our shop. Not cool.
3) The sections are now pictures and not true 'sections'. This only confuses the customer. How many customers now buy without reading anything at all. Some people don't read that they are actual sections and not just a single item for sale. It looks now like I have just a few items for sale, not the over 100 that I worked so hard to put into my shop so it looks like a full store. Why tell me I need to show a full store when you took that away so effectively?
4) Why do we need a number beside "favorite shop" that shows the world how many people have Favorited us? I have three shops, one is now and I don't mind that not many people have found it yet, but those numbers do nothing for the customer community and only cause confusion.
5) The shop looks unprofessional, like someone programmed it who is new to HTML programming and only knows how to place a few images up for people to see. It looks like someone who might have a new store online and does not yet know how to show what the store should look like.
6) With the new test comes another problem for people who sell supplies. Did you notice that now you cannot search Etsy directly for supplies? The only thing you can click to start is vintage or handmade. To get to supplies you must first click "All Categories" and only then can you click supplies.
7) Back to taking away our brand, by doing so, you have taken away our individualness. (I made a new word, forgive me.) I have actually had customers that did not know Etsy was not one big mall. They did not know Etsy was made up of lots of small stores that sold their own products. Taking away our brand only serves to reinforce that idea.
8) The layout is not user friendly. I have asked several people who were not sellers to navigate the site and tell me what they thought. They were confused as to how to purchase. They did not get it and got lost right away.
9) No more "shop announcements" section? What if you want to announce a discount, sale or special? What if you're soon going on vacation and want to give your customers a heads up before turning you shop on 'vacation mode'? Again, NOT cool.
There you have all the reasons I hate Etsy's new look. Now in closing, I do want to add that I am not against a new look in the least. Just not THIS look. As sellers, we do know a bit of what works and what doesn't. This one doesn't. Please listen to us and know that there are valid reasons we hate it. Maybe even think about having a panel of sellers on your team to help give you their ideas once you are ready to release a test? Who better to work together than someone who knows what works with someone who wants to improve things? Please Etsy, please look at things from our point of view. It surely can't hurt to try a little objectivity in your process of testing.
Shipping frustrations and new policies forthcoming...
When my shop re-opens in the new year, I have made the difficult decision to no longer offer shipping to any international destination - outside of Canada or USA - without charging for insured/traceable shipping! While it is very expensive for my customers (more than the cost of a journal!) and will most likely discourage them from purchasing from me, I feel that I have no recourse. To me, this is sad, because I have been blessed with so many excellent experiences with the majority of my international customers.
I ship all of my packages via Airmail, since it's the most economical for my international customers. However, it does NOT including tracking, insurance, or on-time delivery. I make sure I notify all of my customers of this fact, in case they would prefer to cancel their order and not take the risk, or wish to upgrade to a guaranteed form of shipping. CanadaPost estimates the amount of time it takes for Airmail to deliver a package to a certain destination, however, on-time delivery is not guaranteed. Delays during the holidays are particularly prone to occur.
Despite the fact this information is clearly listed in my Shop Policies, I've had to deal with a few international customers opening Paypal cases against me for a full refund of their purchase, due to delays in delivery, assuming their packages are lost in the mail. What upsets me is that the clearly stated policies of a small business online shop are deemed irrelevant if a customer files a Paypal claim. The seller is, basically, left helpless.
Such was the case, recently. A customer from another country purchased a journal from me. I shipped it via Airmail, as I always do. I notified the customer of the estimated delivery time offered by CanadaPost, and also forewarned there may be delays at customs due to the holiday season. Fine. Sure enough this customer opens a Paypal claim/case, stating they feel their journal was 'lost in the mail', despite the fact it's still within the time frame CanadaPost has estimated it to arrive to that international destination. Paypal will most likely side with the customer, who says they have not received their item. I do not doubt that it has not yet arrived, but shouldn't a customer who has been told of the Shipping Policies of my store, be responsible for that fact? Or am I just being naive? The fact it's all stated in my Shop Policies seems to make no difference. It doesn't seem to be a binding agreement in Paypal's eyes - even though I state that a purchase from my shop is a binding agreement to those policies. I encourage all my customers to read and understand them PRIOR to purchase. Most, I'm sure, do not. So sometimes I wonder why I even bother having them there.
In fact, Paypal has already docked my account for the amount I received for the product (saying it's "on hold" until the case is decided). So... I'm out of a journal and the time, material, and money I spent to create it. The journal will most likely still be delivered eventually and so the customer will have a free journal! In any case like this, the seller is at the mercy of the buyer's honesty (or lack thereof). I am hoping they will still remit payment, should the journal happen to arrive, which it most likely will.
Thankfully, this has not happened often...but when it does, it really upsets me. So it's definitely time to do something about it. It's either NO shipping outside of Canada/USA -OR- extremely high prices to ensure tracking and insurance to international destinations. Either way, I lose... and my international customers too.
I feel badly, because the majority of my international customers have been great, recognizing the risks of shipping across borders. As is most always the case, a few have to spoil it for the rest. :(
I ship all of my packages via Airmail, since it's the most economical for my international customers. However, it does NOT including tracking, insurance, or on-time delivery. I make sure I notify all of my customers of this fact, in case they would prefer to cancel their order and not take the risk, or wish to upgrade to a guaranteed form of shipping. CanadaPost estimates the amount of time it takes for Airmail to deliver a package to a certain destination, however, on-time delivery is not guaranteed. Delays during the holidays are particularly prone to occur.
Despite the fact this information is clearly listed in my Shop Policies, I've had to deal with a few international customers opening Paypal cases against me for a full refund of their purchase, due to delays in delivery, assuming their packages are lost in the mail. What upsets me is that the clearly stated policies of a small business online shop are deemed irrelevant if a customer files a Paypal claim. The seller is, basically, left helpless.
Such was the case, recently. A customer from another country purchased a journal from me. I shipped it via Airmail, as I always do. I notified the customer of the estimated delivery time offered by CanadaPost, and also forewarned there may be delays at customs due to the holiday season. Fine. Sure enough this customer opens a Paypal claim/case, stating they feel their journal was 'lost in the mail', despite the fact it's still within the time frame CanadaPost has estimated it to arrive to that international destination. Paypal will most likely side with the customer, who says they have not received their item. I do not doubt that it has not yet arrived, but shouldn't a customer who has been told of the Shipping Policies of my store, be responsible for that fact? Or am I just being naive? The fact it's all stated in my Shop Policies seems to make no difference. It doesn't seem to be a binding agreement in Paypal's eyes - even though I state that a purchase from my shop is a binding agreement to those policies. I encourage all my customers to read and understand them PRIOR to purchase. Most, I'm sure, do not. So sometimes I wonder why I even bother having them there.
In fact, Paypal has already docked my account for the amount I received for the product (saying it's "on hold" until the case is decided). So... I'm out of a journal and the time, material, and money I spent to create it. The journal will most likely still be delivered eventually and so the customer will have a free journal! In any case like this, the seller is at the mercy of the buyer's honesty (or lack thereof). I am hoping they will still remit payment, should the journal happen to arrive, which it most likely will.
Thankfully, this has not happened often...but when it does, it really upsets me. So it's definitely time to do something about it. It's either NO shipping outside of Canada/USA -OR- extremely high prices to ensure tracking and insurance to international destinations. Either way, I lose... and my international customers too.
I feel badly, because the majority of my international customers have been great, recognizing the risks of shipping across borders. As is most always the case, a few have to spoil it for the rest. :(
Seaside Craft Market 2013
We enjoyed Sunday a bit more than Saturday, mainly because it was much cooler (less humid), but also because it was slightly busier for us on Sunday, compared to Saturday.
All in all, it was a great show. So many awesome local artists!
Annual Seaside Craft Show
I'm
really looking forward to being a part of the 20th Annual Seaside Craft
Show this weekend (Sat 10-4, Sun 11-4) in Beach Meadows. Last year's show was
wonderful, and this year looks to be just as great!
This year, I'm excited that my friend Amanda of Little Scamp's Made by Hand Gifts will be there exhibiting her amazingly intricate handmade fishing flies, duct tape wallets and jewelry. Also, my brother-in-law Jason, owner/operator of Earthstone Engravers, will be there with his beautiful handcrafted stone products.
Come enjoy the local crafts, the yummy foodies, and find a treasure for yourself or a friend. There's something for everyone!
For more info, go to www.seasidecentre.ca
(My online shop will be closed during the weekend.)
This year, I'm excited that my friend Amanda of Little Scamp's Made by Hand Gifts will be there exhibiting her amazingly intricate handmade fishing flies, duct tape wallets and jewelry. Also, my brother-in-law Jason, owner/operator of Earthstone Engravers, will be there with his beautiful handcrafted stone products.
Come enjoy the local crafts, the yummy foodies, and find a treasure for yourself or a friend. There's something for everyone!
For more info, go to www.seasidecentre.ca
(My online shop will be closed during the weekend.)
New Shop & New Journal
Things have been hopping here. Besides binding, and preparing for an upcoming craftshow, I've been busily setting up my storefront over at Storenvy. I've finally completed it. Also, my domain lapaperie.ca is now referring visitors directly to my shop there. While I still have my Etsy shop open, I am gradually going to be phasing things out there, as I want my Storenvy shop to take center stage. Please take a peek and tell me what you think! :-)
I've also created a new journal, with "green thumbs" in mind. It's my Gardener's Journal - a terrific place to record gardening triumphs and occasional setbacks. Perfect for the gardener in your life! I'm really happy with it, as it was inspired by my dear friends who love to dig in the earth.
I've also created a new journal, with "green thumbs" in mind. It's my Gardener's Journal - a terrific place to record gardening triumphs and occasional setbacks. Perfect for the gardener in your life! I'm really happy with it, as it was inspired by my dear friends who love to dig in the earth.
Etsy's new rating system gets "zero stars"
...not only from me, but many others.
Etsy recently implented a new Shop Rating system, replacing it's former Feedback system (positive, neutral, negative). It is now strikingly similar to Ebay and Amazon's seller rating system, where you can rate your transaction experience with one ("disappointed"), two ("not a fan"), three ("it's okay"), four ("like it"), or five ("love it") stars.
I have been a member of Etsy since 2007. True, there have been many changes since then, both large and small... I have weathered and rolled with all them. However, this is the first time I have been disappointed by a change that Etsy has made, as it seems to strike at the very heart of what Etsy, as a handmade marketplace, stands for. I am VERY disappointed.
My shop has carried 100% feedback with almost 2200 sales and 1042 positive feedback (equivalent to 5/5 stars). But as many have already pointed out, it is VERY rare that someone leaves a five-star rating, no matter how good the service/product... and yet, I feel that potential buyers will misconstrue a 4-star shop with less than acceptable service or products, as many do on Ebay and Amazon. I much prefer the old feedback setting, where you could either leave positive, neutral, negative feedback... none of this wishy-washy stuff that can be misconstrued by potential customers.
The so-called "new and improved" feedback system is not fair to either the seller or the buyer. It strips the positive feedback that our customers have worked so hard for (and also many Etsy shop keepers who are also buyers on Etsy!). As well, it removes our right as sellers to defend ourselves against unfair feedback, should that ever occur. For the majority of sellers on Etsy, the closest connection we have to the customer is being able to leave glowing feedback for them, and vice versa. That is being withdrawn from us with this new system.
There is a discussion on the Etsy forum about this new rating system. I appreciated what this individual had to say:
Well said!
If you haven't already guessed, I am averse to this new rating system in every way. If Etsy doesn't change it, I am actually considering looking for another venue to sell my items. I have heard many shop owners have already closed their shops or put them in 'vacation mode' hoping Etsy will do something, in the meantime.
Etsy recently implented a new Shop Rating system, replacing it's former Feedback system (positive, neutral, negative). It is now strikingly similar to Ebay and Amazon's seller rating system, where you can rate your transaction experience with one ("disappointed"), two ("not a fan"), three ("it's okay"), four ("like it"), or five ("love it") stars.
I have been a member of Etsy since 2007. True, there have been many changes since then, both large and small... I have weathered and rolled with all them. However, this is the first time I have been disappointed by a change that Etsy has made, as it seems to strike at the very heart of what Etsy, as a handmade marketplace, stands for. I am VERY disappointed.
My shop has carried 100% feedback with almost 2200 sales and 1042 positive feedback (equivalent to 5/5 stars). But as many have already pointed out, it is VERY rare that someone leaves a five-star rating, no matter how good the service/product... and yet, I feel that potential buyers will misconstrue a 4-star shop with less than acceptable service or products, as many do on Ebay and Amazon. I much prefer the old feedback setting, where you could either leave positive, neutral, negative feedback... none of this wishy-washy stuff that can be misconstrued by potential customers.
The so-called "new and improved" feedback system is not fair to either the seller or the buyer. It strips the positive feedback that our customers have worked so hard for (and also many Etsy shop keepers who are also buyers on Etsy!). As well, it removes our right as sellers to defend ourselves against unfair feedback, should that ever occur. For the majority of sellers on Etsy, the closest connection we have to the customer is being able to leave glowing feedback for them, and vice versa. That is being withdrawn from us with this new system.
There is a discussion on the Etsy forum about this new rating system. I appreciated what this individual had to say:
"What a mess!! So most buyers will leave 3 & 4 star ratings which buyers think are absolutely reasonable even if the seller gives discounts, free shipping and gifts. This was proven on Ebay to the point where for example, they had to force 5 stars to be automatic if free shipping was built into the listing.
A few buyers will use the feedback leverage to blackmail sellers into giving whatever their creative little hearts will deem appropriate to prevent poor ratings. It only takes a few of those to knock out a seller's reputation.
Sellers become anxious, annoyed, insulted, defensive.......
Buyers can't understand why sellers don't seem to be as flexible, generous or responsive as they used to be....buyers become anxious, annoyed, insulted, defensive.......
All evaluations are highly subjective, personal, emotional, critical, manipulative.......
Comments help with self reflection.....but with anything less than 5 stars those stars become weapons and will be felt that way by sellers and used as such by buyers.
Admin. keeps asking that we give it a chance. I would suggest that thousands of Etsy's sellers are very experienced in the ways of selling their products online. I personally have over 10 years of selling on Ebay and Etsy. When I see a car coming at me on the road I know to step out of the way. For Admin. to say just stand there and see what happens sounds very foolish to me."
Well said!
If you haven't already guessed, I am averse to this new rating system in every way. If Etsy doesn't change it, I am actually considering looking for another venue to sell my items. I have heard many shop owners have already closed their shops or put them in 'vacation mode' hoping Etsy will do something, in the meantime.
DaWanda
Hi folks! It's been a while since I've last posted. Not much has changed. Still creating new journals for you, and looking for inspiring quotes here and there to incorporate in my books.
Also, I've opened up a small shop here at DaWanda. Please visit, if you have a chance, and show it some love by clicking on "Add to Favourite Shops" or sharing the link via social network (the sharing links are small images at the bottom right hand corner of my shop's page).
Though I don't have much listed yet, my shop at DaWanda will feature ALL 'made-to-order' journals, whereas all my ready-made journals and made-to-order options will still be available over at my Etsy shop.
DaWanda is set up similar to Etsy, featuring artisan/handmade items along with some supplies and vintage items. Though it caters more to the European market (it functions on a German platform), it's available to customers and sellers worldwide.
While I love Etsy, it has become very popular and so many are selling there now. As a result, it is easy to get lost in the shuffle, so to speak. I thought it would be nice to offer my journals in a different setting.
Also, I've opened up a small shop here at DaWanda. Please visit, if you have a chance, and show it some love by clicking on "Add to Favourite Shops" or sharing the link via social network (the sharing links are small images at the bottom right hand corner of my shop's page).
Though I don't have much listed yet, my shop at DaWanda will feature ALL 'made-to-order' journals, whereas all my ready-made journals and made-to-order options will still be available over at my Etsy shop.
DaWanda is set up similar to Etsy, featuring artisan/handmade items along with some supplies and vintage items. Though it caters more to the European market (it functions on a German platform), it's available to customers and sellers worldwide.
While I love Etsy, it has become very popular and so many are selling there now. As a result, it is easy to get lost in the shuffle, so to speak. I thought it would be nice to offer my journals in a different setting.
The Shark Riddle
Best Children's Program ~ International Wildlife Film Festival
Best Children's Program ~ Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival
Best Educational Short ~ International Family Film Festival
You can watch the trailer of the dvd on their site (you can see some shots of the journal in it too). The producers kindly sent me a copy of it, and I watched it in its entirety today - it's absolutely terrific! I was so thrilled to be a small part of it all.
Melvin’s Pick of the Day
Hey! La Paperie & Cozy Handmade Journals is "Melvin’s Pick of the Day" over at Mom's Basement. :-)
My Sherlock Holmes inspired journal is featured in the post.
Please Stop by and leave a comment or two on the post!
My Sherlock Holmes inspired journal is featured in the post.
Mom's Basement is both a blog and community for awesome geeks like yourself. Everyone has a little geek in them right? With giveaways every two weeks it's easy being geeky.
Summertime at La Paperie & Cozy
Summer is in full swing!
Things have really been hopping at the bindery. I've introduced four new quote pages to my inventory... I think my personal favourite out of all of them is the Henry Van Dyke quote (see journal at the bottom).
I have also been working on some buttons for my journals. Here is the latest batch; I'm very pleased with how they turned out! :)
Things have really been hopping at the bindery. I've introduced four new quote pages to my inventory... I think my personal favourite out of all of them is the Henry Van Dyke quote (see journal at the bottom).
I have also been working on some buttons for my journals. Here is the latest batch; I'm very pleased with how they turned out! :)
Handmade Mode interview
I was honoured to be asked for an interview featured in Handmade Mode's first ever issue, published on Thursday, June 7th!
Handmade Mode: Living the Handmade Life is an an online e-zine for all things handmade, created by the talented ceramicist Sandra Marie Rosa of Portugal. It features artisans and their unique art from all over the world... people offering themselves through their work.
Click the image below to read the first ever edition of Handmade Mode. (My interview starts on page 9.)
Handmade Mode: Living the Handmade Life is an an online e-zine for all things handmade, created by the talented ceramicist Sandra Marie Rosa of Portugal. It features artisans and their unique art from all over the world... people offering themselves through their work.
Click the image below to read the first ever edition of Handmade Mode. (My interview starts on page 9.)
“What on earth would I do with a journal?”
What on earth would I do with a journal? Oh to have a penny for every time I've heard that, when the topic of journaling comes up! Does it take an inflated ego and a lot of spare time to journal? In my humble opinion, no. One can take great joy in writing about the "every day"…little things that can make life special. In only a few minutes a day you can record day to day events, what you ate for lunch, what movie you saw, what book you're reading – looking back on it can be a very enjoyable and enlightening experience! I'm particularly referring to tangible journals, bound books that you record your thoughts and life events in.
So do you have a blank book lying around? Don't know what to do with it? Well, here are some ideas to put that blank book to good use... let's start with the most obvious one:
Daily Diary – Chronicle daily thoughts and events; they're such fun to look back on. Things may seem boring and uninteresting now, but it's neat to look back on what you've written in a few years time to see how much has changed (and how much as stayed the same). Keep it in your bag to jot down things as the inspiration moves you. But what if you're not a daily record keeper?...
Recipe Book – A special place to keep treasured family recipes and 'foodie goodness', for generations to come
Photo Journal – Paste in photos that inspire you and/or are important to you, and write about them.
Family History/Genealogy – Turn a journal into a treasured family heirloom, passed down from one generation to the next.
Gratitude journal – Every day, write about things for which you are grateful...even just one thing, daily. Gratitude journals are used by individuals who wish to focus their attention on the positive things in their lives.
Book Log – Write about the books you're reading; discuss plot lines, characters. Praise the good reads and have fun throwing figurative tomatoes at the literary catastrophes!
Baby Book – A place to record baby’s firsts. Makes a beautiful family keepsake.
Friend Journal – Do you have a far away sweetheart, friend or loved one? Why not add your notes to each other to a journal instead of on a piece of paper, and send it to your friend…have them fill out their pages, and send it back…and do so continuously until the book is completed. By the time you're finished, you have a lovely bound collection of your correspondence with each other. (I wish I would have thought of this when hubby and I were dating, long distance!)
Guestbook – A book where friends/family write their name along with some fun notes about their time visiting with you; or of course a wedding or anniversary guestbook too!
Sketchbook – Self explanatory. Many enjoy doing a "sketch a day"… a journal’s a great place for that!
Travel Journal – Whether it be a short jaunt, day trip, or world excursion, write about it and include photos, ticket stubs, maps, etc… you'll cherish the memories and experience for years to come!
Gardener’s Journal – Everyone enjoys the rewards of a good harvest, but the careful planning of the garden and the satisfaction of watching each plant progress, are special joys savored by the gardener alone! A garden journal would be a great place to record gardening triumphs and occasional setbacks.
Wine Journal – What vintage? Was it a good year? Red, white, rose? Desert wine? What was it best paired with? Write it all down in your wine journal!
Bird Watcher Journal – What sort of bird was that? Write it down in a journal.
Fitness Journal – Whether your training for the next marathon, charting weight loss and exercise, or keeping a food log, this is a great way to keep on track and chart your progress!
Taking Notes – Meetings, conventions, or kept in your case/purse to jot down just about anything
Dream Diary – To be kept on your nightstand as a place to track your 'interesting' dreams!
Poetry/Quote Book – A place to collect poems or quotes you enjoy, or write your own.
Other Ideas – Film/movie log, pregnancy journal, small scrapbook, calligraphy book, ship's log
Photo Journal – Paste in photos that inspire you and/or are important to you, and write about them.
Family History/Genealogy – Turn a journal into a treasured family heirloom, passed down from one generation to the next.
Gratitude journal – Every day, write about things for which you are grateful...even just one thing, daily. Gratitude journals are used by individuals who wish to focus their attention on the positive things in their lives.
Book Log – Write about the books you're reading; discuss plot lines, characters. Praise the good reads and have fun throwing figurative tomatoes at the literary catastrophes!
Baby Book – A place to record baby’s firsts. Makes a beautiful family keepsake.
Friend Journal – Do you have a far away sweetheart, friend or loved one? Why not add your notes to each other to a journal instead of on a piece of paper, and send it to your friend…have them fill out their pages, and send it back…and do so continuously until the book is completed. By the time you're finished, you have a lovely bound collection of your correspondence with each other. (I wish I would have thought of this when hubby and I were dating, long distance!)Guestbook – A book where friends/family write their name along with some fun notes about their time visiting with you; or of course a wedding or anniversary guestbook too!
Sketchbook – Self explanatory. Many enjoy doing a "sketch a day"… a journal’s a great place for that!
Travel Journal – Whether it be a short jaunt, day trip, or world excursion, write about it and include photos, ticket stubs, maps, etc… you'll cherish the memories and experience for years to come!
Gardener’s Journal – Everyone enjoys the rewards of a good harvest, but the careful planning of the garden and the satisfaction of watching each plant progress, are special joys savored by the gardener alone! A garden journal would be a great place to record gardening triumphs and occasional setbacks.
Wine Journal – What vintage? Was it a good year? Red, white, rose? Desert wine? What was it best paired with? Write it all down in your wine journal!
Bird Watcher Journal – What sort of bird was that? Write it down in a journal.
Fitness Journal – Whether your training for the next marathon, charting weight loss and exercise, or keeping a food log, this is a great way to keep on track and chart your progress!
Taking Notes – Meetings, conventions, or kept in your case/purse to jot down just about anything
Dream Diary – To be kept on your nightstand as a place to track your 'interesting' dreams!
Poetry/Quote Book – A place to collect poems or quotes you enjoy, or write your own.
Other Ideas – Film/movie log, pregnancy journal, small scrapbook, calligraphy book, ship's log
-Beverly Wong-Kleinjan, bookbinder
Shop: lapaperie.ca
soap n' stuff
It's funny... for the longest time I've avoided making soap due to the messy monotony of the process. I remember the last time I made it, which was back in 2009. I was busy with my bookbinding and loving it, and the soap (which I was also selling at the time) just seemed like a chore. The final product is fun and absolutely lovely, but getting there was horrendously boring and I hated it. So I just STOPPED making soap, even though I had some supplies left over.
Fast forward to today - well, actually 2 days ago. I made my first batches of soap in three years and I'm amazed to say that I enjoyed it. Perhaps it's due to my current state of mind. It's actually the methodical monotony that I've recently found soothing and somewhat therapeutic. Perhaps like puzzle-making - which I personal find soothing - it's a way for my mind to heal itself somewhat (still dealing with the loss of my Mom).
I made 5 small batches all together:
- Lavender & Oatmeal
- Juniper Berry & Clary Sage
- Sweet Orange with orange peel
- Coconut
- Honey Almond & Oatmeal
I'm planning two more batches, perhaps this weekend: Coconut Lime and Eucalyptus & Lemon with lemon rind. That will use up most of my supplies. Then I'll take a bit of a break from soap-making again... another 3 years? 3 weeks? Who knows. heh.
While I won't be getting back into selling soap (sorry, you soap lovers) - this will definitely restock our own personal supply and keep hubby and I smellin' okay for a while. :)
It was nice to switch gears for a little while and break out of the old routine for a bit.
staycation = work?
While I love being home, the challenge of stay-cations, is to spend that time wisely. I find I still struggle with this. A stay-cation obviously means you are spending most of your time at home. This means you are more apt to notice things that need to be done... this also means that you usually end up working your vacation away. Or at least that's what generally happens to us!
If the weather is good during our staycations, hubby is usually outside in his garden or doing things around the house that need 'doing' (he's a very handy guy, which I'm thankful for). And moi? I'm usually working too, but on my journals! I'll admit, it's very difficult to stay away from my 'work' when I'm at home - mainly because I work at home during the week (which can be seen as an advantage or disadvantage depending on how you look at it). So I'm in the vicinity of my 'workplace'... it's not really conducive to resting, for me. Also, I do enjoy my work a great deal and it fulfills a lot of my creative cravings, you could say. During that time I am constantly brainstorming about new journals and possibilities.
While it's a good sign that I really do love what I do, the challenge is to find balance - I do NEED rest time, and yet I still tend to push myself to work while I'm at home, even if it's not a "work day" for me. After 5 years of being self-employed, I guess I am still striving to strike that balance of WORK vs. PLAY. It's more difficult than I ever would have thought.
Those of you who do 'stay-cations'... how do you strike that balance?
more quotable goodness!
Happy mid-Spring-almost-Summer, everyone! :)
Three new journals... and three new quote pages.
The first one is a journal perfect for that avid Sherlockian in your life, inspired by the world's most famous detective that never existed: Sherlock Holmes! The cover page features a print of an illustration by Sidney Paget who created the original artwork for the Holmes stories appearing in The Strand magazine, coupled with Holmes well-known quote: "...When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth..." I love how the natural oils in the leather have stained the quote page, giving it a time-worn appearance. The book is kept closed with a black elastic, attached through two brass eyelets in the back of the journal. An antiqued brass key embellishment is stitched on the front of the cover.
Next up is a journal featuring the beautiful and motivational quote of Henry van Dyke: "Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best." The quote is paired with a print of one of my original graphite drawings of a black-capped chickadee (which I've discreetly signed).
One of my favourite novels, Jane Eyre (1847), inspired my next book... "“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will..." ~ Jane Eyre, by CHARLOTTE BRONTË.
Three new journals... and three new quote pages.
The first one is a journal perfect for that avid Sherlockian in your life, inspired by the world's most famous detective that never existed: Sherlock Holmes! The cover page features a print of an illustration by Sidney Paget who created the original artwork for the Holmes stories appearing in The Strand magazine, coupled with Holmes well-known quote: "...When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth..." I love how the natural oils in the leather have stained the quote page, giving it a time-worn appearance. The book is kept closed with a black elastic, attached through two brass eyelets in the back of the journal. An antiqued brass key embellishment is stitched on the front of the cover.
Next up is a journal featuring the beautiful and motivational quote of Henry van Dyke: "Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best." The quote is paired with a print of one of my original graphite drawings of a black-capped chickadee (which I've discreetly signed).
One of my favourite novels, Jane Eyre (1847), inspired my next book... "“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will..." ~ Jane Eyre, by CHARLOTTE BRONTË.
welcome!
You've made it to the new blog location for La Paperie & Cozy! Welcome and make yourself at home!
If you haven't already, please click the blue "Follow this blog" button in the NetworkedBlogs box, on the right-hand sidebar on my blog (scroll down a bit). Also on the sidebar you will see where you can 'subscribe' to my blog as well - you will receive updates when there are new posts. Thanks for your support! :)
More good news! Lapaperie.ca is back up and running! The site was temporarily offline as we moved to another host.
If you haven't already, please click the blue "Follow this blog" button in the NetworkedBlogs box, on the right-hand sidebar on my blog (scroll down a bit). Also on the sidebar you will see where you can 'subscribe' to my blog as well - you will receive updates when there are new posts. Thanks for your support! :)
More good news! Lapaperie.ca is back up and running! The site was temporarily offline as we moved to another host.
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