A few months ago I ordered How to Make Books by Esther K. Smith from Purgatory Pie Press. It was a spur-of-the-moment purchase...something very rare for me to do. But the picture and description of it was so beautiful and the review on SuperNaturale was tantalizing so I took the leap and bought it.

When the book arrived in my mailbox, I was thrilled. I fell in love with it immediately, kept it by my bed, fondled it almost every night for a week, and then, for whatever reason, tucked it away and didn't pull it back out again until now, several months later. Actually, I can list two reasons why I did this. First, because it really was such a gorgeous book, I didn't want to "break it," "get it dirty," or in any other way destroy it. How ridiculous is that? It wasn't like I was planning on taking it mud wrestling or using it as fuel to help the U.S. Forest Service with one of their "controlled burns." But I didn't want to take a chance. I mean, we were, after all, coming into "controlled burn" season here in California. The second reason is because, quite honestly, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to follow the instructions and instead of ending up with a cool looking, handmade book, I'd end up with a dorky looking and rather useless attempt at a handmade book. How ridiculous is that? I have always had the dream of making my own book. Not just writing a book (I want to do that too) but actually making it...folding, stitching, letterpressing (is that a word?), and all. If I was going to ever fulfill that dream, I was going to have to actually MAKE a FIRST book...and not just stare at a book with other people's handmade books in them (though that is quite fulfilling too).

So I grabbed a couple of catalogs from my junk mail recycling bag and began tearing out sheets for my first project, the "Instant Book." "Instant" is a bit misleading, in my professional opinion. As you can see from the picture at the right, I didn't quite get the hang of the folding and the manipulating and the cutting at first. But once I did, there was no stopping me. Then I moved on to the Accordion Book and mastered all three versions. Then I went on a bender and made all sorts of Instant and Accordion Books in a variety of shapes and sizes (long, wide, short, tall, with extra big paper and super small paper). I even tried it with my eyes closed (easy to do with the Instant Book...not so much with the Accordion Book). And then finally, in some weird state of mind, I "practiced" how I would teach Madison and Brady (my niece and nephew) how to make these books. I literally spoke out loud, offering praise and guidance, as if they were right there next to me. I couldn't help myself. Making these things is like magic and who better to impress with magic than a 6- and almost 3-year old? I can't wait to show them how to do it for real, in person and not in my head.

	My first "Instant Book"

I'm unstoppable now! Books, books everywhere!

Now, with Chapters One and Two under my belt, and momentum on my side, I'm venturing into Chapter Three: Stab and Stitch (a.k.a Japanese binding...though there will be no feet involved). I'm going to have to buy a tool or two (or four) for this one (who has an awl, a bone folder, a large needle, and some wax thread just lying around...besides Esther K. Smith?). But just going out to buy them is going to be a unique experience (and a blast) in and of itself. I'm looking forward to it.

I hope to have my first book, published with my own hands, out by the end of the year. It is going to be a Christmas gift to me, from me. Personally, I can't think of a better recipient!

If you're interested in ordering How to Make Books, I encourage you to buy it directly from Purgatory Pie Press. You'll get an autographed copy (by Esther K. Smith, the author, and Dikko Faust who handset and letterpressed the cover and chapter headings) and you'll be supporting a small, independent press that has an amazing portfolio.

As a side note to my friends in Minnesota, I recommend visiting/checking out the Minnesota Center for Book Arts. I discovered this wonderful place and its fantastic exhibits, special events, and classes just a few short months before moving to California. I remember thinking, as I stepped through their doors the very first time, "Great, just as I'm leaving Minnesota, I find heaven." I plan on visiting the Center the next time I come back home for a visit (probably in August). Anyone is welcome to join me!