new beginner’s bookbinding class

Sent from Phoster

We had a terrific time at the first class and I’m really pleased to be able to schedule a repeat session for the 12th May.  Places are limited, so drop into the little bookshop to register for this class - or for upcoming projects.

owl know how

A big shout out to former Portlander Isobel Knowles and her collaborative partner, Cat Rabbit for the launch of their new book, Owl Know How.

The book is a form of stop-motion animation, where the ladies built the characters and sets from reclaimed and found materials, creating the wonderful owl factory, photographed each page and then created the story to match the expanded book.  Such creative and amazing ladies!

Source: owlknowhow.com via Joe on Pinterest

This was a news article in todays' The Age newspaper on the pair.
If you're interested in purchasing the book - or a limited edition plush toy - check out the esty site for orders

productive plans and business savviness

I'm fortunate enough to be able to have some time around Easter away from the 'real life job' and can devote some of my focus and energy into luciandjoe bookbinding.
I've been busy making lists and squirreling away ideas into a bulging notebook of product ideas and designs for new lines.  I can't wait to get stuck into actually making them during this time and getting them listed on to etsy.

Also inspiring me at the moment is a business seminar that I went to recently, which was aimed at 'creatives' (as opposed to the nerdy business types!).  The day give me pages and pages of notes and ideas, which instead of sending me running away frightened, it's inspiring and helping me to grow the possibilities of my business in my mind.  I actually WANT to sit down and do some paperwork!  And I can't wait to get stuck into those boxes of receipts and paper nonsense!  Crazy, I know  :)

So I'll be spending some quality time in the space above in coming days... after I tidy up a bit.

Oh, and the MADE Artist's market is on next Saturday in Port Fairy.  I get to be a customer this time, so I can't wait to go and visit the gorgeous stalls.

2 spare spots in the workshop

I've had two people who had to defer their involvement in the bookbinding workshops and are going to do it next term (May or June, still tbc).
If anyone is interested in signing up for the workshop that I'm holding next Saturday at the little bookshop, please message me through here, or get in touch with Megan at the shop.

We're going to be making a simple sewn book, and a concertina book (the one above is a different design, but it shows how the concertina pages work).
Workshop: Saturday 24th March, 1-3pm
Should be fun  :)

shop discovery: l'uccello

This morning's newspaper reading revealed a feature on l'uccello which is a store that appeals to both my aesthetics and love of haberdashery/craftery/treasures.

Kim Hurley has created an oasis in the heart of the CBD and filled it with vintage European supplies, fabrics, Australian products and her own lines.

The store is located in the iconic Nicholas Building in Swanston St, Melbourne and I'm lucky enough to be including a visit there when I have to go up for a 'real work' seminar in a couple of weeks.

I hope to see their delights in person, and hope to uncover some wonderful additions to my own stash.

Thanks to http://createmixedmediaart.wordpress.com for their photograph of a store's display.

Over the course of this year, I'm looking forward to sharing more posts like this: I love reading other blogs and sharing their interests so it's going to be my pleasure in being able to do this in return.  I have a long list already planned and hope to hear some suggestions and ideas from you in return.

Market photo

All set up, ready to go

With parking and too many unknown factors, I arrived at The Design Exchange market to set up with PLENTY of time to spare!
The good thing about this is the relaxation that brings.
The bad thing about this is the browsing time I've already had whilst my fellow stallholders are setting up: very dangerous!!

The market is in the amazing mining exchange building in Lydiard St, Ballarat, 10-3 today.

upcoming class in bookbinding

I've finally been able to organise a class and within a week, there's only one place left!  Wow :)
If you're interested, it's on Saturday 24th March, to be held in the little bookshop in Portland (that's Victoria, Australia in case you were wondering).

I've decided to run a workshop that showcases two of the 'easier' projects: a concertina book like this one, and a simple sewn journal like this one.

Since the places have (nearly) filled so fast, I'll be looking to repeat the workshop so if you are interested, please let me know or make contact with Megan at the little bookshop to register your details.

new market for us - The Design Exchange, Ballarat

I was so very excited to learn last week that luciandjoe bookbinding will be appearing at The Design Exchange market in Ballarat.
This amazing market is held in the equally amazing Mining Exchange building in the centre of the city.

The local newspaper, the Ballarat Courier did a story on their first market which you can read here.

The Design Exchange Market
Sunday 4th March, 10am to 4pm
The Mining Exchange, Lydiard Street, Ballarat

Perhaps I'll see you there?

blog post about luciandjoe

I was approached recently by Samara, author of the Maddabling blog, who likes to promote Australian sellers on Etsy.  I was surprised to be featured as I am such a new seller on the site and an even newer member of the Dust team, but I'm very grateful for the opportunity!
You can see the blog entry here, as well as gaining access to her previous feature posts about some of our very talented Aussie artisans.

This is another sneak peek photo: this book has some pretty cool features (no bashfulness from me!).

I'll be listing some new books on etsy over the next few weeks.

sneak peek at some upcoming listings

I'm thrilled with the interest so far in the luciandjoe etsy shop and look forward to watching it grow and develop as 2012 moves on.
I've got a couple of sneak peek photos to show you of some products that will be available to purchase in coming weeks.

I've been having tremendous fun getting to know my new camera as well, especially making peace between how I usually like to take macro photos and how it really likes to do them.  We're compromising and things are turning out well (I think!).

Etsy shop launch

Exciting news from luciandjoe - we have launched our Etsy shop this week.

It's all brand spanking new, with some of our stock already up and getting some interest.
Over the next few weeks I'll be listing more stock, especially as we develop new products.
Drop by the shop when you get a chance and take a poke around.
Hope to see you soon  :)

welcome to 2012, glad to meet you

A wonderfully talented local photographer took these time lapse photographs of Portland harbour last night, as we saw out the old and brought in the new.
enjoy...

thanks for a great year :)

Thanks to everyone who has supported luciandjoe bookbinding this year.
I've been able to meet a lot of amazing and talented artists at the markets, and some super friendly and supportive customers.

I have some stock still available at in.cube8r in Geelong (Moorabool St) until Christmas Eve, as well as a permanent presence in the little bookshop in Portland (Percy St).

As for 2012 - look out for an announcement about the launch of our etsy store and what market plans are in store.  It's going to be another exciting year for us.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of my supporters, x

goodies at the little bookshop tomorrow

Sorry for the late post, but you've got a last minute/last week of shopping opportunity to snatch an exclusive luciandjoe bookbinding goodie in time for Christmas...
I'll be in the little bookshop in Portland tomorrow, with a stall of journals, books, cards and xmas decorations.
Come in and say g'day and get some of your list ticked off :)

last market opportunity for some quality Christmas shopping

The final Made Artist's Market for the year is on this coming Saturday in Port Fairy.
I've got a range of Christmas goodies, including bunting and trees (shown in the photo below) and sets of Christmas cards.

On the present front (for loved ones or yourself!), I'll have my usual range of fabric covered journals which make great diaries, travel journals or photo albums; and an ever-changing range of upcycled books.  If you haven't seen my upcycled books yet, imagine beautiful hardcover books which have been remade into blank paper journals.  Each has a surprise inside - the paper itself, hidden pockets and very special papers.
There is a large pile of garlands on sale, as well as some very special framed Parisian photographs which would made beautiful presents.

This is our last Made market for the year and they've been a fantastic success, so we hope to see you again on Saturday, both new and returning customers.

Made Artist's Market, Port Fairy
Saturday 10th December,  9am - 2pm
(Anglican Church Hall, down the lane beside Bella Claire's on Bank Street).

Piccadilly Market - Sunday 20th November

It's a fantastic opportunity to get some Christmas shopping (and some most important personal buying) at the upcoming Piccadilly Market.

I've got a lot of fully handmade books using quality fabrics like these shown, and every book is unique.

This an example of some of the garlands on sale, that would make great Christmas decorations.

I've also got a great range of Christmas bunting and cards available for the first time.

Finer details:  Sunday 20th November
Times: 10am to 4pm
Where: Deakin Uni's waterfront campus in Geelong (I'm upstairs)

Made market in Port Fairy

It seems like so long ago since we had a market, so I'm especially excited that there's a Made Artist's Market in Port Fairy this coming Saturday.
9am - 2pm at the Church Hall.  It's up the lane beside Bella Claire in Bank St.  Easy to find and some great handmade work to peruse.

In.cube8r opening this week

I set up my stock today at in.cube8r in Geelong - 127 Moorabool Street.
It opens on Wednesday, so if you are nearby in upcoming weeks, go and check it out!
All artists take 100% of their pricing so it's a great way to support local and emerging artists.

The video below takes you inside the already established store in Melbourne:

exciting announcement - featuring a shop in Geelong

I think that it's very exciting news - luciandjoe bookbinding are going to be stocked in a new store opening in Geelong on Wednesday 12th October!!!
The shop is a new location for in.cube8r, a gallery-style retail concept that nurtures emerging artists and allows their work to be accessed by the public every day.
It's located at 127 Moorabool Street and I'll post some photos later in the week after I head over to set up shop.

I'm also madly preparing for next weekend's Made Artist's market in Port Fairy and am getting ready to unveil some new products.