A few books I made last year.

Could I manage to make my own book?

Last year I read about bookmaking and was curious if I could manage to make my own.
Well I could and the picture below shows the first one I made. It was not ment for anything, just to see if I could do it.
Later on I painted small images in my book and several people have wanted to have the book. I can't give it away so it stays at home. I'll probably use it as a diary when on a trip abroad.
The paper I used is a very nice water-colour paper. The papers are sewn into the cover and looks like a real book. That amazed me a lot.
Some of you might recognise little Michi. She is my little Japanese girl. I've written a lot of stories about her but a mistake made me remove them all from my blog. I have them as drafts though so I might publish them once more.





I had to try once more just to see that I actually could do it, and yes I could once more. ( two or three is my habit in life. hehe) I made images in this one too but I don't feel satisfied about them. Don't know exactly what for but that's the way it is.




The last one I made for a purpose.

I wanted to make a book with several signatures. I had plans for four but three signatures filled the cover. This book I would use to learn how to draw in perspective. Houses was the main thing, and it was easy to learn but the book was not suited for that. Too small. I made some attempts and my plan was to draw houses and their front doors. Made five before I gave in.
It was a good idea so perhaps I start over again in a more suitable sized book.




Best wishes to you all.

Strategic planner.

A few weeks ago I read about strategic planning, and how to make ones own planner. I liked the idea and got started at once. I came to this place through ihannas blog. If interested take a look here.
I wanted to make my book a little different and started the process. I used all kinds of material and tools. The process of making is what I like the most and it's really fun too.
A few days earlier I bought a pale pink dotted paper ( just love dots)and that would be how my book is on the outside.


I have dated it to 2011 cause inside are my goals for this year, and next year I have the full history of my planing and doing. Important as a tool for further planing. Easy to spot weak points and easy to change. In fact this is a very good idea.

Let's have a look inside.





Once I open my book there is a pocket full of calendar sheets. That way I always carry my plans and do not double book any more. :-)
In the middle I have a pocket for my planing cards. Here I have written down my goals and been very specific when talking about: Amounts, time limits and how to do it. Totally new way of doing it for me, but to be specific gives me the possibility to see what I'm actually doing during a year.
And, as Lisa said, one should never underestimate the power of down written goals! I have made myself different cards for what to do.



There is my vision card, my goal setting card and my activity card. I have decorated them and therefor it's fun to even look at them. And it's easy to write down my own progress. I really recommend this method to all of you.
And the very best part is to have the history next year to plan even more accurately.

Could I stop making when ready with my first book?




The answer is NO!
This book I made for a very good friend of mine, she was going to celebrate her birthday and I gave her this book as a present. These colours were chosen accordingly to what she normally prefer and she liked it a lot.

Another friend of mine was going to arrange her first public arrangement and I wanted to give her a book as well. Just as a "well done" gift. She fell in love with it immediately and have later told me that the book feels so precious to her that she finds it hard to write in it.



Elisabet just love turquoise, blue and a mix of both so I felt quite sure she would like it. There are pockets in her book too, and I'm sure she will find the timing to get started.



Elisabet told me a childhood story about a ladybird and she became a bit overwhelmed when she saw it in her book.



This last one isn't for anyone special but I couldn't resist making it. Can you see the little one at the back of the book. I really love that image. She stands as a visual example of strategic planing. Her VISION: to get a greater overview. Her STRATEGY: to fly. Her TACTICS: wings and balloon. Isn't that something?