Hello bloggers.

I was rather busy lately and haven't posted frequently. But I was far from idle. I was making books for some clients and preparing for the workshops I will give. I was trying to compile the kits, fixing dates for my new mixed media and coptic workshops. I am also enrolled in Tim's online class and I attend an art journaling group that is super fun but very time- consuming.

In the meantime I experimented with new materials and got some practice in bookbinding with my new τεζάκι (bookbinder's sewing frame). I will post a photo soon - it was custom made for me and I really like it!

The book I want to show to you today, is binded using the coptic stitch. It is a bookbinding method developed by Copts (Early Christians in Egypt ) the 2nd century AD. This time I experimented with Balsa wood.

Balsa wood is one of the most lightweight woods in the world. Balsa trees grow naturally in the humid rain forests of Central and South America. Balsa needs a warm climate with plenty of rainfall and good drainage. For that reason, the best stands of balsa usually appear on the high ground between tropical rivers. The small country of Ecquador on the western coast of South America, is the primary source of balsa wood in the world.

And after all this education, here is my book:

That's it for today - I promise to come back soon to announce the dates for my new workshops- although in April we have the Easter vacation and I am thinking that perhaps we should take a break and spend sometime with our families. Tell me what do you think.