Last night I posted this picture of me with one of my newest creations - a 15+ lb hand bound Italian Leather Book adorned with silver baroque fleur de lis baubles. My husband is instrumental in the construction but these are my passion!
Each book is designed as a One of a Kind but the website also has a whole section where you can build your own- from the size, to the adornments to the color of leather. This is the first Coven-sized book we've made and I'm just thrilled with it.
Crushed purple velvet with leather Triquetra medallion BOS
The Back Story
About 10 years ago I stumbled upon a website - still quite well known so I will refrain from naming them - that sold large leather Books of Shadows and Grimoires. I was absolutely entranced! Outside of movies and TV shows I had never seen something like this! I decided to bite the bullet and take a portion of my tax refund that year and order one. When my husband -rightly so- asked what in the world I planned to do with a several hundred dollar blank book that weighed over 10 pounds I said it would eventually be my 'bible'. I would hand letter and illustrate every page with lore, history, practices and images reflective of my faith and beliefs. He just nodded (have I mentioned that I married a very smart man? lol) So I ordered the book and was told that the wait period would be 4-6 weeks. I was so excited! I counted down every day waiting for this amazing item to arrive at my door. And kept waiting.. and waiting. At the 8 week mark I emailed them and was told they were waiting on special marbled end papers. At the 9 week mark I was told that it would be completed and mailed at the end of that week. After many many emails and phone calls the book finally arrived FOUR MONTHS after it was ordered. I loved it and was thrilled to have it but was quite put off by the unprofessional nature of the transaction. When I showed this amazing item to my (very smart and talented) husband he looked it over, felt along the (very cool) ribbed spine and pronounced
"We can make these"
Lets say I was a tad skeptical...
But we did. He explained to me exactly how mine was made- though I forbid him from actually deconstructing it - and suggested we try some. I loved the idea of crafting something new and REALLY liked the idea of improving upon the ghastly service I had received.
And so it all began... We have made and sold over 100 beautiful Books of Shadows, Journals, and Grimoires though few people seem to know about it. My paintings and photography are widely known but this aspect of my art remains a well kept secret. I would like to change that!
So why am I am so passionate about these books and journals? For me they are the epitome of MAGIC... you can literally write your own story as it occurs- create yourself and your practices from the page up!
Add to that they are disarmingly beautiful and heirloom quality and I just can't get enough of them... magic, mystery ("what will the next page hold?" "Who will use this and value it after I've left this world?") and beauty... The world itself in a leather bound microcosm.
My personal book - like my life- is still a work in progress. I have a few segments 'completed' - Tarot and Rune lore and meanings; many more are in-the-works - herb lore and use, poetry (never ending), Reiki, Hoodoo, Voodoo (3 things I never thought I would know about or practice 10 years ago!), angelic lore, fae lore and workings, high magic, folk magic.... Each page individually crafted, lettered and painted by me. I love it and it inspires me anew every time I approach my story.
Never Stop Writing Your Own Story
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