I will make a book of some sort -- and they have varied from pop-up books (that nearly killed me) to one with watercolor illustrations, photo books, envelope accordion books, journals that were already made and I filled to journals I made myself.
Each included poetry related to our year and this year was no exception.
This year's book used journal pages made in a workshop taught by Kari McKnight Holbrook that never quite got sewn together. (This was a good thing because I could add or subtract to fit the content!).
The books were 140# watercolor paper with fluid acrylics and stamps, cut into thirds and halves. If anyone really cares how that was done, I can explain better in an email!
I wrote till I ran out of creative thoughts and then started putting it together, printing the poetry and photos on vellum and gluing them down.
Then I did a few line markings and drawings in Pitt pen, just to add a little more interest.
After sewing it up, I did the cover, which included some raised blue metallic tape, a Margaret Furlong heart and a title from my label machine, along with some beads.
It wasn't a surprise. At this point in the game, it's a highly anticipated event!
But he liked it!
I guess I'll be doing this again next year!
(Oh, and for those who mentioned it before, Rick did make me the loveliest valentine at my card making party! A genuine treasure!)
(This post is linked to Jemma's Thoughts of Home on Thursday. Visit for decorating, recipe and craft posts!)
NOTE: I have just realized that my feedburner subscriptions have not been arriving for blogger blogs so if I've not been visiting that may be the reason. I've tried to figure out how to fix this -- to no avail. Are you able to receive mine if you subscribe by email? Just curious! Trying now to add those of you without google friend blog feeds into bloglovin'. Just a head's up.
A beautiful tradition!
ReplyDeleteWonderful Jeanie . . .
ReplyDeleteWhat treasures your words and art must be for your love . . .
and for you to look at and remember together.
Lovely post to share with us . . .
Hi Jeanie! Oh, this is so pretty and I'm sure took some time to create. Lovely tradition for sure. Thank you always for popping in to see me and your kind words.
ReplyDeletebe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
This tradition is very, very special, Jeanie. And I know it comes from the heart. Our son wrote a little book for his wife for their 10th wedding anniversary. Romantic! Yours is so very lovely.
ReplyDeleteSuch a special tradition that comes directly from your heart!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tradition you have! It speaks so much of the wonderful relationship you two have built over the last two decades! May there be many, many more creative expressions of love shared between you!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a special and heartfelt thing to do. Just a million times better than an overpriced card from the grocery store.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this with Thoughts of Home on Thursday. Pinned.
I'm your newest follower. :)
Oh Jeanie, you are amazing. To stay on a project like this requires time and dedication. I know that like me, you are probably short on time but you get things done away. A wonderful tribute to the one you love. XOXOX!
ReplyDeletesuch lovely pages
ReplyDeletefull of memories and sentimental feelings
lovely
Sooo, sooo LOVE-LY, Jeanie! And such terrific tradition you uphold annually--love that dedication! And all your beautiful art--such sweet keepsake. :) ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteYou are so creative and bring so much joy to people in your life. That book is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe most wonderful journal ever!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful gift to give someone, and Rick must treasure these. Do you work on the poetry all year long?
ReplyDeleteWhat a treasure this book of poetry is!
ReplyDeleteIt is such a joy to have you join the gathering at Thoughts of Home on Thursday. You really help to elevate it to something very special.
I look forward to hearing about your creation every year. Twenty years! That seems like such a long time, but then I remember I've been varnishing over twenty-five. Goodness. And February is almost gone, now. This is starting to get on my nerves just a little, but I think I'm just feeling "time" because I just read that Umberto Eco died. He was only 84. Some people might say that's a rich, long life, but at age 70? That would be only fourteen more years for me!
ReplyDeleteI'd best find my pinking shears, my ribbon, my camera, my car, my pens and pencils, my books, my music, my.... Well, you get the point. Here's to another twenty years' worth of valentine love. I'll be looking forward to them, too.
xoxox
Jeanie, your books are just wonderful. Such works of love and art blended so well. What treasures Rick has along with your heart.
ReplyDeleteThese are so lovely, and straight from the heart. I made each of my children's family a book somewhat like this, more of their photos and the story line was written in a humor-like fashion according to their own life's story. Beautiful gifts from the heart, they are always the better way.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treasure to be treasured by you and for future generations. Each Christmas we make a family photo album for my parents and we all love looking back through the years. Your Love Story is turning into an epic book of books, and well done you for having the creativity (and energy or should I say passion??!!!) to complete each year, especially after reading your previous post - a double gold star for you Jeanne
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely to read about Your Dad in Burma, it sure was a great holiday, thank you for your visits
Hugs
Wren x
Rick must have been "over the moon" opening your book!
ReplyDeleteEach page full of love and meaning for you both.
Journals are the best and I imagine family will love reading these long after both of you have gone - they will make great heirlooms full of family history!
I'm inspired dear Jeanie - I love all you art.
Shane x
How lovely to make (and receive) hand made gifts on special occasions. They truly speak of love and affection so much more than a card bought in a shop does.
ReplyDeleteomigoodness, jeanne. this is just about one of the most romantic things i've ever read of.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a sweet and very special gift, and a great tradition to have. I'm glad he likes the books you make him so much.
ReplyDelete(Sorry for the slowness of commenting on this post... I was away).
Precious tradition AND what a romantic legacy and way to tell your love story!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Jeanie!
oxo