Hello. What a difference a day makes, warm, sunny, and wonderful here, lets hope it holds out. Thank you for your comments on the previous post, you have given me a lot to think about. I hope you don't mind but I took a day off blogging yesterday to give the slow readers chance to catch up, ha ha. Well that's my excuse anyway.
I've made a cover for a book, to give myself a bit of practice. I thought I would do this first before making an actual book. Cut a piece of the fancy paper a fraction wider than the book, and a few inches longer. Add some stitching to the front. The chain stitch is in pink but it doesn't show up very well on the photo. Didn't have a plan, just stuck the needle in. I did it quickly.
The story is in three parts, three generations of women. Ilona the mother, Zita her daughter, and Eva the granddaughter. It takes the reader through Vienna and Budapest at the time of the Emporer Franz Joseph, the St Petersburg of Rasputin, the Italian front during the first world war, Germany under the Weimar Republic, France battling with inflation, Germany during the nights of bombing, America in the course of the second world war, and finally liberated Europe. It's a long time since I last read it, I must read it again one day.
I have a bit of news for you. Surprise surprise, another secret prize draw. Remember the green bags that Janet made, she has donated two of them (both cats), to be given away free to two lucky readers, so I asked her to pull two names out of the hat from those who commented on that particular post. So step forward........
CAZ and HELEN D. You are the winners.
Please send me your postal address either in an email, or a comment which I will not publish. Ta very muchly.
Off outside now to get a few rays of sunshine. Toodle pip
Gorgeous book cover! So bright it makes me smile to see it! Good work Ilona. JanF
ReplyDeleteSorry, Somerset Caz, you didn't comment on that post. It's the other Caz in Derbyshire.
ReplyDeleteConfusing,, having two 'Caz's',,,, I didn't think I posted on that post!
DeleteAha, you've had it now -- next we want to see your first hand made book!! Nice job on the cover.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the winners! Those were some beautiful bags! I like how your book cover came together. I wouldn't have thought to cover the back with adhesive paper. By all means go have some fun in the sun. :>)
ReplyDeleteWell done lucky winners! It was good of your friend to donate the bags. I'm going to Google the book, it looks really interesting. And the book cover? I'm going to copy that shamelessly- I'm not even embarrassed about it!
ReplyDeleteVery nice work on the book jacket, Ilona! Next we'll be waiting to see your new handmade book.
ReplyDeleteWasn't that lovely of Janet! The bags are beautiful - congrats to the lucky winners :)
You made a good job of the book cover. Now you done one there are lots of options for another cover to protect your special books. I like the blanket stitch edging. That should protect it too.
ReplyDeleteYour book cover brings back memories of book covers in school - of course yours are much more artistic. I love the colors.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the winners of Janet's bags. That was very nice of Janet.
Congrats winners!
ReplyDeleteA good job on the book!
Hi.Ah, sunshine,hope it lasts for you and is much enjoyed.Ours was glorious all morning here and I took our dog out for a nice walk,but this afternoon was windy+ rainy and different altogether.That is a lovely handmade book cover,Ilona.I like the vivid colours and stitching you used..The book you mention sounds interesting,and am not familiar with it. How nice for the winners of the pretty bags,enjoy!This is not related to your topic today but a handy idea is to use fishing line and a good quality large darning needle and thimble to invisibly mend rugs,carpets,belts, purses,upholstery,dog collars etc.The hand stitching on your cover brought that to mind,tee-hee.I was delighted to see some greenery peeking up from some bulbs I planted last fall.Yay!The ground is still frozen in the shady areas but spring is here at last.Bye for now, D.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful surprise!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
It's a pleasure. Your bag will be posted next week.
DeleteI love the colours! They're so bright and cheery :) I've had some time on my hands and just read your entire blog from start to end for the second time lol Keep on keeping on Ilona, you've got some fantastic ideas and keep the rest of us inspired :)
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you Alex. I love writing this blog. Just made myself laugh with the latest post. Hope everyone likes it.
DeleteIlona, I just want to thank you for sharing bits of your life! I stumbled across your blog several months ago and read from beginning to end! It inspired me to make some major changes in my life -- I lost 40 lbs, quit smoking, and resumed a favorite hobby I gave up when I began raising my family -- hiking in my beautiful Pacific Northwest mountains (USA)! I turned 39 today and life couldn't be better. Your joie de vivre is contagious, thank you so much for all the inspiration!
ReplyDelete~Jen