Distressing Books. Step one.

Glad you all liked the paw. I'm glad to report that all the gesso came off. Interesting that you had the same experience with the disappearing paragraph, Genie - btw hope you are feeling better now. I was so cross when mine disappeared as it's never so much fun when you are repeating yourself.

I was interested in your comments on the Houston show, Cathy. There were certainly lots of folk from the USA around at the Festival of Quilts and they were very positive. Next year I will only just have got back from my Aussie trip, so I won't have a stand but will go up and visit. Hope to do a couple of talks too, as I really enjoyed the one I did this year.

Jude, AKA Mrs Sock - it's really great that you are blogging. Do visit, folks - http://judesonghurst.blogspot.com/

Wabbit - you are such a staunch supporter. What a relief that you like the book - I thought it might be an anticlimax!

Nice to meet you Jade - I love your tree study.

I have had such a busy week, but it has been a really good one, in spite of the weather. I met Michael on the A303 last week and he bore off my last minute book bits to photograph. He is so amazing. I wanted a photo of some salt in the materials section but it looked boring. So he has mananged to get a shot of the salt pouring down into a heap and this pic will run down the edge of the page. Shan't show you - it will spoil the fun, but look for it in the book.

A couple of days later we went up to his studio for a last minute photo choice before it all went to the designer, Liz, who lives in Australia. Isn't it amazing that you can do all these things using the web? Blow me down if we didn't get a PDF of the flat plan from Liz, more or less the same day. Speedy or what? The author doesn't usually see anything at this stage, so it is a real treat.

Even though it only a rough of the text and pics that will go on each page it still looks great. Here's a spread.

None of the pics are cut-out or properly placed but it looks like a book and I am so excited about it all. It is just such a pro-active way to write books and it keeps the buzz going. I will have to restrain myself from suggesting extra photos though.

I am planning the on-line lessons that go with the book. If anyone wants to join in there is one thing you can do in preparation. Get a catalogue (in the UK the Argos one is ideal, so is a telephone directory) slash through with a Stanley knife to make deep cuts through the cover, into the pages. Tear as well, if you like. Then leave it out in the rain for some time. If you live in the desert you may have to water it! Otherwise just forget it. It is even better if something eats it or chews bits off to make a nest.

I left this one under a bush on the common, slightly covered, so it didn't look too unsightly. That may not be a very public spirited action - adding to the litter. I will give further instructions when we get to that section. Don't bring it indoors until I tell you.

I have also been doing some work for my next embellisher course in November. This sample has been deep framed.

We are planning a trip to the NEC Knitting and Stitching show next week. Not having a stand this year but we are going up on Friday, as the Art Van Go initiative (lots of my favourite artists doing demos) sounds great and I must see it. They are only doing it at the Birmingham show. Before that, we must do some more work on the d4daisy web site. No peace for the wicked.