As I have mentioned, I still have a handful of miniature book orders to finish but after having one returned it has made it really difficult for me to get going on them again. Silly I know, but I'm paranoid that the recipients won't like them, I've have binned two or three ideas (literally, in one case) and I've been reluctant to share the ones I have finished on here.
But I have decided to bite the bullet... so here goes! Book number 45 is for Joanna who wanted something based on the art work that has inspired this project.
So I have combined images of phone boxes, my piece of work "Regeneration" and pictures of the work in situ, together with some of the lace used in the work and a copy of my artist's statement, all in a simple stitched book.
Book number 46 is titled "Madonna" and I have used several images of the Madonna, painted in an icon style combined with lots of gold.
The book is a simple stitched book but I have tried to model the cover on a triptych made in three parts.
Let's just hope the recipients like them this time!
If you are still waiting for your book.. they are on their way but it might be another week or so as I really do need to get myself organised for Open Studios. But I do aim to get all the current book orders done by the end of this month. And talking about Open Studios... my house is open:
14th & 15th July and 21st & 22nd July
11am until 6 pm.
Details of how to find me can be found here:
Would love to see you because something else I get paranoid about is that no-one will turn up!
Oh Gina, I used to get the cold sweats when I sold made things...and i still have the "nobody turning up" dreams.
ReplyDeleteYou are all kinds of creative wonderful, so just forget that little blip, or better still make it into a brooch and wear it with pride.
Well, we LOVE our one so keep going!
ReplyDeleteI'm cross that I'm away for the Open Studios dates as I would have love to come up and visit you (and Emma).
Both these books - although so very different - are exquisite. So sorry your unhappy experience is spoiling things for you. These things are hard to shake of sometimes. I would love to visit you during Open Studios if I lived nearer and am sure you'll have a steady flow of customers.
ReplyDeletewell you certainly haven't lost a fan here Gina. you manage to create a completely feel to every book - you must have so much imagination. I'm sorry the bad experience has jolted your confidence but don't let the view of one put you off. xx
ReplyDeleteWell, anyone who returned either of those is mad. Tell them from me. I don't mind waiting longer for mine if you are pushed for time; in fact it is my birthday in August and it would be lovely to receive it then so that I can have the excitement of opening a parcel that came in the post. Up to you to decide m'dear.
ReplyDeleteI have some more wiggley bags in the pipeline for you. Hope you are still doing these. It has been a while since I sent any as I have been waiting for a suitable group to make them with. Could you email me your address again, should be another week or so before they are all ready.
ReplyDeleteI can not believe a book was sent back! Must have missed the point if having a custom item made which is different and individual. Do not let it put you off, think of the number of happy people that do have your books and other hand made items.
xx
I think those books are beautiful, and I'm sure that the recipients will too. Try not to let one person's negative reaction over-ride all of the other really positive responses you've had. Focus on the positive not the one negative (now I need to listen to my advice too!!!)
ReplyDeleteYou have nothing to be concerned about Gina, your books are amazing!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the Open Studios, I'm sure it will be a great success, wish I lived closer!
Vivienne x
I totally agree with Indigo Blue. I have loved every book that you have shown on your blog. I know that I will be proud to own my book, hand made and designed by you especially for me. No rush for my book as I have said before. Keep smiling and being creative.
ReplyDeleteThey both look fabulous. It is easy to let someone's rejection dampen your enthusiasm, but you just have to get up, dust yourself off and get on with being absolutely fabulous!
ReplyDeletexx
Both those books look fabulous - I'm sure if you made more of the Regeneration books they would be popular - truly miniature works of art. I cannot believe you are opening your house to the public for two weekends, so brave! I really hope it goes well for you - I'm sure it will!
ReplyDeleteCan't reply to your email as I deleted it by mistake! I too would feel 'paranoid' in your shoes. Happy to wait for my books - don't allow yourself to feel pressured.xx
ReplyDeleteIt's frightening, but true, that one negative response seems, for all of us, to have so much more power than any number of positive ones! Don't let this one! Your work is lovely.
ReplyDeleteGina, focus on the positives... if one person out of 44 was disappointed that means that 43 were really really pleased with what they received. That's like a 99.5% satisfaction rating. Damn good marks if you ask me. We can't please all the people all the time can we.... just give yourself credit for pleasing the vast majority to date!!
ReplyDeleteThe Post Box one is your very best so far. Fascinating to see how you succeed in making each one unique.
ReplyDeleteWhat Diana said.......... :O)))))))
ReplyDeletex
love the little books and these are no exception... as much as it does shake your confidence to have such a knock-back please try not to let it bother you and keep on doing them exactly as you do.
ReplyDeleteEveryone's already said what I would say, your work is excellent and don't let one bad reaction put you off. My DH had one very fussy customer once who wanted studio quality from a photograph taken in her lounge. You can never please everyone all the time, there are people out there who can never be pleased, it's their life work!
ReplyDeleteOpen and they will come! (to paraphrase a film...) Have a good weekend. Sorry I can't get there.
Oh, I wish I wasn't on the other side of the world - I would love to see your studio, I am sure you will have many visitors. I agree with all the other comments, your books are exquisite, I really can't believe someone sent one back! I have been doing some catching up - the story of the banana toffee is very heartwarming, but I hope the rumours of his demise were not really true. Cheers
ReplyDeleteGina, I also think the books are beautifuk - The pretty one you made for my grand daughter really thrilled her, At 15 she loves things that are made just for her and this little book was no exception.
ReplyDeleteIt is simply impossible to please everyone.
I love the new ones you have shown here.