Lotus Blossom Journal

Lotus Blossom Journal

Originally uploaded by MissRuth

I’m proud of this latest hardcover book – it showcases some of my favorite papers and book cloth.

The book was completely made by me from start to finish – I hand cut, folded and sewed the pages together, and created the cover out of beautiful hand-stenciled japanese Katezome paper. Originating in the Nara Period (710-794), katagami, or Japanese paper stencil patterns, were first used for applying designs in dye to leather goods such as stirrups and warrior helmets, and later to kimonos and paper.

The spine and corners are made from Japanese silk book cloth and the front cover has a delicate strip of gold paper running along the spine. The top and bottom of the text block feature hand-sewn green endbands. The pages inside hold many secret fun surprises interspersed among the blank pages, and the endpapers are a gorgeous handmade lokta paper printed with delicate gold flowers.