Hi Everyone! If you are new here, you probably wouldn’t know about The Girl and Her cat. A few years ago, I started painting and then writing little stories about an adventurous little girl who loves to travel and wander around with her little cat. I made this book a few months ago for writing down little ideas and notes that randomly pop into my head. Unlike other times, I actually remembered to take photos while making this book. Let me share a few of them with you today, along with a few paintings of these two best friends, and a couple of sewing projects.
Month of July
July marks not only our anniversary, it is also a birthday month for my kitties.
I picked up these bright felt pieces to make a few toys for them. They can see the bright colors really well. There is a kind of stringy toy they love to play with, but is not sold in stores anymore. That’s where mom enters the picture.
The oldtimers here know that I used to make quilts for my kitties all the time. I recently completely rewrote one of my old retired patterns. What better way to test it but make a kitty quilt. The fabrics are pulled, and the pattern pieces are all cut and ready for sewing. I am hoping to show you both the toys and the quilt block soon.
The Little Book Of Thoughts
Now on to the book which is also related to a birthday!
Stitching the pages together while paying attention to the tension. Tension is important to make sure the binding is not too loose or too tight.
Once the pages were sewn together, I started working on the cover with a quick pencil sketch first.
Tombow markers are not lightfast. However, since I was going to print this out on thicker paper for the cover, I still opted for those markers for their vivid colors.
This is what my desk looks like when I am binding books. My husband thinks this photo looks like a pile of scrap and rubbish; you be the judge.
After a bit of measurement and math, I wanted to make sure that my measurements for the corner cloth pieces were correct. I did this by cutting the pieces from paper first before cutting into fabric.
I chose a cream card stock to print the cover picture. The card stock I had was of a light color. So I used watercolor wash to tint them a little. In retrospect, I should not have cut the paper to shape before printing.
Painted paper curls in a little, so the paper kept on shifting as it went through the printer feeder. Thank goodness I made extra. After a few tries and fiddling with the printer, I got a good straight print of the cover.
With all the pieces in place, I finished binding the book. Promptly afterwards, I went through all my bits and pieces of paper full of ideas and copied them down in the book. A few more notes have been added since then.
The ideas are the little saplings. Hopefully, I will be able to grow them over time. That was the idea behind my drawing this picture.
Today happens to be this little cat’s birthday. I am pretty sure they are outside somewhere in a cold country enjoying a little picnic together in the woods. Here are some of my favorite moments of the two best friends spending time together.
Please click on the image thumbnails to see the pictures and read about their wanderings –
If you want to see more paintings of their adventures, here are the three books I have shared here so far –
They are the personification of happiness for me. I hope you enjoyed today’s post!
Until next time,
-Soma
I am linking up with the linky parties on my Events And Links page. Please consider paying a visit to some of them.
54 thoughts on “Little Book Of Thoughts”
Rowena August 8, 2024 at 03:53
So beautiful! I really enjoyed your work.
Julie August 7, 2024 at 22:24
What beautiful pages! I love the one with the aurora!
Kirstin August 7, 2024 at 20:28
WOW!! These are so special and so beautiful!!! What a gift you have.
Michelle RamblingWoods August 6, 2024 at 19:01
Wow..You are so creative. These are wonderful….We have a rescued black former tomcat now. It has been a process as he was ill and injured when we got him in February. Now he has filled out and stopped chewing his fur off and loves to play. Finding the toys and rotating them is a challenge. Your cats are lucky!!!!…Michelle
Christine August 6, 2024 at 18:30
Lovely work
Jill August 5, 2024 at 15:24
Wow! Wonderful work! ! can’t imagine how much time this must take to make this…
Carola Bartz August 4, 2024 at 13:56
Since I saw The Girl and Her Cat for the first time I have loved them. There is so much atmosphere and love (I really can’t think of different words) in the images. Soma, you are so talented, but it really is the feeling that these drawings/paintings evoke and they have so much more to do than “just” talent. Thank you for sharing all the three books with us (yes, I looked at all of them again, each is so very beautiful).
Jayne @ Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs August 4, 2024 at 10:32
I love the little adventures of the girl with her cat. Your artwork really is magical Soma.
Looking forward to seeing what you create next! :) xx
RachelSwirl August 3, 2024 at 12:14
I love your crafty projects – you are so creative! Thanks for sharing and for linking up with #MySundaySnapshot.
Susie August 3, 2024 at 04:45
Your creative thoughts and ideas have found a special place to dwell in your journal , Soma!! Your skills are phenomenal , Little Renaissance Lady !! I can’t wait to see the new kitty quilt !
Sarah MumofThree World August 2, 2024 at 22:36
It was very interesting to read more about your process for making a book, and your paintings are wonderful! I particularly like the Northern Lights.
Sue August 2, 2024 at 19:34
Your Journal is beautiful with so much attention to detail Soma. I love the explanation behind the image, your creativity is boundless and I appreciate seeing the process too.
Natalie August 2, 2024 at 19:18
Happy anniversary! You created beautiful books and drawings. I look forward to seeing the toys you make for your lucky cats. Thank you for linking up with #weekendcoffeeshare.
Alycia Quilts August 2, 2024 at 07:40
That is a great book. The others are so sweet to see! what talent you have!
Debbie August 1, 2024 at 13:21
it is wonderful to follow along, especially with pictures and watch the process. you are so talented, the book, the drawing, all are lovely!!
Traude "Rostrose" July 31, 2024 at 13:59
WOW, that’s absolutely fascinating! I’m saving your page so that I can read the individual stories in peace. Your book is a real work of art.
All the best from Austria, Traude
Divya July 31, 2024 at 13:00
First of all, the journal cover is really cute! Love it!
And it’s nice to all these paintings of the girl and her cat. And guess what — I remember seeing most of these paintings. Beautiful work, Soma.
Btw, I’m ready to see the new red and orange toys.;)
Calendula July 31, 2024 at 10:21
Love your paintings! They are so beautiful!
Jennifer @ Inquiring Quilter July 31, 2024 at 09:04
What a lovely little pair of travelers! I love reading about their adventures. Your art is beautiful and this journal you created is so sweet! Love that cover. May your ideas grow and grow! Thanks for sharing on my weekly show and tell, Wednesday Wait Loss.
Comedy Plus July 31, 2024 at 07:18
Beautiful art. I love them all.
Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday and rest of the week. ♥
Lillian July 31, 2024 at 04:56
Amazing paintingwork.
image-in-ing weekly photo linky July 29, 2024 at 08:37
Beautiful – simply beautiful, and beautifully simple.
Thank you for sharing at
Michelle July 29, 2024 at 06:54
These little books are so much fun, Soma!
Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting July 29, 2024 at 04:55
Sweet drawings! I enjoyed seeing the sewing you did for the binding! Looking forward to your quilt!
Ruth July 29, 2024 at 03:25
Your artworks make me feel so relaxed and happy when I look at them.Sorry, but I can’t agree with your husband; your workspace looks amazingly ordered to me. :) Happy anniversary and happy birthday to the kitties xx
#mmbc
Carol July 29, 2024 at 03:07
You always amaze me with your creativity. Your little books of thoughts is a great example. #MMBC
Mary July 28, 2024 at 18:27
Your book of thoughts is fabulous! The colors are wonderful. I love the fabrics you have chosen for the kitties toys and quilts. I’m pretty sure I ran into some familiar faces in the cold country of the UK earlier this month. . Happy birthday to the kitties and happy, happy anniversary to the two of you.
Susan N. July 27, 2024 at 12:00
I remember when you did the girl and her cat books. Love them then and still do. Your new book of thoughts is lovely. At first I thought it was going to be more of the girl and her cat stories as the illustration reminded me of them. I also remember when you made your cat quilts. I didn’t know you made their toys too. Happy birthday to them and happy anniversary to you and your hubby. My hubby and I will be celebrating our 41st anniversary next Tuesday. I am looking forward to seeing your cat toys.
jeanie July 27, 2024 at 08:01
I am enthralled at your bookmaking process and the wonderful illustrations. It made me smile because yesterday I started a series of pictures — cards to begin with — of two little cats having fun. (in yesterday’s they were sailing). I love the beauty of your illustrations, each of which could be a stunning painting of its own. Bravo. (And on another note, I just love that you made quilts for your cat!)
Amy Johnson July 27, 2024 at 04:36
Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday to your kitties. Your little book is adorable!
Eileen July 27, 2024 at 02:35
Hello Soma,
I love your images of the girl and her cat. A wonderful series and a lovely book.
Happy Anniversary and Happy birthday to the kitties.
Thank you for linking up and sharing your post.
Take care, have a happy weekend.
PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Veronica Lee July 26, 2024 at 22:31
You are so creative and talented, Soma.
The cover of your Little Book of Thought is lovely.
Have a great weekend!
Connie Griffin July 26, 2024 at 17:45
I look forward to seeing there toys and quilt, our cats have a few stuffed toys and they are looking pretty sad, I may have to do some clean up and stitching to keep them around, they do have their favorites and ignore the knew ones we have tried to replace.
The girl and her cat have had great exploring times together for sure. Glad you were able to get the printing to work, that can be frustrating at times for sure, like the reinforce corners you put on the book too. Cute deign for the cover :)
Dixie July 26, 2024 at 12:46
“The Girl and Her Cat.” Each and every painting a definite joy to see.
Love your new journal.
And the desk–perfectly inspiring. :)
Happy creating!
Lavender Dreams July 26, 2024 at 10:57
You are so talented and so sweet to share your images and ideas for your books with all of us. I feel inspired reading this post! Hugs!
gillena cox July 26, 2024 at 09:36
Luv your double paged illustrations. Happy Friday. Thanks for linking to AFFF
much♡love
Andreqa @ From the Sol July 26, 2024 at 08:45
I was hoping you were selling copies of your “Two Best Friends” books … but sadly, they are not in your shop. Is that something that will happen in the future (like in time for Christmas)?
Andrea
Andrea @ From the Sol July 26, 2024 at 08:39
Oh Soma, your art is exceptional and prolific … all facets of it. And, I was expecting to see a cat toy in this post … maybe next week? I love your two best friends and the stories are rather educational as well as fun. I may have to look further into them. So once again you hit a homerun … Lovely Soma …
Andrea @ From the Sol
Pam July 26, 2024 at 05:42
This is amazing! It’s fascinating to see the steps, and your artwork is so beautiful.
Erika N July 26, 2024 at 04:32
That’s a wonderful story idea, and your pages from your other book are amazing. Your new book is great also. I’ve never tried stitching signatures together first. Is it difficult? Your a definite book maker with professionally looking results. :) Love it. Have a super weekend and week ahead. hugs-Erika
Sue July 26, 2024 at 04:08
Lovely post Soma, love your Little book of Thoughts, beautiful illustration on the front. Looking forward to seeing your quilt and cat toys.
tomthebackroadstraveller July 26, 2024 at 03:17
…your “Littlr Book of Thoughts” is delightful. Take care and be well.
Fools Rush In July 25, 2024 at 20:08
Wow so much great art.
Kathleen July 25, 2024 at 14:24
Beautiful book cover! Looking forward to seeing what you make for the kitties.
Thistles and Kiwis July 25, 2024 at 13:03
That is just so beautiful.
A ShutterBug Explores July 25, 2024 at 11:48
Oh I love the little girl and her cat ~ I do one with a little girl and her dog ~ not as well done as yours ~
Beautiful ~ hugs,
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Bill July 25, 2024 at 11:20
You know that is so nice to know that you write stories about a little girl a take photos.. My wife used to have a blog and writs stories about a doll called Prunella, she also wrote a some wonderful shot stories. She lost her confidence over a personal family mater and since then written no more I know it is still in her but will take a bit of time to start again. Her blogs are turned off as she did not want people steeling her ideas. She now draws an lot which is where my son gets his ability to do his art
Kathy July 25, 2024 at 11:04
Good morning, your book is beautiful
Debra She Who Seeks July 25, 2024 at 10:40
Delightful cover illustration for your Little Book of Thoughts! And I love all the paintings of you and little cat on your adventures. What a wonderful idea!
Joanne July 25, 2024 at 09:47
Your artwork and journals are always so lovely! I love following along the little girl’s journeys with her cat.
Alison Hall July 25, 2024 at 09:36
So lovely to see the girl and her cat again Soma. I love your sketches of them.
I’m looking forward to seeing the cat toys, that fabric looks great.
Happy anniversary, and happy birthday to the cats.
best wishes,
Alison
Christine July 25, 2024 at 07:01
Lovely art and precious little books.
Linda at Texas Quilt Gal July 25, 2024 at 05:22
I’m so happy to see this, your little cat shape makes me happy. Your sketches remind me a little bit of one of my favorite books, Cross Country Cat. I think your process is fascinating. I’m looking forward to seeing the cat toys and quilt you make.
mie July 25, 2024 at 04:36
WAW!