Hello Everyone! I have been working on so many different things that it has been hard to share all of it here in real time. I have been painting quite a few adventures of The Girl And Her Cat, even though they have not been here lately. Before we join them on their next adventure, I have something special to share with you.
Growing up with sketchbooks and watercolours in my hands, I have grown very persnickety about paper.
When I started painting the Lost Pages book, I decided to make my own journal so I could paint without having to worry about the paper falling apart on me. I have made quite a few books since then.
This rekindled the love and awe I felt toward bookmaking as a child. Most of these books are about the Girl And Her Cat but there are also a couple of other stories somewhere in them.
I even reorganised my Atelier to have all the supplies at hand. I also realised that I am making more books than I can use. In the end, I decided to add books to my shop.
It drives me insane when paper pills or falls apart when I am painting. I should be able to layer paint as well as lift it off without the paper starting to disintegrate. I could not be happier with the paper choices in these books.
Here are a few detail photos. Please click on the image thumbnails to see the photos.
A little about the books –
The books are encased in covers made with high quality book cloth.
They are made with paper vetted by me.
I hand stitch them the traditional way with special strong thread, then additionally use glue and other methods to secure the spine.
They are also bound in a way that they stay flat. There is almost no gap in the middle, so a painting can be done spanning both pages.
The end papers are made with card stock. My logo is on the back for authenticity.
Wandering Pages
It all started with the Lost Pages book and the Girl And Her Cat. It is time for them to return here. This time, the adventurous girl and her cat decide to take a walk past the little bridge that they can see over the wall and see where it takes them.
So without further ado, let’s see where they go in the Wandering Pages Book. Please click on the image thumbnails to see the pictures and read about their wanderings –
Aside from exploring with them, I have also been making the new books in these colours. They are all clothbound, which I have always found to be very special. Please click on the image thumbnails to see the photos.
I want these books to be available to both artists and non-artists. So I have created two kinds. Other than the paper, the two kinds of books are identically made.
For artists – The pocket watercolour journals are made with 140lb cold press artist grade 100% cotton watercolor paper.
For non-artists – The pocket journals are made with 140lb high quality paper great for pen, ink and gentle watercolor. I use them for any kind of notes such as gardening, travel and nature.
At 4″ x 3″ (4” x 6” opened) the books are the perfect size to carry around everywhere. You get the exact journals that I make for myself. This way, I can share the joy of using traditionally-made clothbound journals filled with wonderful paper with you. You can purchase the journals from my shop.
Since I make them personally, please allow me a few days for making them, especially if you are getting them for gifts.
I hope you liked the beginning of the new adventures of the Girl And Her Cat, as well as the books I made. Where would your journey begin, I wonder…
Until next time,
-Soma
I am linking up with the linky parties on my Events And Links page. Please pay a visit to some of them. Also, you can still link up on Wandering Camera.
45 thoughts on “Wandering Pages & Watercolour Books”
Dixie November 15, 2021 at 11:12
Wonderful watercolours, Soma. It was fun to stroll along with “The Girl
And Her Cat.” Tea at Stonecreek Inn sounds delightful after building the beautiful snowmen.
Your books are so beautifully made. I absolutely love mine!
Michelle November 14, 2021 at 07:30
What cool little journals!
Michelle
My Corner of the World November 13, 2021 at 23:02
Loving your art work :)
Thanks for sharing your link at ‘My Corner of the World’ this week!
RachelSwirl November 13, 2021 at 13:28
Your artwork never fails to impress me, you are so very talented. Thanks so much for sharing and for linking up with #MySundaySnapshot.
sallie rainville November 13, 2021 at 10:24
The Journaling Books are absolutely wonderful and I love all your artwork — the girl and her cat were having a cold adventure!!
Sarah MumofThree World November 12, 2021 at 22:46
The books look fantastic and what a great way to ensure you always have the sort of paper you really need for your painting.
Kokopelli Design November 12, 2021 at 02:56
Hi Soma! So good to see you back. Must have missed your post last week. You know you brought me to making my first mini watercolor sketchbook. All your handmade books are so nice and beautiful! Hope you sell a lot of them and keep painting in them. Happy PPF! Hope to hear from you soon.
Tammy A November 11, 2021 at 14:15
Your artwork is amazing, I love the winter scene you created with the cute snowmen! Gorgeous books.
Tammy x
Tammie November 10, 2021 at 07:02
You make such lovely looking journals. And sounds like they have nice paper in them.
Sweet to see how you fill them with charming art, glimpses of life.
NatureFootstep November 10, 2021 at 00:58
wow, I love your artwork. ALL OF THEM. And I am amazed that you create sll those books. WOW!
Yvonne November 9, 2021 at 11:36
Your books look beautiful, and you are so talented in making them. Your art stories look wonderful to follow.
Mary November 9, 2021 at 06:47
How did I miss this post until now? Your books are beautifully made. I know how particular you are about your paper from previous posts.your art is always a delight to see.
Fun60 November 8, 2021 at 23:34
I am not an artist but your beautiful books and paintings make me want to start.
Dee November 8, 2021 at 21:33
Beautiful art, Soma.
Seeing what you’ve worked on and what you are working on is such joy. <3
Oh wow! These journals look good. I'm sure they're of great quality too.
I have a few unused books with me now. Not able to get to any art, these days. Maybe I should make it a new year resolution (to do something on a weekly basis at least). ;)
I'll keep these journals in mind.
Angie November 8, 2021 at 20:13
Soma – wonderful watercolors – my favorite is the snowdrops! Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday!
Veronica Lee November 8, 2021 at 18:53
Love your beautiful cloth-bound books, Soma. Your painting and journals too.
Happy Tuesday!
image-in-ing weeklly photo linky November 8, 2021 at 14:37
You’ve done some amazing work!
Thank you so much for sharing at
Sam November 8, 2021 at 10:14
Wow you are so talented and have captured winter well x #mysundaysnapshot
Kim November 7, 2021 at 19:42
You are akin to a force of nature, Soma, with all that you do. Your cloth bound books are beautiful. Oh my goodness, they look perfect. How I would love to cosy down in your atalier and peruse each one of your books where magical drawings/paintings, and stories live; slowly turning page after page with the utmost reverence. That would be the very best way to spend a day or two, or………..!
Susan November 7, 2021 at 15:00
I suspect it is very time consuming to make these handmade journals. They show the care you take in making them. You are very talented artistically in several mediums. I always enjoy the little girl and her cat stories.
Kim Carberry November 7, 2021 at 10:51
Oh wow! What great work! The books are beautiful.
Anne Sweet November 7, 2021 at 05:56
oh Soma, I am so jealous. As a librarian most of my working life, I always wanted to make my own books, but to be able to make them and fill them with such lovely paintings is true talent. All of your work is so beautiful.
Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting November 7, 2021 at 03:34
Your painting and journals are just beautiful. And I love getting a glimpse into your well-tooled and organized drawer, Soma!
Amy Johnson November 6, 2021 at 11:46
You are such an amazing artist and you are so well organized for an artist too!
A ShutterBug Explores November 6, 2021 at 08:17
Ohh ~ your books are divine and your artwork so magical ~ great gift for anyone ~ Xo
Living in the moment,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Tarang November 6, 2021 at 05:57
The books are lovely! And your artworks are beautiful! Love the colours you have used.
Eileen November 6, 2021 at 02:45
Hello Soma,
Your books are lovely, wonderful for the artist and for journal and note keeper. The Adventures of Girl and her cat is cute. Your art work is beautiful.
Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for your comment, link and visit.
Connie Griffin November 5, 2021 at 19:50
Oh Soma, how wonderful your story in your journal is, I do love the skies you have done in them, love the lantern at the inn, the cute snowmen and the plow scene!
Gillena Cox November 5, 2021 at 13:50
Nice the way you gathered your wandering pages together.
Happy Friday
Muchlove
Linda Calverley November 5, 2021 at 13:49
Love your books and your art is delightful.
jean marmo November 5, 2021 at 13:00
Simply gorgeous! Both the art and the books! Happy PPF!
LA Paylor November 5, 2021 at 08:44
book making, and gorgeous art. I’m so drawn to your art. It’s comforting in a way.
Linda K November 5, 2021 at 07:54
Love, love your watercolor art Soma- you’re such an inspiration! And, for anyone out there considering one of these handmade books (I have been gifted one of your journals and shared it in one of my blog posts) I can certainly attest to how well and meticulous these are made- the paper quality- superb! Thank you, mad happy PPF!
Nicole/DVArtist November 5, 2021 at 07:39
You are such an amazing artist. Your books are lovely. Well crafted.
Alison Hall November 5, 2021 at 02:51
Your paintings are enchanting Soma, I loved reading about the adventures of The Girl and Her Cat. Your handmade books are beautiful too!
Alison
riitta k November 5, 2021 at 01:21
I love your watercolors, the snowdrops and snowman are beautiful & charming. You have so many memories in these small books! Fascinating.
Valerie-Jael November 5, 2021 at 00:10
Your art and the little books are wonderful! Happ PPF, hugs, Valerie
BLOGitse November 4, 2021 at 23:27
These are beautiful. A lot of work you’ve done…
Christine November 4, 2021 at 22:45
Lovely little books
Karen November 4, 2021 at 17:46
I love those paint journal books – I wish I painted! I really wish I was an artist!! I was looking through your cards and they are beautiful also
The Joyful Quilter November 4, 2021 at 15:05
That moss green one make me wish that I enjoyed painting. Soma! Best of luck with the sale of these beautiful books.
Sue November 4, 2021 at 14:35
Beautiful journals and I love your stories.
Michelle Keltner November 4, 2021 at 10:24
Your work is so beautiful. You have such talent in your artistic touch. Thanks for linking up.
Tamar A Strauss-Benjamin November 4, 2021 at 09:35
Your works are just masterful!
Carol November 4, 2021 at 05:44
Your watercolors are exquisite