For Your Next Project: Love Book Folding

If you love the idea of book art, but find it daunting to figure out how to design a certain image, you could actually buy patterns for it. LoveBookFolding on Etsy sells digital patterns so you can turn your own old books into pieces of art!

They come with printables so you can accessorize your project or spruce up those end pages with any color you want!

There are a bunch of owls available, as well as plenty of other animals and designs to cut and/or fold. The shop owner is even willing to do custom work, should you have something else in mind or want something personalized.

If book folding is something you want to learn more about, be sure to also visit the Love Book Folding website as it has much more info and even some tutorials!

Wishlist

Pretty covers are something I can't resist. Especially cloth or leather-bound ones with lots of illustrated elements and a title done in a gorgeous font. Now throw one of my favorite illustrators into the mix… and it's love at first sight.

Flora Waycott recently posted the cover she designed for the B&N collectible edition of the Secret Garden. Of course it is absolutely stunning… just look at it! Wanna guess how much it costs? Only 9 dollars! I kid you not. Promise.

The Secret Garden actually happens to be a book I'd been wanting to read for a while. So her timing's quite perfect!

Anyway, I strongly urge you to check out Flora Waycott's work. I myself follow her on facebook and just love seeing her posts pop up. She's always starting fun projects that allow her to make wonderful series of illustrations. So enjoy!

Le Petit Hobbit

Father's Day has long passed, but I still wanted to show you what I gave my dad. Or more importantly… how I wrapped it. It's hard to shop for my dad, but I think he was quite happy with the Le Petit Hobbit shirt I got him.

Anyway, I figured "Parent Days" are mostly about the effort you put in. So I took some extra time with the wrapping. As the shirt was a mash-up of Le Petit Prince and the Hobbit, I decided to combine the two in my drawing as well.

Somehow the gift wrapping I do for my dad always turns out well. (This one too.) It's quite magical, haha... I mean, even the Elfish ring became a perfect circle in one go, and I did it freehand! Since the actual shopping can be stressful, I'm very thankful the wrapping comes naturally. But I'm mostly glad he appreciated it. He even took it home with him!

a Book Spine Poem

One of my goals of the month was to do some book spine poetry again. I tried my hand at it a while ago and loved it, and I've been wanting to do so again. And there will most certainly be more of these in the future…!

Far from the tree

into the wild,

the Forest lover,

the snow child.

Past the shallows

into the mist,

the dark flight down,

the vanished.

Mixed Shelf #27

Lately I've been wanting to make some changes. Changes in how I feel, what I do, how my apartment looks and functions, and possibly even in what I'm doing on this very blog. So today I'm focussing on some self-help books.

Wanting: The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

This is getting a lot of hype right now. I've heard great things from people that tried and loved Marie Kondo's strategy. However, other people thought her to be a little over the top because she thanks old socks for their service before throwing them out. Anyway, it's worth the shot, right? I might pick up a copy soon, now I'm still so motivated.

goodreads // available here

Reading: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

I've had this book on my shelf for quite some time. When I started and saw the index I could feel myself starting to dread reading some chapters. However, I'm now well on my way in the marriage-chapter and find that even as a single twenty-something, I can find some good advice too, and it's also still fun to read. So yes, great book!

goodreads // available here

Waiting: Better Each Day by Jessica Cassity

This caught my eye in a bargain bin somewhere. It has one page per day featuring a tip to make you happier and/or healthier. I just flipped it open and read that chocolate is a great way to cure injuries… so, sign me up! It probably would have been nice to start at the start of the year, but I think I'll put it in my bathroom and start today.

goodreads // available here

Have you read any similar books that you really loved or that made a great impact on your life?

Mixed Shelf #26

After my first venture into epic fantasy, I'm now reading something a bit more familiar to me again: a children's book about fairies. And one in which the fairy- and the human world collide, which is something I tend to love.

Wanting: Dreamwood by Heather Mackey

I need to read this book! Not only is it one of those stories that immediately speaks to me (Girl having to travel through a magical forest in order to save her father, who is an expert on the supernatural.), but the illustrations are done by Teagan White, so that can only mean we're in for a real treat here! The cover itself is gorgeous already.

goodreads // available here

Reading: The Various by Steve Augarde

The Various is the first in a trilogy, which is very interesting time-wise as the second book is set 70 years before the first, and the third actually combines both periods of time. So far, I really like it. Some parts are slow because the author sometimes goes into a lot of detail explaining things, but I still love the story and the writing style.

goodreads // available here

Waiting: The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly

This is one of those books I was really looking forward to, but apparently not quite enough to read it right away. I've also heard mixed things about it, but I'm still quite excited to read it myself and see what I think. It is apparently very dark, in fact, it's actually labelled as YA horror. I was expecting something lighter, so we'll see how I like it...

goodreads // available here

Do you have any stories to recommend that have a nice mix of the real world and a magical fantasy?
Or are you reading something good of an entirely different genre at the moment?

Mixed Shelf #25

I am on an epic fantasy kick at the moment. Though I've read a lot of children's and YA fantasy, I'm only just starting to pick up "the real deal". And oddly enough, it seems that trilogies are really catching my eye at the moment.

Wanting: Owlfight by Mercedes Lackey & Larry Dixon

This is pretty self-explanatory, I think. A fantasy trilogy with owls in every title and on every cover? Sign me up! I'm not sure if there are a whole lot of actual owls in the book or not, but I am super intrigued and I think I might be ordering the first one very, very soon… Also, the author is a pretty big name in fantasy, so I should try her out!

goodreads // available here

Reading: Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

This was very cool! It gets a lot of hype, and justly so… however, because of that I was a little underwhelmed, but just a teeny tiny bit. I'm taking part in the Year of Cosmere, so I'll be reading the second part in the trilogy next month. I figured I'd find out down the road if I wanted to tag along for the read-along the entire year, but I already think I will!

goodreads // available here or here as a boxed set of the trilogy

Waiting: Feast of Souls by C.S. Friedman

I'll admit that this was a total cover-buy. It's, yet again, the first in a trilogy and all covers are just stunning! Apparently it is an incredibly dark story though and I'm not sure if that's my cup of tea or not, but I sure hope I'll enjoy it, because I would love to own the whole trilogy. If I hate it I'll still part with this stunning book though.

goodreads // available here

Are you a fan of epic fantasy? Do you have any recommendations of stories with cool magic systems or characters? I'm especially interested in books that are women-friendly, and also quite low on the overall abuse and gore-scale...

Mixed Shelf #24

Recently I've been craving fantasy series again. Some new -to me- ones have caught my eye, but I'm also determined to finally get round to all the books in some series I started -and enjoyed!- years ago but never managed to actually finish.

Wanting: Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce

I've been hearing so many great things about this series. In short, it's about a kick-ass girl dressing up as a boy so she can train to become a page, while her twin brother takes her place as a girl so he can go to a convent to learn magic. What's not to love? I mean, if that's not a premise that's intriguing from the get-go, I don't know what is.

goodreads // available here

Reading: The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

I just finished re-reading this book. It had been almost a decade since I last read it. Last time around I didn't get to the sequel, but this year I plan on finishing the whole trilogy. I do have to admit I did not enjoy this book as much as I did the first time. Partly because it wasn't a surprise anymore, partly because I found the ending very cringeworthy.

goodreads // available here or here as bind-up of the trilogy

Waiting: Inkspell by Cornelia Funke

Another trilogy I've owned for ages, but only ever read the first book of... I remember loving Inkheart (also roughly a decade ago), and I do plan to re-read that one as well before finally moving on to the second book in the trilogy. I actually haven't got a clue as to what might happen in the rest of the series, but I think I'd like to keep it a surprise.

goodreads // available here

Have you read any of these? Or can you recommend any other series?

Mixed Shelf #23

As you could see in my Christmas gifts post, I was lucky enough to receive the Puffin in Bloom books. Not only are they stunning, but I'm so looking forward to reading all the stories! Needless to say, I started the first right away.

Wanting: the Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Another classic I am very much looking forward to is the Secret Garden. I did quite recently purchase the movie, but I might order the book soon too, and read that first. And if I do, I'll definitely go with the Penguin Threads edition above, which looks like it has an embroidered cover. Even the inside shows the back of the original embroidery.

goodreads // available here

Reading: Heidi by Johanna Spyri

I can only describe Heidi as adorable! Her enthusiasm is very contagious and inspiring. She's not always rewarded for her impulsive actions, but she sure is fun to read about. Anyway, I know some things about the story, but am thankfully still unaware of how it'll end. Although I'm sure I'll find out soon enough. I don't have many pages left!

goodreads // available here

Waiting: the Lottie Project by Jacqueline Wilson

Now that I rekindled my love for Jacqueline Wilson books, I picked up my old copies from my mom's place. I hope to re-read them soon. Starting with the Lottie Project, which was probably my favorite. I don't recall the entire storyline, but I do still remember a couple of things, and I am 100% sure I absolutely adored this book. I hope I will even now!

goodreads // available here

Are there any children's classics -or newer releases, for that matter- that you really enjoy?

Mixed Shelf #22

On a bit of a whim, I ordered a recent release of one of my favorite authors growing up. I absolutely sped through it, and actually already finished it this week. It was wonderful, so I thought I'd still share it in a Mixed Shelf post.

Wanting: The Penguin Complete Novels of Nancy Mitford

I have to admit I'm actually quite unfamiliar with Nancy Mitford, however the things I did hear were positive. Apparently she had a wonderful sense of humor, which makes her high-society satire stories very entertaining -and incredibly fast- to read. So I am quite intrigued. And the wonderful cover doesn't hurt either, right?!

goodreads // available here

Reading: Opal Plumstead by Jacqueline Wilson

As mentioned, I used to love Jacqueline Wilson! And as it turns out, I still do! This was a marvelous read. I related to Opal on a bunch of levels, and  share her passion for art, fairies and women's rights. I got so invested in this story, that I could hardly close the book at night. To sleep again, I resolved to reading the last 150 pages one afternoon.

goodreads // available here

Waiting: Three Novels of New York by Edith Wharton

I don't think I need to explain this was a cover-buy. Even the back contains a beautiful illustration instead of a synopsis, as do the gorgeous French flaps. As a cherry on top, it has deckled edges! Also, it was an absolute bargain, so I really could not resist. I do, of course, intend to read it as well. They are well known classics after all.

goodreads // available here

Have you picked up any childhood favorites again recently? Or have you read any of the authors above?

2014 in Books

I knew up front that 2014 was going to be busier than the year before, so I set my reading goal at 35 books, instead of 50. I actually managed to surpass that by reading 7 more, which makes for a total of 42 books in 2014!

You might wonder why one pile is facing the wrong direction… Well, I got a library card this year, and those are stand-ins for the books I borrowed and returned. If you're really curious you can check my goodreads for all titles.

As for favorites, there is one book I really loved that I'll share with you later on in the year (as I have yet to give a copy to a friend of mine and don't want to spoil the surprise), but there's another one I adored too, and that is Lost Cat by Caroline Paul.

It is a non-fiction book about the author's cat running away and her trying to track it down. There's a lot more to it actually, but that should give you an idea. It is illustrated by Caroline Paul's partner, who experienced everything first hand as well. Anyway, it was wonderful! Funny, touching and a little sad at times. I'd recommend it to any cat lover!

How did your reading go in 2014? Was there any book you particularly enjoyed or would like to recommend?

In the Mail… Christmas Edition!

So I'm a little behind on my Christmas posts, but I received some amazing gifts that I'd still love to show you! A very dear friend from the US sent me some things that just arrived recently, and they were very much worth the wait.

Everything was beautifully wrapped in the cutest papers and ribbons. Such a treat to look at and open! And the insides were amazing too! I got a stunning silver owl mug, along with chocolate-y treats and even hot cacoa mix to go in it.



In the United States a lot of people make it a tradition to give each other pyjamas. No one does that were I'm from, so I was really excited to be part of that tradition once, and receive three beautifully patterned flannel pyjama bottoms!

Hot drink? Check! Lounge wear? Check! All I need next is books, right? And maybe an owl ex libris sticker set? Yes!

But my friend also took care of any actual reading needs, because I got those gorgeous Puffin in Bloom books I am so smitten with. I had the feeling they'd be amazing, but to see them in real life… wow! They are fantastic!

 

And there were more owls… This gorgeous barn owl plate. I love how it's lifelike, yet really colorful at the same time!

Apart from the beautiful plate, there was also an adorable little hedgehog dish. It even has some slight 3D effects!

*

My lovely friend Amy also sent me some adorable things for Christmas! I got a teeny tiny owl planner that will come in very handy!

And a gorgeous notebook with the most beautiful patterns on the outside as well as inside, on every page even!

Anyway, as you can probably guess, I was over the moon with all my Christmas gifts! Did you get any in the mail too?

Mixed Shelf #21

This post is a few weeks late, but anyway... As an experiment I read a bit of a creepy book. It was definitely an addictive read, but I'm also quite happy to be reading something a lot more mellow and upbeat again now.

Wanting: Perla by Carolina De Robertis

This is a story about a girl from Buenos Aires. Her parents were very much in support of the dictatorship. Then one day a visitor that makes Perla question everything arrives, and it leads to her making some very big changes. Anyway, it sounds like it might be an interesting read. I might have to see if the library has a copy I can read...

goodreads // available here

Reading: Night Film by Marisha Pessl

Ok, I'll be honest and say that this book kept me up one very stormy night. After a full day of reading (and stopping at the scariest point) my mind kept going back into the story and my thoughts actually sounded like the narrator from the book. Very creepy. Anyway, I prefer Marisha Pessl's first book, but this was good too. Also, it had a very cool app!

goodreads // available here

Waiting: White Oleander by Janet Fitch

2015 is going to be the year I finally read some Janet Fitch! She only has two books, so I might very well read them both. I already owned her other book, but found White Oleander in a free library book case this summer. It made me so happy, because after seeing the movie years ago, it was already on my wishlist. I think I will read this soon!

goodreads // available here

How do you deal with creepy/heavy books? Do you enjoy them, or do you prefer lighter reads as well?

Mixed Shelf #20

Still making my way through my library books. I finished two out of five, and am now busy reading the children's books I picked up. So far so good, but I have to admit I have many, many pages left to read before they're finished.

Wanting: Keeper of Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

This is a new series that is bound to get big soon. Lots of people have been raving about it, and it has a ridiculously high rating on Goodreads. Anyway, it's a magical middle grade book about two telepaths that need to work together. You know I love middle grade, and if a book is so well-received by adults as well, I really want to read it!

goodreads // available here

Reading: Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

Sticking with middle grade... I just picked up Liesl and Po from the library. I read one Lauren Oliver ("Before I Fall") and though it was an ok read, I did not love it. However, this is off to quite a promising start. And one thing I love about books for younger audiences is that they cut out all the standard teen issues, and just leave the magic.

goodreads // available here

Waiting: Lockwood & Co. by Jonathan Stroud

I bought this at a book signing, and though I was so excited to buy it, I have to admit I haven't started it yet. And I won't have time to read it this year, but I might be able to still squeeze it into this winter. Can't say if it's good yet, but Jonathan Stroud was just wonderful. Really friendly and enthusiastic! So I almost recommend this in advance.

goodreads // available here

Have you picked up anything from the library recently? Or read any fun middle grade?

Mixed Shelf #19

I'm trying to finish all my library books before they are due. Thankfully they're all fun, and easy to read. And I didn't notice as I was picking them, but all books are quite magical as well. So I'm sticking with that theme today.

Wanting: Among Others by Jo Walton

A fifteen year-old girl tries to escape some things in her life, she finds solace in books. However, apparently there's quite a lot of magic in her world as well. And her very own mother uses it, though not for good… Anyway, I've heard many wonderful things about this and I'm pretty sure it's exactly my kind of book. Also, fairies! Need I say more?

goodreads // available here

Reading: Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen

Earlier this year I read my first Sarah Addison Allen. When I saw her latest one in the library I got really excited, and without even reading the back, I took it home. So far it's just as good as I was hoping. Not a lot of magic yet, but I'm pretty sure that will show up soon. And although I am looking forward to that, I'm currently not bored in the least.

goodreads // available here

Waiting: The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

This one has been waiting on my shelf for way too long. But I watched the movie this week and really enjoyed it. The extra dvd interviews made it clear they skipped some events from the actual book. And I look forward to finding out what those are exactly… So I guess that poor paperback won't have to wait much longer till I actually read it.

goodreads // available here

Are you reading something fun at the moment? Or do you have any magical recommendations?

Mixed Shelf #18

The weather is still perfect for hot chocolate and children's fantasy books! The plots are usually too strange to juggle reading multiple books, so I'm pacing myself even though I'm itching to start on lots of fun stories at once.

Wanting: Fly By Night by Frances Hardinge

I recently heard some amazing things about this book. A lot of strange things happen in this story, it's supposedly quite the roller coaster ride. But I also hear it's beautifully written and has a great protagonist, who loves to read in a world where reading is viewed as something quite evil. Also, the illustration looks absolutely amazing! 

goodreads // available here

Reading: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland (etc…) by Catherynne M. Valente

The first time I sat down to read this book, I was a little disappointed, but from the next time on I started to really enjoy it. It reminds me a lot of Alice in Wonderland (although I have to admit I have yet to read that as a book) Also, it's such a gorgeous book to look at! It's actually the first in a trilogy, so if I enjoy the remainder of this one, I can read two more!

goodreads // available here

Waiting: The Fairy-Tale Detectives (The Sisters Grimm) by Michael Buckley

I fell in love with these covers! Also, I love fairy tale retellings. Throw the two together and I simply can not resist it. This is the first in quite a long series and we'll see how far I get. But I'm sure looking forward to starting on the first one. A pretty recent addition to my book collection, but I don't think it'll have to wait long before I read it.

goodreads // available here

What are you currently reading? And do you recommend any series from this genre?