FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Why “love+mistakes”?
I create with love and embrace mistakes. “love+mistakes” is my reminder to be brave enough to try something new, to take risks, and to experiment without fear of failure. Imperfection is an essential part of both the creative process and life itself. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn, grow, and discover something new. This philosophy is at the heart of everything I do, reminding me that beauty often comes from the unexpected and the imperfect.
Sketchbook or notebook – is there a difference?
When I talk about my bookbinding, I use the terms sketchbook and notebook interchangeably. Each book is handmade from recycled book covers and can be customized with various types of paper. Depending on the paper you choose, it can be used as a sketchbook for drawing and painting or as a notebook for writing and journaling. The beauty of these books is their versatility – you decide how you want to use them!
What brought you to bookbinding?
My love for books began in childhood, as I spent a lot of time at the library, surrounded by stories and discovering new worlds. Even as an adult, books have always been a constant in my life. Later, I worked as a bookseller, where my connection to books deepened even further. During my training, I was introduced to bookbinding terminology in a class called “Production,” which sparked my interest in the craft.
In my thirties, I began painting, and right from the start, I developed a deep appreciation for sketchbooks. To me, sketchbooks are an art form in themselves, not just a precursor to a final piece of work. Eventually, I realized I needed specific paper for my techniques in a bound form. Ready-made sketchbooks didn’t offer the variety I was looking for, so I decided to create my own. I started experimenting with different types of paper in a single book, often combining printed papers. Each new page became a creative challenge, where I had to embrace the unique qualities of the paper I was working with. Over time, I honed my bookbinding skills and began to take the craft more seriously.
What materials do you use?
For my bookbinding I choose the paper based on the intended use of the sketchbook. For example, I use smooth paper for notebooks meant for fountain pens, high-quality watercolor paper for painting, or bleedproof paper for markers.
Each notebook includes details about the paper used, including the manufacturer and weight.
My all-time favorites for drawing and painting include colored pencils from Faber-Castell Polychromos and Caran d’Ache Luminance, watercolor paints from Winsor & Newton Professional, Schmincke Horadam and Daniel Smith. Because I paint a lot on location I can’t live without a waterbrush. I also love working with waterproof Sketchink from Rohrer & Klingner, which I use in my fountain pens through refillable cartridges.
I value quality and enjoy working with great materials, but I also make use of what I already have. Sustainability is important to me, and sometimes that means upcycling – for example, turning cardboard from a shipping box into a canvas.
Where do you get the books from?
The books I use are carefully selected from a variety of places where they’re no longer being read or appreciated. I find them in neighborhood “giveaway” boxes, open book exchanges, flea markets, second-hand stores, and the forgotten corners of antiquarian bookshops. Sometimes, I even rescue books from my own bookshelf that are ready for a new life.
What happens to the leftover materials from your bookbinding process?
In my bookbinding process, I always try to preserve as much of the unique aspects of the old books as possible and incorporate them into the new bound sketchbook. Depending on the quality of the old book’s paper, I use it to create “new” handmade paper, as a foundation for linoleum prints, or as collage material. I also make mini sketchbooks with soft covers from paper scraps and leftover yarn, ensuring that as little as possible ends up being recycled or wasted.
Why can’t I find you on social media?
Social media can be overwhelming, and I prefer to spend my energy on creating and engaging in real, in-person interactions rather than getting caught up in the distractions of online platforms. Additionally, I’m not comfortable supporting large, capitalist corporations that prioritize profit over people’s well-being. By staying off social media, I can dedicate more time and attention to my art and to the people who genuinely appreciate it, without being influenced by the pressures of these platforms. If you’d like to stay updated on what I’m doing, feel free to sign up for my newsletter.