Sarah shows us beautifully handmade journals with unique paper designs. Any crafter would love a blank journal to jot down ideas, but how about using one that is also a piece of art?
Sarah Crawford
I have run 3 marathons & many half marathons
I have a full time job & a part time job in addition to my blog & etsy shop
My husband is a medical resident in pediatrics
What got you started crafting?
I have been crafting forever! When I was a child, my favorite activities were writing (& drawing in) books, cross stitch, and making rugs and pot holders. I took photography classes in high school, I loved spending time in the darkroom developing photos. I never used to consider myself an "artist" because I'm not very good at drawing or painting, but I have come to see that my crafting does make me an artist! I love creating things for my home & beautiful crafts with paper.
What is your source of inspiration?
The beautiful papers I purchase are my inspiration. I love going to the paper store or browsing paper stores online. I love papers that feel luxurious & are as colorful as possible. The colors & size of the designs in the paper inspire me to create beautiful products!
What have you made recently?
I recently learned a new bookbinding technique, creating quarter leather journals on cords. This technique results in beautiful, very high quality & long lasting journals. Here is one of the ones I recently made https://www.etsy.com/listing/106678250/quarter-leather-journal-handbound-on. Making it is similar to making other case-style bindings, but the bookblock is sewn onto cords. So when the leather is added to cover the binding, it partially wraps around those cords, bringing them out & creating a beautiful binding edge.
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
I sell on etsy at www.reneweduponadream.etsy.com & also at various art shows throughout south-east Michigan.
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
I love purchasing handmade because I know that I am getting a quality product. I also like knowing where my purchases are coming from. If I really want to buy a product made in the midwest because that's where I live, I can do that. It's nice being able to control a little more of where my dollar is going. I love being able to ask the creator questions, or request a special product to be made just for me if I like an artist's work, but need something tweaked. I also love knowing that by purchasing handmade, I am supporting someone doing the thing that they love to do!
Find Me
LocationAnn Arbor, MI
Email Address
Sarah Crawford
Personal Website
http://www.reneweduponadream.com
Store Website
http://www.reneweduponadream.etsy.com
@RUaDSarah
https://www.facebook.com/reneweduponadream