So much of my time is spent on-screen with researching and working that some days it leaves my eyes tired and my head jammed shut. As much as I love getting lost in the digital world, I do need breaks to avoid burnout. For that, I have relied on drawing and writing all my life. These stolen creative moments help me reconnect with my love of slow living. It doesn’t matter where I am, I always keep a small sketching kit in my bag. When I started making my own books, I tailor made them with my favorite paper. Today I would like to share some of my book binding process, my on-the-go sketching kit, and the new books I recently made featuring my watercolor paintings as the cover art. Read on for a nice coupon code to use in my shop.
I start by cutting sheets of paper to the right size and folding them to create the pages, followed by punching holes for sewing. The space between the holes is measured based on the size of the book. I first create a template where I do all the math for the stitching hole positions. I like a clean table for this work. Once I finish sewing the text block that is the heart of the book, I move over to my workbench for the messy bit of the work.
I listen to music while I work. The headphone in the back is the first thing I purchased from my first “grown-up” paycheck. It is very special to me.
Measurement and timing are key for making the cover. For these books, I cut the inset out from the cover board where the artwork will be placed afterwards. Then I start assembling the book. I have to work fairly quickly here before the glue dries, so unfortunately I couldn’t take any photos of that part.
Turquoise Stillness — Sierra Hot Springs
Once the book is completely dry, I start working on adding the artwork on the cover. A lot of my artwork is influence by nature. I painted this scene from the Eastern Sierra region of California.
That area is volcanic and there are small public hot springs everywhere. My husband and I went for a walk and came across a few. The area is tranquil and relaxing, with surrounding mountains.
Joining Skywatch.
I make my own book cover cloth. A paper barrier is needed between the cloth and the board so glue does not seep out to the cover cloth. My original choice was Kaufman Kona failed miserably as the weave is not nearly tight enough.
After a Friday night chat with my dear friend Mary, my husband and I drove good 50 miles next day to the closest fabric store in Berkeley. Per Mary’s suggestion we started with Art Gallery Fabrics. Following that, my husband helped me pick out a few pieces from Andover Fabrics as well. I did a few tests that evening, and I had my fabric for the cover.
For these books, I went all out dressing them up. I got cream linen-finish paper for the endpapers. Endpapers are the folded colorful pages in hardcover books that connect the cover to the text block.
I added coordinated artwork matching the book cover art on the endpaper.
The Blue Butterfly Effect
The concept of Butterfly Effect has always fascinated me. Of course I ended up naming this one Blue Butterfly Effect. This simple painting of the fluttering butterflies makes me really happy.
The ends of the spines at the top and bottom have little woven bands on them to cover the raw edges of the spine. I find that little touch to be very special.
Fluttering butterflies were a natural choice for this book. Sepia brown is my color of choice for this kind of artwork.
I love adding butterflies to my paintings. This is a new painting I am working on with the Girl and Her Cat.
Blue Hydrangeas in the Rain
Red is not a color I often go for as a primary color, but I do love this vibrant color for accent pieces. I made this umbrella quilt block from an old drawing of mine. The bright red umbrella took center stage. This block will turn into a bag soon. For my quilting readers, you can get this red umbrella quilt pattern here.
I am not confident enough to venture out with a red umbrella and red boots. I am a jeans and t-shirt girl whose boots are always muddy from spending wet winter days outside. However, the girl from my Girl and Her Cat paintings exudes confidence. I can never pass up the idea of a red umbrella in my artwork.
The Story
She wants him to get under the umbrella. He wants to go into the hedge to find the thing they came here for. “Also, cats don’t get sick from a little rain” was his answer.
I couldn’t resist recreating the umbrella in the rain puddle quilt block for this one.
Journaling and Sketching On The Go
Unlike many social media posts, I am not the type of girl who can whip up amazing sketches and paintings while sitting at a coffee shop or other public areas.
I love my solitary creative time. If I find a secluded place, I actually enjoy sketching on-site. So I keep a small sketchbook and a handful of pencils and pens with me at all times.
- Ruler
- Mechanical pencils and lead
- A white gel pen
- Sakura Micron pens – 08, 05, 03 and 005
- Eraser
- Assorted pencils – 2H, H, HB and 2B
- Sharpener
- Washi tape
- Sometimes I add in a Tombow marker or two
All tucked away in the Smaug pencil case that I got from the Boldleian Library at Oxford. This is quite enough for both traveling and those little lunch time breaks. 5-10 mintues is all it takes to draw a small leaf or a flower.
Blank books are like empty houses. The thoughts and lives of people in a house make it come alive and make it a home. A blank book also waits patiently to find its voice through the person to whom it belongs. These books come with 21 easy writing prompts to get over that fear of the blank page.
These books are all available in all three colors. Please use the coupon code july15 for 15% off until July 13th. All the details of the books are at the shop as well.
Update – since I’ve already had a few books find their way into orders last week, I am introducing another 10% coupon to celebrate the launch. Please use july10 for 10% off until July 25th.
With these new books and my pencil case, I am all set for those quiet spells, immersed in my own thoughts and my peaceful surrounding, scribbling away lines and words. I am thankful and really treasure those moments.
I make these books one at a time as individual works of art. I hope one of these artwork books finds its way to you for your own drawings and writings from your creative and reflective world.
-Soma
I am linking up with the linky parties on my Links page. Please pay a visit to some of them. Hosts of linky parties – please grab a photo of your choice for your party. Thank you for hosting!
58 thoughts on “Small Worlds, Big Wonders”
Janine @ Rainbow Hare July 31, 2026 at 15:32
I loved seeing how you made your beautiful books and I like your red umbrellas :)
Alan July 26, 2026 at 08:32
I’m very impressed. Your combination of artistry and craftsmanship is amazing.
rainbow evening July 25, 2026 at 21:38
beautiful works….. meaningful.
Thank you for sharing
Michelle July 25, 2026 at 14:56
Your work is beautiful. I especially like the umbrella sketch. Thank you for linking up.
Melynda July 25, 2026 at 12:54
Soma thank you so much for sharing your beautiful art with us at SSPS, I know we all appreciate it!
Alycia Quiltygirl July 24, 2026 at 10:09
Beautiful. Your *Cover* Art is amazing. Love the views!!
Brenda - Songbird Designs July 24, 2026 at 09:08
Your art is beautiful, Soma. I really like your new umbrella pattern! Thanks for sharing with us at Monday Musings! Have a great weekend.
Peabea July 24, 2026 at 06:43
What fun that would be to just sketch and do art wherever you are. The journals look like fun to do, and the art on the front is amazing. Love the one with the red umbrella and rain. Have a nice weekend ahead.
klara July 24, 2026 at 04:23
wow, I admire so much talented and creative people. really beautiful.
Kathrine Eldridge July 24, 2026 at 03:25
These books are beautiful! You sketches are amazing.
Heidrun July 24, 2026 at 01:25
Happy Sky and thanks for sharing. Greetings by Heidrun
Sarah MumofThree World July 23, 2026 at 22:54
I love that you always have a sketchbook with you all the time! I’m a big reader, so I always have a book with me in case I get a spare two minutes when I’m out.
I love the endpapers and the way they reflect your cover images.
Photo Cache July 23, 2026 at 19:14
That part of the state is really beautiful and inspirational.
Peter B. July 23, 2026 at 17:17
Beautiful photo of the Sierras!
Jennifer @ Inquiring Quilter July 22, 2026 at 09:57
What gorgeous books! Thank you for sharing your process. I found it fascinating. Welcome back to Wednesday Wait Loss! We’ve missed you.
Sandee @ Comedy Plus July 22, 2026 at 08:10
You are most talented. I wish I had your talent.
Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous day and rest of the week. ♥
Jayne July 18, 2026 at 09:49
Your work is gorgeous as always, Soma! Your customers will be over the moon with their purchases! :) xx
Lavender July 18, 2026 at 07:41
Your art is delightful! I’m going to treat myself to one of your journals one of these days soon. They all speak to me! Hugs, Diane
Eileen July 18, 2026 at 01:39
Hello Soma,
Your books are lovely. I love the cover art work! Girl and her Cat is so cute and the blue butterflies are beautiful. Gorgeous view of the mountains.
You are a talented artist and book maker. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Adam July 18, 2026 at 00:50
What a talent you have.
Heidrun ⛱ July 17, 2026 at 23:22
Oh, I know very well what you here describe. When the eyes tired, I close them and try to think on a scenery in the nature. A sleep for a Moment…
…and I admire your artwork again.
greetings by Heidrun ❤️
Jill July 17, 2026 at 22:50
You are so clever to make these books. I particularly love the blue butterfly design. I think the idea of writing prompts is a great one. I have a pencil case absolutely stuffed full of pencils, pens etc. I must clean it out – I am sure some of the pens have dried out. I always take it and a drawing book with me when we travel. Mainly to draw wildflowers. But last trip I did very few. Have a great wekend. I am joining you at Viewing nature with Eileen.
an artist reflects July 17, 2026 at 15:07
Lovely post on your art process ~ Favorite is the little girl and her kitty ~ Hugs ^_^
an artist reflects
Christine July 17, 2026 at 13:25
Beautiful art
Nature Notes July 15, 2026 at 13:48
I love seeing the steps that it takes to make these beautiful books… Michelle
Stephanie July 15, 2026 at 05:47
Soma, I enjoyed reading about the binding process. Your work is always so lovely. Happy to feature your post this Friday.
handmade by amalia July 14, 2026 at 06:29
I love The Girl and her Cat! Such beautiful art. You should try wearing red, why not? It is a great color.
Amalia
xo
Juliet Wilson (Crafty Green Poet) July 14, 2026 at 06:11
Your books are beautifully made and your artwork is lovely too.
Melynda July 13, 2026 at 13:24
I love the red umbrellas! As always the pieces shared are beautiful!
Nikki - Notes of Life July 13, 2026 at 13:10
Your books look great! I’ve always fancied a go at bookbinding.
Jeanie July 13, 2026 at 11:30
I’m amazed by your books. I’ve never had the patience to make a full-out sketch book. I just want to get to the sketching! These are all so beautifully done. What treasures. Of course I loved the one with the cat and umbrella child the most!
Carol on the Lake July 13, 2026 at 06:37
As usual, I love your art on the books. I think you should a touch of red to lots of your creations. The red umbrella adds so much. A visit to your blog is transforming for me – I literally feel I take a small trip when I read your posts. #MMBC
Lisa | Handmade in Israel July 13, 2026 at 01:08
Your sketches and notebooks capture the beauty and magic that can be found in everyday moments. Thanks for sharing!
Debra @ Life Captured July 12, 2026 at 20:17
Your journals are very nice looking. Have you ever thought about making bookmarks?
Visiting from Monday Morning Blog Club.
Have a fun week
All the best.
Debra @ Life Captured
veronica lee July 11, 2026 at 20:48
Your handmade books feel like little treasures.
Each detail, from the stitched spines to the watercolor covers, carries so much care and personality.
Linda July 11, 2026 at 09:26
You make lovely books.
Maria July 11, 2026 at 07:54
Beautiful artwork! I always have a hard time limiting my to go pencils and pens and never know what to take with me. lol Have a lovely weekend and I love your artwork!
Amy Johnson July 11, 2026 at 03:52
Your work never ceases to amaze me!
Char | ChronicallyHopeful.com July 11, 2026 at 01:09
These are so beautiful! I especially love the butterflies on the teal fabric. Such a striking colour. I enjoyed reading about the binding process. I use disc-bound journals that I make for myself, also using my art as covers. Of course they do not look nearly as elegant and put together as a properly bound book. These are so special.
Connie Griffin July 10, 2026 at 18:31
You do beautiful work on your books and the covers are so pretty too, I think the butterflies are my favorite!
Prompts are a great thing when you get stuck and not sure what to do, I use them and challenges a lot in my junk journal and card makng.
That umbrella quilt block is so cool, you do a beautiful job with all those different blocks it just amazes me, love the bright red :)
Louise. (Fundy Blue) July 10, 2026 at 13:06
I enjoyed learning about your process, Soma. Your books are lovely. The Smaug pencil case from the Bodleian is really special. I travel with rulers and other supplies, too, but that’s so I can paste things into my big, fat journal. I’m not much of a drawer. Happy creating!
Dixie July 10, 2026 at 09:32
Beautiful books, Soma. Love the paintings, especially
the hot springs, and the girl and her cat.
Perfect to go kit as well.
Nicole/DVArtist July 10, 2026 at 08:52
Soma, this is a beautiful post. All of your art seems natural for you.Your masterful blending of colors creates a stunning, three-dimensional effect that draws the viewer right into the scene. I’m happy to see the red umbrella. Red is a fascinating color for me. I look forward to seeing the finish of your new sketch. Thank you for sharing with FFO and have a lovely weekend.
Arnoldo Romero July 10, 2026 at 06:56
Your journals are gorgeous, and love all your attention to their fine craftsmanship. A new journal offers so many possibilities. Happy FFO!
Joanne July 10, 2026 at 05:31
These are just beautiful!
Erika July 10, 2026 at 05:13
I have a couple of questions. First of all, is it sticky paper you use on the back of the outer fabric covers. I never could figure out how to glue down cloth without getting the glue to not leak through the fabric. And when you say tight weave fabric, is there one you like better. I agree those little ends added to the spines look great. They make the book look like it came out of factory. These are really lovely Soma. You are a fist class book maker for certain. Happy weekend and FRiday too.
tomthebackroadstraveller July 10, 2026 at 04:54
…there can never be too many butterflies, they are Mother Nature’s flyinf flowers!
Bleubeard and Elizabeth July 10, 2026 at 02:27
Not sure my comment went through.
Bleubeard and Elizabeth July 10, 2026 at 02:25
You make stunning books. VERY professional. And your art is amazing too. Happy FFO.
Gillena July 10, 2026 at 00:50
Your methods and little treasures are fantastic
Happy Friday
Thank you for linking. to AFFF
much love
Yvonne July 9, 2026 at 21:36
Your clothbound books look so lovely, so I ordered one. I’m a lover of handmade things. I’m sure I’ll love it and create small wonders to fill the pages. Hugs!
Your True Self July 9, 2026 at 20:01
Hi, Soma – I am wowed! These books are beautiful. A handmade book is so precious. You have inspired me to try again to draw my own illustrations for my Style Guide books. It boggles my mind how much you know about making these. Thanks for sharing – Angie, Your True Self Blog
Mary July 9, 2026 at 15:42
There’s so much goodness in this post. Your colorful artwork on the covers is delightful. I love the added coordinated sketches as well. Sepia was the perfect choice. The books are treasures. That red umbrella is soooo fun! I wouldn’t mind having one that looks just like it, but I’m sure it would get little use here. Maybe this year with the super El Niño! What tote are you going to make with it?
Karen Goad July 9, 2026 at 14:36
I love all your new books – they are wonderful – I love the butterfly and the umbrella in the corner of the pages. I am always envious of your work
Christine July 9, 2026 at 12:04
Lovely art
Bill July 9, 2026 at 08:03
Beautiful such detailed work you do and I really like the journals you make. I know you like some of the carvings we have here on our churches so have a look at this blog it has some of the most amazing carvings done by the Normans I have seen
Linda at Texas Quilt Gal July 9, 2026 at 05:22
Your work is just exquisite, that’s the best word for it in my mind. I immediately thought The Girl was trying to shield Her Cat from the rain with her red umbrella, before I read your description. You are able to capture “intent”, and wow I wish I could do that! I love all your books, it’s unbelievable how you do all the work on them. Art Gallery fabrics are incredibly well made – how cool that they make good covers!. I think your Butterfly Effect is gorgeous. I’ve always been fascinated with that concept and actually think of it almost every time I see a butterfly.
Cat July 9, 2026 at 01:35
Your books are so beautiful. My favorite one is the red. The red umbrella reminds me of the very first umbrella I owned when I was five. It was red and had ruffles all around and I lost it so quickly that there wasn’t even enough time for using it in the rain. I still don’t know how I managed that (but it became a pattern and I have stopped using umbrellas a long time ago).