Why limit yourself to reading the little blighters?

Folded Heart Book. $52.00, via Etsy.

I had a lovely customer email me yesterday asking for a nice  copy of Jane Eyre which she wanted  so that she could  make a piece of art as a wedding gift.  Oooh -  at this my ears pricked up. My interest was piqued. You  see I am not a purist -oh no -  not for me the fixed idea that all books are completely sacred and must not under any circumstances be used for anything but their original purpose, and after all I have a tonne of books here waiting for recycling because the penny-sellers  on Amazon have made them all but unsaleable. But  I have to admit, folded-book art is  a new one for me, so I asked her what  it entailed exactly.  And this is it! How gorgeous is that? I LOVE IT!  Her friend is getting married and her friend's favourite book is Jane Eyre -  so she making one of these - with their wedding date as the folded bit.  How fabulously thoughtful is that?  Of course, I also  now know that there is a new business opportunity for me with all my worthless  old rejects.   Fold, fold, fold - make adorable - that'll be £30 please!  Now if only I were arty - I'd be onto something :

Another spooky coincidence?

It is European Election Day and we have just sold this  book to a European Commissioner in Luxembourg.  Do you think he is trying to influence my vote? Cometh the Hour Cometh the Man.  I swear nobody ever reads this blog but at least  I amuse myself!!

And one man in his time plays many parts..

I found this article about Neil Pearson really interesting.  It  just absolutely captures the essence of what I love about this job.  

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/meet-neil-pearson-television-star-hancock-resurrectionist--and-antique-book-collector-9379100.html

I particularly love this :-

 "You're paying for the privilege of looking after these things for a couple of generations while time decides what's worth keeping – and that's a lovely thing to do".