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One of my favorite things about having written BiblioCraft is the excuse it’s given me to travel around a bit for book events, seeing other libraries, meeting librarians and crafters, and reaching out really broadly to library users. And at each of my stops–in Denver, Minneapolis, Madison, San Francisco, and closer to home around New York too–I’ve collaborated with my host librarians to offer event attendees hands-on projects based on their local collections. It’s been awesome to see what librarians love to share about their collections, and it’s been even better, at each event, to watch attendees get excited themselves about the idea that their libraries are waiting with inspiring stuff for them to explore. I’ve taken away as much inspiration as anyone while exploring and making use of libraries in other cities. Here are a few things I’ve made in my travels:

From an event close to home, a sampler of images inspired by Honey & Wax Books. Heather O’Donnell of Honey & Wax is a rare book dealer and all around unfussy and enthusiastic bibliophile. She invited me to explore some of her stock with an eye to creating embroidery designs for an event at Community Bookstore , and the above sampler contains some of what I came up with. Heather reports on the books that inspired these designs over on her blog .

Ornamental stiched letters based on alphabet specimens at San Francisco Public Library. San Francisco Public Library has a jewel of a resource in its Etching and Engraving Picture File , served via the Art, Music, and Recreation Center at its Main Library. The Braid Alphabet above, copied from one on file there, is just the tip of the visual resource iceberg. It became the basis for some fancy lettering bookmarks we made there.

A buffalo inspired by History Colorado’s Library Collections. History Colorado is a tremendous spot to explore in Denver–both their library collections as well as their extensive, all-ages-friendly, and truly inviting exhibitions. They were wonderful event hosts as well. My librarian friend showed me around and shared with me dozens of sources, but it was this buffalo that I fell for.

When not designing and making event samples like those above, the main thing I’ve been doing at home is making a quilt. I’m nearly finished piecing the top (English Paper Piecing of hexagons). It’s been a great learning project, and I’ll share more details on that soon!

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