Hand-Made Books, Calendars and Gifts

I'm pretty serious about repurposing. I choose recycled materials whenever possible. I like to give things past their prime more time to sufficiently have another purpose. I'm also serious about products being original and functional. These factors play a large role in the concept, design and one-of-a-kind products I make.

The inspiration for up-cycling boots into books came one day when I saw my partner's old boots on the back porch. "They're done," he said "they've been re-soled four times over 25 years, they're not comfortable anymore." I mused to myself for a moment and said "Well, I need some leather for a book project. Do you mind if I cut them up?" I took the boots to the studio and started the line of Vintage Cowboy Boot Books you see here. That was 2016 and many leather bound vintage cowboy boot books ago!

Boot shafts are not always seen and it's too bad. Their embroidered designs and different colored thread are beautiful. The upper leather of old boots is surprisingly soft to the touch and usually in great shape even when the soles are completely worn down.

I make other kinds of books as well. As an artist, I appreciate the experience when a book or journal opens up and lays flat. All my Coptic Bound books do that. No more of fighting with a book that wants to snap shut interrupting the flow. I bind all the Coptic books available here.

Thank you so much for supporting the long standing art of hand-made book binding. My great grandparents, John and Minnie Grabau were book binders in the Roycroft Arts and Crafts Movement in East Aurora, NY. They bound books of notable literature of the day. I grew up holding the leather bindings of the books they made. Although our techniques are different I feel my inspiration and desire to make books is similar to theirs – with a contemporary kick!

-Adele Shaw, Circle A Studio.