Connecting through Art: How a Driftwood Journal Strengthened a Friendship

 

Do you ever feel like you've lost touch with someone you used to be close to?

I know I have. That's why when I saw an Instagram post for a Caterpillar stitch book art contest, I used the opportunity to connect with my long-time friend and her young daughter, MacKenzie.

MacKenzie is a playful girl and I wanted to make something special for her. I decided to use a piece of driftwood I found on the beach as the cover for her journal. The wood had a beautiful texture and color that I knew MacKenzie would love.

To add a pop of color, I chose a fluffy green thread to bind the pages together. I wanted the journal to be unique and eye-catching, just like MacKenzie's striking beauty.

As I worked on the journal, memories of my friendship with MacKenzie's mother flooded back. We had been so close in middle school but had drifted apart over the years. Making this journal felt like a way to bridge that gap and reconnect with her as well.

When I give MacKenzie the journal, I hope her eyes light up with excitement. It’s my wish that she loves the way the driftwood feels in her hands and the way the green thread contrasts with the wood. Maybe one day we can talk more about her mothers art and what inspires her.

Creating this book art piece not only gives me the chance to reconnect with my friend’s daughter but also allows me to express my creativity and make something special for someone I care about. Art has a way of bringing people together, and this project is no exception.

If you're feeling disconnected from someone, try creating something for them. Whether it's a painting, a piece of jewelry, or a journal, the act of making something with love can help strengthen your bond and bring you closer together. Who knows – it may even lead to a new and lasting friendship.


Want to learn how to make your own books?

 
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Let's Learn Bookbinding Basics: A Guide for Young Bookbinders