Leather books by Juniper Books
So, I've been in a blog fog. It seemed as the year came to a close I could only run from project to project to insure they were all installed and fluffed to perfection. So, my blog sits on simmer (really the burner was off), waiting to be updated.
Today, I check email and one of my favorite clients has emailed me a link to a New York Times article from today's Home and Garden section. Click here to read. A new resource I was unaware of is now in my grasp. I was mesmerized and so happy to see the "real" book isn't dead after all. I'll admit it, I've sold out...bought (no, stole husband's iPad) and haven't picked up a "real" book in months. I feel as if I'm cheating on a test or in some way have taken a short cut. But, it's done. I love reading from this new device, especially when traveling and, honestly of late, I haven't been reading Tolstoy so in some way, while reading fluff, I feel as if it's OK. But, my love and passion for "real" books will always live on.
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| Leather books by Juniper Books Ironically, this client I speak of, has just put the finishing touches on her beautiful new library. While arranging the shelves there recently, I was in awe of her phenomenal book collection. She and her husband, like me, have a love of books and have made it a priority to collect special ones. You can tell, this isn't a library that was born in a day, it has had years to marinate getting better and better. Truth be told, you can peruse someone's library and in one hour know more about them than if you spent days in his or her midst. |
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| Library designed by Juniper Books |
If books have always been your love, Thatcher Wine of Juniper Books is the man for you. Click here to visit. His love of books turned his hobby of collecting into a successful business. And, I'm so glad to now have this resource in my arsenal.
As a designer, books are one of my staples for every project. I'm constantly amazed at how few people actually have "real" books in their homes and bookshelves abound everywhere. Look at these fabulous books. I can't decide which I like most.
Beautiful custom covers
Fabulous leather books
Stunning color coordinated books
\Books based on an authentic theme or interest
Books that are truly pieces of art
Lovely vellum books
A series of books
Or just a happy book!
Which ones are your favorites? I can't wait to find a perfect project and place a call to Thatcher. Brilliant, just brilliant!
We'll talk soon,
Gwen
Images courtesy of Juniper Books
Gwen I love the books based on an authentic interest!!. Good to see you backagain!
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Karena
Art by Karena
Happy to see you are coming out of the fog!
ReplyDeleteGwen...looks like we are on the same page. Although, I like to snoop...to get right in there and look at people's books. It says so much about the person :) I did a quick post one of my snooping moments. You might appreciate this one too :)
ReplyDeletehttp://jeanne-inoneplace.blogspot.com/2011/01/old-world-books.html
Best wishes for the New Year Gwen!
Jeanne xx
Emily Bronte in vivid pink. Who could have imagined that? I love books, too--I'll read voraciously for a while and then go on a break. But I would be lost without REAL books. Super post--glad that you are back.
ReplyDeleteAs a lover of books with a small library of my own who spends time lamenting the plight of books these days, my early morning read of your post brought a smile to my face. What an interesting endeavor and such lovely book wrappings, not to mention a rather compelling name - Thatcher Wine. That could be a title of a book, if not an endearing character if there ever was one.
ReplyDeleteI hover over your blog frequently and appreciate your posts, most especially this one. Thank you.
Gwen,
ReplyDeleteGood to hear you are busy! Hope that you had a good Christmas and happy new year.
These books are gorgeous. I love the leather, but the bindings that form an image are amazing!
Have a great weekend.
Teresa
xoxo
I have bought vellum books before from Thatcher. He is very knowledgeable and the books were beautiful. While leather bound and custom covers are lovely, my all-time favorites are the vellum books.
ReplyDeleteGwen - you are a girl after my own heart. Anyone who follows me online knows I am book obsessed - I have now officially run out of bookshelves and have taken to making piles on the floor - will have to do a big edit soon! I saw this yesterday as well and was swooning - it was immediately bookmarked. How fabulous you will be able to use this resource for clients and live vicariously though their choices. I think a wonderful gift for either a friend's new house, a new baby, or in your case perhaps client is to start them off on a literary library - what could be better!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this fabulous resource! I am always on the look out for great looking classics to add to my bookshelves. I can't wait to drool over all the amazing books and covers. So much for cleaning the bathroom...
ReplyDeleteI have bookshelves in every room in the house filled to the brim and just donated boxes and boxes to the local library. So, when styling my client's bookshelves at the end of an installation, I look for their boxes of books.... to find a few mix match books, tired and rather unattractive. My new method, prior to designing bookshelves for clients, I ask about their reading habits and how many and what type of books they have. As part of the design process, I curate their library and purchase books by theme from contemporary novels, modern art books, travel etc....
ReplyDeleteThe elephant covers are stunning! i am going straight to read the New York Times article "on line"since I am not in New York at the time, and will check Thatcher Wine link, what an interesting man he must be. thank you for the most interesting and stunningly beautiful post.
will be a follower from now on.
Love books too and with iBooks I love the real ones even more. I am also amazed at some clients that don't have any.
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cristin
Have so missed you, but new, or should I say hoped that you were very busy. I love books of all kinds, but my two favorites are beautiful Design books that I can devour every word and luscious antique leather books. We have collected these forever and I'm so glad. I always recommend to my clients to just start buying a few at a time and keep on doing it. Before you know it you will have quite a collection that will definitely hold its value. And even if it didn't you will never tire of them. Welcome back. Mona
ReplyDeleteJust saw that you will be in LA for the design blog conf... so excited to meet you!
ReplyDeletexo,
cristin
What a wonderful post. Being an English teacher, I am a huge fan of the book - the smell, the way it feels in your hands, being able to turn actual pages. We have this discussion often in my upper division classes as to whether technology will replace the books themselves and I am always impressed by the love so many students have for holding a book in their hands. This gives me hope. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy new year Gwen. xo
i love books... i have a huge weekness for them!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this post! Wonderful! I adore books, decorate with them, and still read them on a daily basis, I'm not letting go! XX!
ReplyDeleteI'm an interior designer from Melbourne, Australia - I loved your blog, I found it very inspiring. This is all new to me but I have just set up my own blog
ReplyDeletescrapbook-melissah.blogspot.com
You may like to check it out because I had so much fun doing it.
Thanks for providing me with such great entertainment!
Cheers
Melissah
Great post Gwen! As much as I LOVE books, I have to admit, that I too have a serious new I-pad addiction going on here as well~:)
ReplyDeleteI too adore books. I love when they are well-read favorites of their owner.
ReplyDeleteI had read the articles in the Times and so glad you followed up on it! Books are the best--there to be read, enjoyed and loved! Hope you had a fantastic New Year!
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