Stephanie Pollard Handcrafted Books

01/04/2021

31/03/2021

I have been mesmorized with the Chambers Pillar stories as a crucial “compass” landmark for early explorers guiding them through such extreme desert environments such as this SE corner of the NT, from south to north and north to south! These days we drive in absolute comfort through unforgiving lands. My husband and I love to research & bring our minds back in time to get vague impressions of what those times might have felt & the difficulties on a real, practical level they might have experienced & endured. Such drive & ambition to venture into the unknown!!

22/03/2021

Not to mention being blissful in the presence of my purchase of the Thomas Edison Fireside Model A Combination cylinder record Phonograph with the suspended large orange horn!!! Things were made beautifully with such craftsmanship & care made to last!! As my mechanical husband said as we initially adjusted the rotation speed of the cylinder, “no wires!!”. Simple technology beautifully crafted. When I close my eyes the early recorded sounds captured for the first time transport me back to that era!! Magic

22/03/2021

I am in the presence of greatness with this early Thomas Edison Standard Combination Model D cylinder record Phonograph!! Thanks to Deb at Kitten Vintage in Mackay!!

30/10/2020

28/03/2020

A late night's inspiration

Photo by Zak Kaoz

22/05/2019

Just when you thought that I might have disappeared off the face of my world... I reappear with something that has been lovingly handcrafted in the workshop of Kevin & Carolyn Falkenhagen, beautifully renovating my wagonette for the next "stage" of my bookbinding journey. Both Kevin & Carolyn are passionate about creating amazing "works of furniture" from various tree slabs & pieces collected & stored in their huge shed over the last few decades. I needed to upgrade my wagonette to suit the direction I am following in presenting my handcrafted books, selling them in the way of days gone by. Sue from Hoof & Horn told me about this lovely local Proserpine couple who made furniture; but wasn't sure that they would be interested to take on such an unusual task. It would come to be more spectacular than I could have imagined. We spent time initially poring over images I had researched for them to see what was in my head. They worked tirelessly together choosing the light weight, gorgeous Silky Oak with its grain highlighted by the use of oils instead of covering with paint, as it was done in years gone by. For over 5 weeks they toiled on the project calling me in for decisions on important details & the solving of some of the issues that arose. They were an absolute delight to work with & very particular with their attention to details of the finishing touches. I can't wait to get out on the road again to showcase their excellence. I have yet to source a carriage Sun Hood, like in the last photo to complete the look & create well-needed comfort for me, the driver, on those hot, sunny days we can get in The Whitsundays.
Hoping all are well wherever you may be!!
Live your dream!! Stephanie

11/12/2018

More journals created for my latest collection: Amy Youngsmith Prints Edition. I am always amazed to take a print and create a journal that looks entirely different in book form!! Amy does lovely detailed prints reflecting the Whitsunday region, both sea and landscape images; constantly a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us here. From mono coloured to 3 - 5 colour print runs, each, an expression of her love of the natural, and her desire to preserve this in the print medium. The moment I saw her prints, I realised the potential to add another art dimension to the journal experience. And Amy has been equally excited about the transformational results!! Please message me if you are local to the area and would like to make an appointment to view these gems in my home gallery. With Christmas only weeks away, these journals make a unique and one-of-a-kind present for the person who almost has it all.... Season Greetings to one & all. Stephanie Pollard Handcrafted Books

07/11/2018

Well it has been a while since posting, but life can sometimes happen faster than I can find the time to write about!! What????? Not about Reggie???? I am very excited to introduce my newest journal collection: "Amy Youngsmith Prints Edition", a collaboration with local artist & friend, trusting enough to let me use her prints as the covers to my journals...... and boy am I pleased that she has too!!! Her refreshing artistry captures the magic of our beautiful coastal island & pristine national parks region in these small, detailed coloured prints. What also excites me, is that a two dimensional art form can be transformed into 3D usable art, which will inspire the creative juices of writers, journalist, calligraphers, lead & ink artists and others who want their works or memories contained within this environment. As with all my other journals I use the best materials that can be sourced, to provide a textural experience for those wanting a lasting treasure. I love new discoveries! Come view these art pieces to see them for yourself; either at the local Handmade Expo Markets or message me for an appointment to come out to my workshop/gallery!! Enjoy Stephanie

26/06/2018

Reggie & I are now living the dream that started about 3yrs ago for me!! On the Sunday just past, I headed out to the end of our road as can be seen by the first few photos that my son KC captured so well.
When we arrived at our destination and turned the wagonette around for passing cars to see my handpainted sign, I thought, "Ok, here I am, finally ready to do a trial run of "selling" my journals, but how exactly do I do that??" What do I do with Reggie? Will people see me here in both directions as they pass? Will they be able to pull over safely to stop? Then there are the ugly power poles, the large advertisement sign for a new development. Do I want those in the photos people will more than likely take? Many logistical thoughts ran through my head.... because I was finally HERE in my journey, after over a year of hard work, training with Reggie. I could get to where I wanted to go - within the hour. Now what?
Not liking the end of this road, I headed off to the next place I had found on one of my weekly training treks, done with Reggie, along Shute Harbour Road right between the beautiful "Butterfly Effect Nursery" & Camping, Boating & RV shop. It has much to offer in open scenery for photographs, no ugly power poles or billboards, access for cars to stop and plenty of grass for Reggie to eventually graze while waiting around as I do my thing!!! Perfect.
I set up my portable bamboo table (Amy & Troy gave me for Christmas), took out one of the photo albums, of journals I have made to display my works and sat in my new folding wood chair, assembling my business cards, waiting for someone to stop. Many cars passed initially just looking, and then one car pulled in, followed by another and then another..... and yes... it was a great spot to be!!
Near my time's end, a couple (WASP NQ Productions) excited by the "olden day vision" took some lovely photos for me to share! (starting with the one displaying the closeup of the handpainted sign)
What I love most about what I do, is the joy, Reggie & the rig bring to people, as we take them back to another time!!
"Do what you love & love what you do!!"
Stephanie