Jan/Feb blog will publish the evening of Feb 23th 2018.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 BLOG
I'm late, I'm late, I'm late for a an important date,
No time to say hello, goodbye. I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!
(from the film, Alice in Wonderland)
That's how I've been feeling all year with all aspects of my life since a good friend of 46 years was taken in critical condition to the hospital by ambulance and spent the entire year of 2017 in that condition and me on her Medical Power of Attorney after her husband. She wanted to be let go, she couldn't speak but did mouth that wish as well as that being in her trust, but her husband, thinking she'd get better, wouldn't honor that hope. I was deeply involved with meetings, listening to the doctors pleading to do the right thing , talking to staff, but instead, her husband after 11 months of this, opted to take her home with a confusion of medical equipment: feeding tube. ventilator, trach in her throat, pacemaker, etc., etc., thinking she would be back to normal, after being surrounded by her home and pet cats. Instead she declined. It was then I discovered her brother and I were co-trustees on the estate as well the medical issues. But I was too concerned what was happening with her, having been a medical P.A. years ago, and focused on medical concerns not thinking about trusts. Then out of the blue her husband died first, she died two days later, leaving her brother and I forced to make serious decisions and trying to discover papers, accounts, and many, many bills to deal with.
Her ending came on Thanksgiving and since then two of us have been extremely busy. Luckily, we think alike and work as a team. However, this blog and my entire business took a hit but I am so determined this January 2018 to catch up, after
having gotten a little late here and there like this blog. I've hired someone to lighten some of the load starting on January 4th so I'm encouraged. I hope I didn't let any of you down. My apologies if I did.
I'm looking forward to 2018 and hope you are too!
DON'T FORGET TO FIND THE DISCOUNT CODE IN ONE OF THE ARTICLES. WITH THAT CODE YOU GET A 20% DISCOUNT ON ANY NEW BOOK.
LET'S LOOK AT BOOKPLATES: ART IN MINIATURE:
If through respect or love I lend
This book unto my worthy friend
He must not soil, abuse, nor tear,
But read with diligence and care;
And when its contents you have learned
Remember, it must always be Returned.
(From an old bookplate)
Have you ever loaned a book that was never returned? I have a feeling the answer is an unanimous YES! In a moment of generosity or enthusiasm for a book we love we lend it. Perhaps it is months later when we suddenly need it do we notice a blank space on a shelf - and a flash we wonder: Who did I lend that to?? If we do remember we're now in a position of having to ask for it back. I've had countless customers calling me for a book search because of this scenario. Now they need to replace a book they already owned. Remember the scene in the movie, Out of Africa when Denys Fitzhatten (Robert Redford) tells his friend about loaning books to someone and not getting them back. His friend asks, "You wouldn't end a friendship over a book?" And Denys replies, "No, but apparently he would."I've heard similar stories. A number of customers told me when they pointed to their book on a friend's shelf and said it was theirs, they received a, "No, you are mistaken, that book is mine." I guess possession is really 9/10th's of the law. It's on their shelf so it must be theirs. BUT there is a way to avoid this sticky situation that'll not only identify your books as yours but will add a charming piece of art to your book and not hurt it's value (writing in them is a definite no-no!), instead use a bookplate. Maybe with a neat saying like the one above.
Since books have existed owners have marked them as their, usually writing some kind of mark or their name in them (again, unless you are famous, don't do this). The first bookplate appeared in the mid-fifteenth century, German in origin and designed by Albrecht Durer, the famous artist. Since then many famous artists have created bookplates and some book lovers have gone to the trouble of having artists design a special bookplate for them.
Bookplates can say I love these books I own. Many libraries bought from estates are cherished for the bookplate art as well as the books themselves. Besides, it's kind of nice to get acquainted with the previous owner who apparently had the same taste in books you do. Believe it or not, there are bookplate collectors world-wide who search out rare examples of this art. Sometimes authors will autograph their book on a bookplate and you just glue it inside the front cover or on the first blank page. 
I won't go as far as Ben Franklin did when he coined, "Neither a borrower or a lender be" but at least mark your books. However, Lending books doesn't always have a bad ending - that's how Mark and I began dating years ago. He was a window clerk then at the local post office where I mailed off books. I could walk into this cute little postal station and knew everyone who worked there. Knowing of my trips to Egypt, a place he always wanted to visit, he borrowed a book on Egypt by John Romer, who was doing a series on ancient Egypt on PBS at that time. I was moving to a new home and forgot about the book until a customer asked for that title and I suddenly remembered where it was. I called the post office but he had moved to a different location but I found him. He not only returned my book but took me out to dinner. And a year and half later we got married. So not all book lending has an unhappy ending.
If you are curious to learn more about bookplates and peruse some of the past artistic plates or want to use bookplates in your books I've included some for you to check out.
Castle, Egerton - English Bookplates: An Illustrated Handbook for the Students of Ex-Libris - The author explains that the first bookplate (also known as ex-libris), was used inside a book around 1450. As we know it caught on. Albrecht Durer designed bookplates and had a lasting influence in the art. Yes, these plates were considered an art. Learn this art's distinguished history. 260 pages. $15.99
Plouvier, Christine - The Bookplate Book, Volume I - This is a cut-and-paste project suitable for teen through adults so you will need scissors, glue or paste. Christine brings us 25 unique color images that illustrate one hundred bookplates. As she says, what more attractive way is there to help your books come home. Have fun! 62 pages. $19.99
Plouvier, Christine - The Bookplate Book, Volume II - Her volume II offers book-labeling options of twenty-five unique monochrome images printed on a elegant parchment background illustrate one hundred bookplates from classic, to contemporary, formal to playful. Don't forget to keep your scissors and glue or paste. Instructions are provided. 62 pages. $19.99
Plouvier, Christine - The Bookplate, Volume 3: Cookbook Edition - Do you need to find a gift for the chef in your life? The one who owns a large library of cookbooks. (Is that you?) This volume includes twenty-five unique culinary images, illustrating one hundred bookplates. This is a papercraft sampler for a kitchen library so get your scissors and paste ready. Has Instructions. 62 pages. $19.99
Grafton, Carol Belanger (editor) - Bookplate Designs (with CDROM) - This book is a unique homage to bookplate art illuminates over 320 designs of the craft's finest examples. Our author includes a great variety of black-and-white designs embrace a multitude of styles: woodcuts, engravings, lithographs, typography, and more that were collected from all over the world, each bookplate is a masterpiece in small scale. $16.95IF YOU WANT LOVELY READY TO GO BOOKPLATE CHECK THESE OUT:
Potter Style - Antiquarian Bookplates: 55 Bookplates to Personalize Your Library - Each bookplate features a beloved literary quote and a charming illustration that makes each book in your collection even more special. A few sample quotes include: "Literature is my Utopia" - Helen Keller. " A room without books is a body without a soul-" Cicero. "We read to know we are not alone."- C.S. Lewis. "Read in order to live." Gustave Flaubert. And many more. $12.99
Harper, Charley - Cardinal Bookplates - I love Charley Harper's art and on a bookplate warms my heart. These 24 adhesive 3x4 in. bookplates come in a decorative hardtop box. What a wonderful addition to the books in any library. $12.95
Harper, Charley - Limp on a Limb Bookplates - What a great bookplate for all the cat lovers out there. Just looking at this artwork put a big smile on my face. These 24 adhesive 3x4 in. bookplates come in a decorative hardtop box. $12.95
Rice, William S. - Owls and Magnolias Bookplates - These plates were designed by artist William S. Rice. Whooo doesn't admire the wise old owl? This one and the magnolias behind him bring a certain sophistication to your books. There are twenty-four adhesive 3x4 in. nicely presented in a decorative hardtop box. $12.95
I couldn't resist adding this mystery here:
Barrett, Lorna - Bookplate Special (Booktown Mystery) - Tricia Miles, owner of Haven't Got a Clue mystery bookstore, is still setting into Stoneham, New Hampshire, the kind of town where everybody knows your name - and where everyone's quick to lend a hand, even when murder's afoot. The kinder folks of Stoneham might call Pammy Fredericks a free spirit. The less kind, a freeloading thief. Tricia has put up with her uninvited college roommate for weeks. In return, Pammy has stolen one hundred dollars, among other things. But the day she's kicked out, Pammy's found dead in a trash cart, leaving loads of questions unanswered. What was she foraging for? Did her killer want it too? To piece the case together, Tricia will have to dive in headfirst. $7.99
CLASSIC NEEDLEWORK BOOKS AND AUTHOR: JANE ZIMMERMAN
During the years I was setting up needlework bookshops at the national ANG seminar whenever we arrived the first question Mark would ask me was: "Is Jane going to be teaching?" I'd laugh when I said yes. I knew what was coming. Jane would zoom in on her electric cart and the two of them would banter back and forth and me laughing up a storm. It always ended with hugging. Jane was lots of fun but she's a serious needeworker, teacher and artisan admired by her peers and students alike.
Over forty years ago, Jane, wanting to keep her hands busy, went into a needlework shop and bought threads and canvas and taught herself to stitch. He mother had been a seamstress of couture clothing so needles and threads were no strangers to her. Jane mastered the art of stitching quickly and needlework became her passion. She started teaching but still kept learning from the likes of Muriel Baker, Peg Lunt, and Audrey Francini. Of course she began a library of books by canvas workers such as Sylvia Sydney, Mary Rhodes and Hope Hanley. Then she mastered counted thread, Assisi and pulled thread and became a leading needlework teacher of goldwork.
Amazingly, with all this going on in her life, Jane began writing books and got deeply involved in needlework history (1930 and earlier) and taught herself photography. At this time he began traveling around the states and Canada to teach. In her 'spare time' Jane flew to England to indulge her passion for needlework history. There she visited museums and shot photo after photo of marvelous historical embroidery. Then she developed a fascinating class on English Embroidery History and wrote a book on the same, which I've listed below. If you get Jane started on the history of British royalty be prepared for a fascinating visit back to the 16th century. She's a great storyteller.
Jane is an original and so are her designs. Where do the ideas spring from? Some of them are based on original, historic pieces but she prefers geometric designs from Islamic, Moorish, Chinese and American Patchwork Patterns and Art.(discount code: Nanci17)
One last thing about Jane. She taught herself the computer early on as she saw this machine the way of the future including needlework. She even had to learn how the machine functioned. Me, I'm just happy when it works. Her curiosity paid off. She became a forerunner in computer graphics for needlework.
Although Jane no longer travels to classes, her books are classic and still available and still very popular with needleworkers. I had the pleasure of talking to her recently as I was desperate for her Canvas Work Bands and Borders for a needlework class and not only did I enjoy laughing with her but she saved my live by getting the books to me. Thanks Jane.
Take a look at her classic needlework books:Art of Elizabethan Embroidery - The stitches and variations shown in this book were used in colored silk and metal thread embroidery in England 1558-1625 and she gives you a taste of the history of this work as well. $22.00
Art of English Blackwork - This is definitely what you want to learn about this needlework style. Jane includes the history, stitches, and lots of clear charted patterns. $37.95
Canvas Work Bands and Borders - Need a border? These patterns can be used as horizontal or vertical bands and most all of the stitches are of traditional canvas work stitches or adaptations. The book is divided into categories of stitches. $35.95
Traditional Silk and Metal Thread Techniques on Canvas - This comprehensive book contains 320+ stitch pattern variations and explores all aspects of silk and metal thread embroidery from the past that is suitable for today. Teachers sing this book's praises. $38.95
Ultimate Encyclopedia of Canvas Embroidery - Volume I and Volume II - These two volumes each include hundreds of needlepoint stitches and patterns - mosaic, cashmere, scotch, gobelin, eyelet and plaited to name some. B/W photos of stitch examples accompanies the graphs. $44.95 each.
POTPOURRI of BOOKS
Barbae, Karen - Colour Confident Stitching: How to Create Beautiful Colour Palettes - Whether you are a beginner or more experienced, any stitching project, no matter how simple, can be enhanced by a well-chosen colour palette but lots of stitchers are nervous about choosing colour. This author, a Chile-based textile designer, embroiderer, photographer and blogger, has had her textiles and accessories featured in Martha Stewart Living. In this book she makes choosing and creating colour palettes a fun and enjoyable part of the design process. Not only does she guide us through colour theory but also includes five stitching projects that encourage stitchers to explore colour. Photographs accompany stitching illustrations and step-by-step photos for the colour choosing process as well as the stitching projects. $24.95
Benilan, Annabel - Sewing Clothes for Barbie - Sew Barbie this cute wardrobe of 23 stylish outfits including for a picnic in the country, for skiing for the beach or for DIY. Or create outfits for special occasions, such as a cocktail dress, wedding dress or formal dress for the theatre; or everyday wear such as jeans and a tie-waist shirt, fleecy jumper and trousers for skiing, a bikini, towel and sunhat for the beach. The author also includes costumes such as a mermaid, fairy and superwoman. Detailed explanations are accompanied by step-by-step diagrams and real-size patterns, which can be adapted for petite, curvy, tall or original Barbie. The techniques used are simple and the outfits can be sewn by hand or on the machine. These are ideal projects for upcycling old clothes or making use of scraps of fabric or making use of scraps of fabric from your stash. $17.95
Collinge, Annette, Dr. - Embroidered Treasures: Flowers - The Embroiderer's Guild in England has wonderful embroideries from all over the world considered one of the most important collections assembled in one place. This book showcases their huge collection of embroidered flowers through the ages featured in full-color photos that show full and detailed images to show the flowers at their best. The images are shown with extended captions $29.95Collinge, Annette, Dr. - Embroidered Treasures: Birds - This fantastic book showcases the Embroiderer's Guild collection of embroidered birds through the ages. Featuring photos taken especially for the book, items are shown in full and also with detail images to show off the birds at their best. These wonderful embroidered treasures are as varied as wall hangings, dresses, bridal bags and samplers, some of which date back to the seventeenth century. The images are shown with extended captions giving the country of origin, age, size and the embroidery techniques employed to make them. Now housed in the Bucks County Museum, the collection hails from America, Spain, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Norway and Switzerland. These embroideries have rarely been seen. $24.95 Date of release fuzzy right now but should be out by early spring.
Daymond, Angela - Kantha Stitching - The simple, repetitive act of kantha stitching uses the humble running stitch to create simple yet beautiful motifs, patterns and texture on layered fabric. Promoting mindfulness and creativity, it is ideal for relaxation and de-stressing after a busy day at home or in the office. This ancient form of quilting originated in India, and is now hugely popular with contemporary hand stitches all over the world. The book includes useful sections on tools, materials and techniques which are all the information you need on preparing your fabric, transferring your design and the basic stitches used. There are then 20 lovely motifs to choose from, each with a full-size template, simple instructions and a photo of the finished motif, include a lotus flower. Paisley patterns dahlia, kingfisher, owl, spiral, and an elephant cushion. The final section gives you ideas and inspiration for how to use the motifs to embellish bags, clothes, cushions, table mats and accessories. $14.95
Dixey, Jo and Brandon Mably - Stitch People - Learn to embroidery project by project with RSN trained, professional embroider Jo Dixey who addresses those who want to expand their skills and those new to embroidery. The projects range from small embroidered cards to more complex pictures to hang on your wall; simple applique for a scarf to an embroidered jacket all based on the theme of people. Templates of the images to stitch are provided for photocopying and there is a photo gallery of all the stitches covered in the book, along with step-by-step photos of key techniques such as transferring patterns onto fabric or using batting to create 3D effects. 19.95 Coming soon.
Forster, Carolyn - Sew Layer Cake Quilts and Gifts - The author is a highly respected quilter gives you nine beautiful Layer Cake quilt designs, using a variety of patchworking and quilting styles. Also included are nine accompanying gift projects, which range from bags and pincushions to needlebooks and coasters. All techniques you need are clearly explained at the beginning of the book with easy-to-follow step-by-step photography and the instructions for putting together each quilt are illustrated for clarity. $21.95
Lark Crafts - Embroidered Mandalas - Why should coloring book fans have all the fun? These embroidery-ready transfers make it super-simple to stitch beautiful, meditative mandalas for any craft. Usually, transferring the pattern to fabric is the hardest part, but here you just iron them on and go! Use the transfers to create embroidery-hoop pieces, or embellish favorite bags, shirts, or pillows. Once the patterns is transferred, just take your needle and floss and stitch along the lines to "color" the designs any way you'd like. The process is easy and relaxing, and the results are gorgeous. This book includes 25 iron-on mandalas and 16 pages of basic embroidery instruction for crafters of all levels. $14.95
Lubin, Clementine - A Beginner's Guide to Using Overlockers and Coverlockers - This book enables you to sew like a professional seamstress. Full of practical advice to help you master all the features and applications of your overlocker and coverlocker, you will learn how to handle your machine using its basic features through the more complex techniques. There are 50 beautifully photographed step-by-step lessons and 15 lovely projects to apply your knowledge and help you realize your sewing goals, including a dress, a T-shirt, shoulder bag, playsuit and more. $19.95 
McCollin, Sally - Transfer and Stitch - Butterflies, Bees and Bugs - Over 60 reusable motifs to iron on and embroidery on clothing or home furnishings for a unique finish. Designs range from traditions, life-like insects to edgy modern steampunk designs. These intricate motifs can be rendered in pearlescent or metallic threads to give them a colorful, insect-like sheen. Try tiny ladybirds up to larger-scale grasshoppers. $24.95
Richman, Helen - Stumpwork Embroidery: Techniques and Projects - Beginning with an introduction to the appropriate materials, equipment, and tools, this book instructions on a wide range of stitches and techniques, illustrated with ten delightful projects. It then explains how to design your own piece of stumpwork before advising on finishing, presenting, and caring for your work. $36.95
Von Grabler-Crozier, Debbie - The Bag Boutique - In this book are 20 beautiful bags to sew from popular author and designer. It includes a huge variety of different styles and sizes, from totes and bucket bags to backpacks, clutches and shoulder bags that come with clear instructions and beautiful photos. Complete guide to techniques needed and a section on creating gorgeous finishing touches, including embroidery, applique, crocheted flowers, beaded charms and personalized labels. $19.95Watson, Larissa - Dye and Print Alchemy - Our talented author guides you through all the processes, ensuring successful and professional results. She explores techniques such as ombre dyeing, space dyeing, hand painting, shibori, stenciling, screen printing and relief using a range of gorgeous fabrics such as natural, synthetics, silks, velvets, bamboo jersey, spandex and linens. $35.00 Date to be released coming soon.
MYSTERY CORNER
Alexander, Ellie - Another One Bites the Crust ( Bakeshop Mystery) - The Shakespeare Festival returns to Ashland, Oregon, for the season and Torteis cast as the supplier of Elizabethan-era treats for the main event. But on the eve of opening night, a brawl between Julie's friend Lance, the artistic director, and a strapping young thespian named Anthony almost brings down the house. The next morning Anthony is dead. Julie knows that Lance loves his drama - and his just desserts - but she also knows that murder is way off-script for him. Now it is up to Julie to cut through the bevy of backstage betrayals and catty co-stars who all have their own secrets - before the curtain drops on someone else. $7.99
Bradford, Laura - Dial M for Mousse - (Emergency Dessert Squad Mystery) - A last-minute delivery turns deadly in the third delectable. The Emergency Dessert Squad business is booming, with owner and baker Winnie Johnson working overtime to satisfy the emergency cravings of Silver Lake, Ohio. Her latest order, a plate of motivational desserts for an artists' retreat, is just what she needs to keep her mind off her own relationship woes. But Winnie's problems seem like trifles when she discovers the body of retreat owner Sally Dearfield mere inches away fro five oh-so-eccentric and viable suspects. Now, this baking detective must uncover the inspiration behind Sally's murder before another creative genius is iced. $7.99
James, Miranda - Twelve Angry Librarians (Cat in the Stacks Mystery) - During the Southern Academic Libraries Association the keynote speaker who also happens to be an insufferable know-t-all capable of getting under everyone's skin is found dead. It is up to Charlie and his cat, Diesel, to find the killer in a room full of librarians. Great reviews. $7.99
Ross, Barbara - Stowed Away - (Maine Clambake Mystery) - It's June in Busman's Harbor, Maine, and Julia Snowden and her family are getting their authentic Main clambake business ready for summer. Preparations must be put on hold, however, when a mysterious yacht drops anchor and delivers an unexpected dose of murder. Julie arrives to find a sumptuous table set for two - and the yachtsman dead in his chair. Suspicion quickly falls on Wyatt Jayne, who had invited her on the yacht, and Julia's quest to dredge up the truth leads her into the murky private world of a mega-rich recluse who may not have been all that he seemed. $7.99
Shelton, Paige - Of Books and Bagpipes - ( A Scottish Bookshop Mystery) - Bookseller and amateur sleuth Delaney Nichols finds a dead body in a castle outside Edinburgh and must investigate how this murder is connected to a rare manuscript. $7.99
Smith, Karen Rose - Murder with Lemon Tea Cakes (Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery #1) - This is a new series. In an old Victorian in the heart of Pennsylvania's Amish country, Daisy Swanson and her aunt Iris serve soups, scones, and soothing teas to tourists and locals - but a murder in their garden has them in hot water. Daisy, a widowed mom of two teenagers, is used to feeling protective - so when Iris started dating the wealthy and not-quite divorced Harvey Fitz, she worried...especially after his bitter ex stormed in and caused a scene at the party Daisy's Tea Garden was catering. Then there was the gossip she overheard about Harvey's grown children being cut out of his will. Daisy didn't want her aunt to wind up with a broken heart - but she never suspected she would wind up a suspect in Harvey's murder. Now the apple bread and orange pekoe is on the back burner while the cops treat the shop like a crime scene and Daisy hopes that Jonas Groft, a former detective from Philadelphia, can help her clear her aunt's name and bag the real killer before things boil over. $7.99THANKS FOR VISITING RUTH KERN BOOKS
I hope you enjoyed your visit. If you haven't visited before I'd like to introduce you to our business. We've been in business over 25 years. We have set up book shops at both the ANG and EGA National and Regional seminars and for other needlework organizations.
Can't find a certain book? Give us a call whether the title you want is in or out-of-print. We have a huge selection of out-of -print needlework books available.
We have a website too: Give us a call Monday thru Saturday at 602 - 943-0738 between 9am and 6 pm Arizona time. Yes, we are the people who never change our clocks forward or backwards. If the phone is on message I'm probably in the middle of helping Mark, my chronically ill husband, or taking books to the post office. I will return your call ASAP. PLEASE! Don't be shy about leaving a message. If you prefer you can e-mail me at: rkern3@mindspring.com. To contact us by mail: Ruth Kern Books 7235 N. 9th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021.
REALLY IMPORTANT! Don't forget to find the discount code in this blog that gives you a 20% discount on any new books you order.
I look forward to visiting with you again. New Blog: February 10th, 2018.
