The "Simplicity" photo swap deadline really crept up on me and I hate being late, so while the boys took off swimming this afternoon, I got my act together and packaged up my parcel. The photo I chose in the end was this one:
Partly for the way it looks, but partly because I took it when we went 'glamping' and it reminds me of all the advantages of leading a simple life. I hope my partner likes it (can't tell you who she is, because it's a secret!).
I made a book with a sewn binding for her too. Because I am totally smitten with the idea of DIY bookbinding and she was the obvious choice for a guinea-pig.
The title is 'A day of simple pleasures' and the pages are made from envelopes, holding the following series of photos:
A sunrise, sharing breakfast, hand knitted dishcloth, warm socks, a beautiful walk.
If you missed out on this round, Megan is thinking of making the photo swap a regular thing. And you can see some of the great pictures being swapped over at the Flickr group. I love looking at all the different interpretations of simplicity (and wondering which one is destined to be heading my way).
The book is lovely Ali, such a nice idea and I love the images you have chosen they seem to group together really well.
Posted by: Rebecca | 10 February 2008 at 20:50
Lovely book, lovely photos. I'd never heard of 'glamping' before ... how does one glamp? x
Posted by: Kitty | 10 February 2008 at 21:18
You are putting the rest of us swappers to shame with this amazing photo-palooza! Your recipient is going to love finding this in the mail!
Posted by: Rachel | 10 February 2008 at 21:45
Your photos are lovely Ali and the book is beautiful!! I'm sure your swap partner will be thrilled!
I like the look of glamping - I love camping except for the fact that I don't sleep well - this may be the answer :)
Lesley xx
Posted by: Lesley | 10 February 2008 at 21:49
I love your hand-bound book and the wonderful photos that you've included - am sure whoever the recipient is will love it! x
Posted by: Florence | 10 February 2008 at 21:54
Lovely, lovely. And not late.
I, on the other hand, will be. I wouldn't have been were in not for some bad prints I received. I foolishly thought I'd be able to wade through all the customer service who-ha in time to get new prints in time. No dice. I don't know that I'll actually EVER get satisfactory prints from this place. Faaaabulous. I guess for the sake of expediency it'll have to be prints from the drug store. Bah.
Posted by: Sarah | 10 February 2008 at 22:09
That is a perfect photo Ali. I love it!
Posted by: lina | 10 February 2008 at 23:02
Because I have not yet received my photo, I now have my fingers VERY tightly crossed in hopes that is is me that was your swap partner! This is great, and I now want to know more about DIY bookbinding.
And, I am a gamper~so this picture is so cool to me in so many ways! I just returned from a weekend in South Texas at our deer lease, and pictures are to follow on my blog: www.rosajosie.com
Great idea to add Blogged at the bottom of your photo, or I would never have gotten here.
Posted by: Diane Cook | 10 February 2008 at 23:36
Lovely photos, and that envelope book ROCKS!
Posted by: StacieMakeDo | 10 February 2008 at 23:52
I followed over from the flickr pool and have fallen in love with your blog. This is reall wonderful and I, too, am curious about how you put the book together! I am taking an intro to bookbinding class, which starts next week--perhaps I'll learn more then. :)
Posted by: Molly | 11 February 2008 at 02:19
I followed over from the flickr pool and have fallen in love with your blog. This is reall wonderful and I, too, am curious about how you put the book together! I am taking an intro to bookbinding class, which starts next week--perhaps I'll learn more then. :)
Posted by: Molly | 11 February 2008 at 02:19
Your photo is gorgeous and I love the book you've made. I hope you have my name for the swap as I totally love your wonderful package and photos.
Posted by: June | 11 February 2008 at 02:32
Lucky swappee. That pic must bring back so many happy memories for you!
Errr...I tagged you...but I think that you might enjoy it...honest.
But please don't feel obliged.
Posted by: Alice C | 11 February 2008 at 07:40
the envelope book looks fantastic, can we have a tutorial please! just off to look at the flickr group.
Posted by: driftwood | 11 February 2008 at 08:21
I just love that photo Ali and the book is wonderful! Lucky swap partner!
Posted by: Louise | 11 February 2008 at 10:26
I wonder if we stayed in the same tent?! The simple life is the one I want...
Your swap partner is one lucky girl - what a fantastic package.
Posted by: Dragonfly | 11 February 2008 at 10:44
great photos!
I wished my husband liked glamping too...
Posted by: Monica | 11 February 2008 at 15:57
Lovely blog, how did I just discover it! (I am slow) Wonderful photo, I joined the swap as well :)
Posted by: amy | 11 February 2008 at 17:15
I love the idea of that photo book is the binding easy to do
Posted by: Joanna | 11 February 2008 at 19:26
Wow - this is so beautiful! I especially love the cover of the book.
Posted by: Kelly | 11 February 2008 at 20:13
wow, ali. both your chosen print (a cup of coffee outside? simple perfection.) and the envelope book are beautiful. lucky swap partner! i think i need to take part in any future photo swap. x
Posted by: melissa | 12 February 2008 at 08:05
Both the print and the book are absolutely wonderful... you've done a very fine job indeed. I myself am veeery lazy when it comes to use of a camera. I've always wanted to use it more, but usually forget I've even brought it with me to places! Shameful. Perhaps if I joined the next swap it might jumpstart something. Anyway, I truly enjoy reading your blog, it's been inspiring. Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Tara | 12 February 2008 at 14:59
beautiful book Ali and wonderful photos too. To quote Bilbo Baggins in the Lord of the Rings - it is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.
Posted by: julie | 12 February 2008 at 15:17
beautiful book, what a wonderful gift!
Posted by: Bev | 12 February 2008 at 16:40
Just found your blog through - well several others. It is really a great read. Love the photos - someone will be very lucky
Clare xx
Posted by: Clare | 12 February 2008 at 17:40
I love the book you've made, pages from envelopes, genius! I'm sure you swap partner will treasure it
Posted by: sarah | 12 February 2008 at 19:45
I love your book binding, what a great idea.
Posted by: weirdbunny | 13 February 2008 at 00:23
I love your book binding, what a great idea.
Posted by: weirdbunny | 13 February 2008 at 00:23
I love the photo choice(s) but am totally enthralled at your creativity in making that bound book for holding them! Would you post a tutorial in your blog?
What a dynamite idea you have!! Bravo.
Diane
Alberta Postcards
Diane's Flickr photos
Posted by: Diane | 14 February 2008 at 21:55
I was the lucky recipient of the parcel she put together for the photo swap...
All I can say is..."thankyou" I loved my parcel...I recieved it today in the mail...what a joy to open...(grin grin)
I don't know about you...but this was so fun...I will gladly do it again :o)
~simply stork~
Posted by: simply | 22 February 2008 at 01:51
That´s such a beautiful swap you sent.
Posted by: claudia | 24 February 2008 at 08:17