Piazza del Campo - Siena's living room,

 Piazza del Campo is one if my favourite places, whatever the time of year, whatever the weather, there is always something happening here, it's always a beautiful site. 

From the balcony of my hot chocolate bar 😊

People gather here, to sit in the sun, read a book, eat lunch, children chase pigeons or play games

In the evening the atmosphere changes, the tour groups have gone back to Florence and the Sienese come out to play. 

Even on a rainy day, this is a magical place. 

A place to meet up with friends old and new

Where Siena celebrates, art festivals, contrada celebrations, the chocolate festa - my favourite; and this day a celebration of Urban Trekking with a balloon, guided walking tours and special events around the town. 

At night music plays, people gather

And, of course, it's the home of Il Palio, the biggest Festival of them all!

For me it's the best place to relax, people watch, soak up the autumn sunshine. Every day I see the Piazza del Campo and still I love it, I love it's surprises, to see a bridal party come out of the Palazzo Publico, just married and the crowds cheer and clap!

And now, it's a beautiful day, might just be time to wander down to Piazza del Campo, and see what will surprise me today 😀

Rainy day plans

It's a very wet rainy day, a huge thunderstorm is sitting over Siena! 

So it seems like a perfect day to settle down and make some books!

Funny little book

It's a gorgeous day here in Siena and I have been out and about most of the day, but I did buy some paper and glue, so was able to finish this little book.  

The idea has been floating around in my head for a while now, so it was good to get it made. Didn't turn out quite how I wanted it to, but I think I know what I did wrong, so if I make another it should be better!  

Back in Siena

There may or may not be much about books on here for a little while... I'm back in Siena, just arrived today and it feels like I never left. Love this town! 

The British Library

Yesterday I took advantage of the rain to seek out books.... At the British Library. 

What a great entrance!

Selection of books on display in the King's Library, I could have stood here for hours admiring all the beautiful books!

I loved the exhibition outside the centre for conservation, all about restoration and conservation of sound and documents. I found it all fascinating! It is absolutely incredible what can be done to repair paper and parchment. 

Last minute project

I am meant to be packing... Tomorrow I am going to London and from there to Siena on Monday.

But instead, this morning I decided to finish working on a book, so have spent a couple of hours cutting, sewing and gluing... Now it's in the press and I'm hoping it comes out well so I can give it as a gift. 

Catching up

Today I've been catching up on my bookbinding class. There were a couple of books that I didn't get finished during class, so today I met up with Diana, my teacher, to work on those.

This morning I worked on Coptic Binding. 

This book has three different Coptic stitches, my favourite is the two tone, zebra one at the top. 

Then this afternoon, I made a sample text block showing 8 different styles of stitching... 

It was good to practise the different stitches, but quite tricky to have them all on the one text block.

A useful learning tool, and reminder of stitches for the future.

From the top of the photo...

Kettle Stitch,

Unsupported French stitch or Link Stitch

Split leather 

Tape. 

Double cord

Wrapped cord

Recessed cord and 

Single cord binding. 

Hot from the press!

My nervous wait is over! 

I shall take more photos later to share, but overall I'm pleased with the result. 

Waiting...

It's a nerve wracking time right now, I have finished my uncle's book and it is in the press! Now all I can do is wait until tomorrow to see what it's like when it comes out! 

So I am folding paper as a form of stress relief!