Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your business. I make journals by using the covers off of books the library has discarded. Each journal is then so different and distinct. It makes it fun finding the covers and thinking about who is going to be interested in that particular one makes each day’s production very satisfying

How did you first get involved with crafting? I am not all that sure what I do is even crafting. In any case, I was working in a bookbindery, and I could not stand to see all the usable paper either being tossed out or recycled, and I would rescue it & turn it into notepad or journals for my friends. My friends kept telling me I had made some great journals and that I should try to sell them. I didn’t care for the wholesale business, but when I discovered the craft circuit, it really changed my life.

What are your favorite materials to work with? My favorite material is the paper. There is something about it. All the different types and qualities. I have been fortunate, because I have managed to get most my paper from the recycling bins of printing companies. Because of my success, I have recently had to start buying paper, which has become kind of fun. To chose the right color & texture, and I go to great lengths to find those that have the lowest environmental impact.

Do you have a favorite color palette? I guess I like pastels. No, maybe the hues around the purple. I don’t know. My walls in my room, and my workshop are white. I think that might tell you something.

What are your inspirations in your art and in life? I recently started drinking, and that has been a big boon to my inspiration in life. I think music and nature are where I find myself.

What is your favorite song or album to listen to while working? It doesn’t matter, because no matter what I am listening to, someone changes it. Preferred are NPR, Giants baseball games and bootleg Beatles.

Who are some of your favorite indie artist/crafters and why do you love them? I like so many of them. I like their ideas and creative way of seeing the planet. I enjoy that, more then their finished products.

Any exciting future plans or developments in the works for your business? I really need to set up an e-store. I don’t even have one and I am getting orders from all around the world, places like Nigeria. I mean, I must be making a great journal.

For more information see the site a fan created for me:

www.recoveryourthoughts.com

or email me: doug@recoveryourthoughts.com