Art Journal | The Little Mantra Tin

My Little Book-in-a-Tin | Mantra

The details, such as they are . . .

I created this little book-in-a-tin as part of Fodder School 4 (January workshops). The book, which measures 3″ x 4″ and fits into an altered cigar tin, is created from various hand-dyed papers and fabrics which have been glued and/or stitched together. The book is bound with a simple chain stitch binding (one signature). Most of the papers I used are collected personal ephemera (journal pages; notes, doodles, and writings from my husband and my sister; photos from my family album). I gathered the papers together in a bundle, and dyed them with turmeric, hibiscus tea, and black teas. I embellished the dyed and dried papers with stencils, stamps, and stitching (both machine and hand embroidery).

The book includes personally designed and handmade “sigils” or symbolic representations of personal intentions. I created five sigils based on five personal mantras I have for the coming year: uplift, protect your peace, look for hope, be the light, and make it so. The sigils are shown below, and can also be found within the pages of the little book.

The book also includes a number of other personal mantras and quotes that resonate with me.

The ribbon around the sides of the altered tin and used for tying the tiny book together is hand dyed and hand stamped.

Photo galleries follow, as well as a poor quality video I made to show a “walk through” of the book, as a whole. The video is . . . not ideal, but it may provide a more comprehensive look at the finished project.

I worked on this book in November and December 2024, and completed it in early January 2025.

The sigils