Paperblanks Flutterbyes Midi Softback Flexi Journal – Plain, 240 Pages

Capture your ideas, plans and memories in this Flutterbyes midi softback flexi journal from Paperblanks, with 240 plain pages of 100 gsm acid-free paper.

Originally titled “Imagine,” the Laurel Burch painting reproduced on this cover celebrates her imaginative nature and love of life. Burch’s goal was to inspire joy and raise people’s spirits and, though she passed away in 2007, her uplifting artworks continue to spread happiness today.

The Story Behind the Design

All art is a chance to experience a mood, an emotion, a feeling. The art of Laurel Burch (1945–2007) has an especially uplifting, joyful, nurturing quality. Designs from our colourful Laurel Burch Collection can take you on a flight of imagination, from the world of Fantastic Felines to a celebration of the Spirit of Womankind.

Born in Southern California, Laurel was diagnosed with a congenital bone disease which resulted in more than a hundred cases of bone fractures over the course of her life. She was raised in the difficult circumstances of a broken family and as a teenager chose to walk away from this life and take her own, independent path. She eventually found her place in San Francisco, and as a single mother sought creative ways to provide for her family.

Though not trained in art or jewellery making, Laurel began to put together interesting metal scraps she found in junk yards. She created quirky jewellery and developed her artistic style into what we see today. Her vibrant colours and joyful paintings became so popular that her works were licensed around the world. Through art she found her solace, her haven, her sense of spiritual restoration.

Laurel’s pictures are filled with imaginative visions, lively colours and living creatures. When she went to China in 1971 to start mass production of the goods she designed, she discovered “cloisonné,” a traditional technique of embellishing metal surfaces with enamel. This became a signature feature of her artistic style.

Many of her paintings remind us of cloisonné enamels with their small, colour-filled compartments. The shimmer and iridescence added to the original brilliant painting make it an ethereal design. Our Flutterbyes cover is a good illustration of the harmonious marriage between the artist’s delightful style and this old technique.

Laurel began as a self-taught artist who connected with others by giving them the pieces that she made. She went on to become a pioneering businesswoman at the head of a merchandising empire. And just as she always wanted, the jewellery, the fashion accessories, the household items adorned with her paintings keep on brightening people’s lives.

• Original artwork: Imagine painting by Laurel Burch
• Era: Contemporary
• Region: San Francisco, United States

Product Details

• Size: Midi – 130 × 180 × 20 mm
• Interior: Plain
• Pages: 240 (120 sheets)
• Paper: 100 gsm acid-free smooth paper
• Cover: Softback flexi (flexible cover)
• Binding: Smyth sewn – lies flat and stays durable
• Edge printing: Yes
• Corners: Rounded
• Pouch: Back cover pouch
• Design: Flutterbyes
• Series: Playful Creations
• Collection: Laurel Burch Collection
• Satin ribbon marker
• Decorative printed cover paper
• Endpaper with credit and copyright information as well as historical background for the original artwork
• Threaded stitching and glue, as needed
• Acid-free paper
• Memento pouch
• Weight: 331 g
• Product code: FB5348-4 | ISBN: 9781439753484

About Paperblanks

Paperblanks works with museums, libraries, galleries and artists around the world to faithfully reproduce remarkable artwork, historic bindings and treasured manuscripts, and every notebook is crafted with the same attention to detail, from the paper inside to the finish of the cover.