(SOLD) The Ill Fated Expedition of Dr. Harris Rathburn - a journal by Nik the Booksmith

Thanks for peeking!!
my etsy store (journal goes up for sale 9-28-17 at 6 pm MST):
www.etsy.com/shop/TheBooksmit...
Jibid's shop: www.etsy.com/shop/ShireWool
Journal Backstory follows:
June 9, 1943
Dr. Waksman,
We stumbled upon a derelict hut this afternoon. In a rusty, metal box secured with an old leather strap was found a journal owned by a Dr. Harris Rathburn. Inside he chronicles his search for a cure for tuberculosis that was taking his beloved wife from him.
Inside the journal was found 3 glass vials with samples of organic material supposedly collected by the expedition team. I am sending the samples to you to be examined.
The last date recorded in the journal was March 11, 1894. I'm enclosing some entries to help you with your examination of the samples.
February 28, 1894....We land in Brazil, the weather is balmy, such a contrast from London this time of year. My dear Charlotte, as much as I hate to leave you, it is critical that a cure is found before it is too late.
March 2, 1894....An expedition team has been assembled, we leave at first light. The shaman is successfully curing lung ailments with a tea brewed from a moss found deep in the jungle. We trek tomorrow to an abandoned village 3 days hike from here. It is the only place known to harbour the moss growing abundantly upon the trees next to the river.
March 6, 1894....The village is in near shambles, the jungle repossesses civilization very quickly. The guides tell us the village was abandoned 43 moons before because of a hostile tribe that was encroaching upon their borders. The moss has been sighted high in the treetop.
March 9, 1894....A brave guide named, Cha'aat has climbed a tree to collect the mosses. Curiously, there was also an orchid growing within the moss. Is the curing compound created because of a symbiotic relationship between the moss, tree and orchid? Samples of all three have been gathered.
Cha'aat saw a tribesman watching from the treeline, he is spooked, the guide team wants to leave immediately. I have promised thrice the money originally agreed upon for them to stay a little longer. We need to find a clump of moss near its parent tree with an orchid to dig up a sample with some native soil to bring back. It is imperative.
March 10, 1894....The team and I have been abandoned by the guides during the night. We are in hopes that they will return to collect us. A painted man with a spear is watching us from the north side of the village. He has not approached us.
We will search tomorrow for a specimen to collect. Onward and upward.
March 11, 1894....The painted man is not alone. We counted 14 with him, all armed. They say nothing, they watch from the edge of the jungle. The guides have not returned. We will attempt to find our way back to the river in the morning. We pray a canoe was left for us.
No trace of the expedition team has been found. The natives speak a narrative when long before a group of white men came to collect the ye'wha to "save breath". We believe this was Dr. Rathburn and his crew. According to the villagers, the white men were lost to the jungle. If this is so, no remains will be discovered. The primeval wood here is unforgiving.
I pray this correspondence with the samples reach you safely.
With much hope,
James Reynolds

[@cat3crazy]

I know that this video is 4 years old and you may not look at comments from such an old video but, wow, that is a captivating story. It sounded so real. The journal that you made to go along with the story just enhanced it. The fact that you had pictures and medical information from the time period, blew me away. I can't begin tell you how impressed I am with this video!

[@rachelpatten8889]

I hope whoever purchased this gorgeous book filled it with entries from the good Dr. What fun to continue the story.

[@parisnchristlove]

I read the story! Very compelling, Nic! And yet another lovely journal .... yum! A visual feast! Oh my, girl...you are good!!!

[@sharonhenry4099]

Nik another masterpiece...im going to rename you Nik the storyteller...lol got my journals yesterday they are even more gorgeous in person thanks again your package is going out Saturday picked up some daiso for ya...peace and blessings!

[@LedgerAndLace]

WOW to the WOW!!! Jibid's eco-dying is so FABULOUS and your story is AMAZING! Loved the Victorian schedule for the patient. Modern practice is: "5:15 a.m. Wake patient to take sleeping pill." ;-)

[@NiktheBooksmith]

and douse with cold water! hahaha thanks, Hali!

[@wendyroope-vestigecreation9775]

O.k. I paused the video and read the prelude as you requested. I then went back to your video but realized that I had an appointment and needed to get prepared. I could not put away my IPad!! I was absolutely intrigued!!! AAAAAMMMAAAzing! I'm telling you girl, you should have put this one on EBAY. I can't imagine what it would have brought....maybe enough to make about 100 more of these gorgeous journals??!!!! Please keep doing what you do!!!!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

awww thanks, Wendy!!

[@katherinehazard7580]

This is my favorite journal of all time! I have watched this video so many times!!! These are the types of journals I would like to make. I think the part that makes it the best (other than than the stunning journal itself) is the story that goes along with it! I shared with my niece and she fell in love with this journal and story! I wish I had your imagination!! I need to work at a story to make one!

[@LilacJade]

This was beautiful! LOVE all the details you put into these to tell a story.

[@nr6774]

I love your works. It shows all the reserch you do and all the art you put inside every journal.

[@ebonysanders2192]

Absolutely breathtaking! Your creativity just gets better and better. I can't wait to see what you come up with next.

[@amitybloom159]

Wow! Awesome Possum my friend!! Loved the way you presented the book with those adorable little glass viles ( I hope that's how you say it lol! ) Jibid's eco-dying textiles are gorgeous and it was such a delight seeing your interpretation and inspiration in your beautiful book!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

thank you so much for stopping by, my dear friend =) yes, Jibid's work is second to none, for sure ;)

[@edieheirrisheiris881]

(Vials)

[@LoesOcreations]

Just stunning Nik! I so enjoyed watching this! It's amazing!

[@sharoncarroll8892]

Very elaborate journal and what a story . So much work and dedication ! Thanks . I have been watching some of Jibids videos .

[@leiannalogan4197]

Just amazing work, Nik!! You are such an awesome story teller...always look forward to what your next journal will be :-)

[@lorigordon1970]

Amazing. Your talent and imagination are just wonderful. I so enjoyed this. Cant wait to see more like this.

[@DAnnsDesigns]

This is brilliant!! I am glad I read the story before you started, it did help to understand where this is going. Love it!

[@wandasinclair3748]

Can't fine it. I'm excited to watch u. I get so lonely and u brighten my life. Thank u so much.

[@melidepapel]

I'm amazed by your incredible work!! every detail is gorgeus and also the story!! Your dedication is incredible!! every journal you make is such an amazing piece of art!!

[@AzaleaLuna]

I stopped and read your story and listened and this is an amazing journal. Wow. Just wow!

[@katspaperdesigns5146]

By far the most interesting and fascinating journal I have ever seen! Brilliant artistic touch...love the story and all details that went with amazing piece of work! Bravo Nik!

[@shannonmartin3650]

Amazing as usual! Such a sad story! Your creativity makes me smile, always!

[@ChattylaineCreates]

That is one super cool journal and amazing storytelling 😊😊😊fabulous x

[@edieheirrisheiris881]

I just found your channel and I've been gorging on your videos! I love collage and this is such a great way to present it! I'm so excited to find you and your community!

[@purplepixie274]

Omg Nik this is incredibly imaginitive and creative. I love how one piece, in this case, Jibid's fantabulous eco-dyed fabric, can inspire such a wonderful tale. A*!!

[@paulaparkison9667]

This is THE MOST EXQUISITE piece of art I have ever seen. You are sooooooo inspiring (you and Jibid!

[@swtpeapati]

Fabulous story and exploration journal! Love all the details you have included! Whoever got this volume truly has a treasure!!! HUGS!!! patti

[@BohemianCrafting]

Waaw! This is amazing journal! I love all your work but so far this journal is my total favorite.TFS Eva

[@witsue]

Awesome back story, I absolutely love this. The journal is fantastic as is the tin . Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful art. Hugs xx

[@scarletmika]

Love this one! The recipient is very lucky to own such a treasure. Beautiful work.

[@crochetingmemorieswithcj6408]

Amazing Nik. This journal is so wonderful. You always put so much thought behind your journals.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

ohmigosh, CJ, the amount of time invested in this project, I couldn't even tell you! thanks so much =)

[@Olivia-rg2sf]

Oh Nik, YOU CRACK ME UP! Amazing work, i'm a super fan of yours.

[@delorisgaylord8769]

Dear Nik, I don’t know how you keep coming up with these fabulous journals with such interesting stories behind them...but I’m so glad you do!!! I love them all!

[@lakenreich]

You are awesome-what a wonderful book. You have such great story telling abilities-I'm in awe!!

[@bettebelanger9490]

You are insanely creative. I truly loved this.

[@theramblincrafter]

Amazing! You have inspired me to add a bit more thought into my journals...I have one coming up soon, though NOTHING as awesome as this! Beautiful job! Hugs! Chelle

[@shirleymccullough2515]

Just now reading & watching your video... out all day and missed it all ... talk about late to the party. Way beyond a junk journal Nik, very interesting what you are making . How to find words .. stunning, awesome, incredible !!! Looking forward to what's next .

[@MissGroves]

Yet another astounding creation, I don't know how you do it!

[@CassandraNoyes]

And this is why you will never fade away even though you shared your secrets with us. You have such a passion for the whole process. Love, love, love it!

[@RecraftedByCarol]

Stunning journal, riveting story I honestly have no idea how you keep coming up with these ideas, but eagerly awaiting the next one 👍😀

[@jacquichimes]

Absolutely awesome - you and Jibid are my favourite KZbinrs - fabulous x

[@lisamarieva3514]

I just found you, your channel, journaling and journal making, and the whole shebang! I am like a kid on Christmas morning!! I love crafting and I love stories - especially mysteries and stories of the unknown. Your creations are just so much fun! This all just appeals to me more than i can say. Thanks for sharing your talents with us.

[@katf42]

WOW, WOW and WOW! Love this! I'm so glad I found your channel!

[@PinkOddBird]

This is outstanding! I loved this Dr. I loved this story and all the elements you included, the box, the twine, all of it! It's fantastic! You are ever an inspiration!

[@shawcraft1]

What an inspiring work of art ... Both story and journal spark creativity. Beautiful presentation and what a wonderful imagination you have. I'm in love with this for so many reasons!

[@kerryasquith1867]

I love this book so much and I adore the story, it gives it so much more presence...I'm just inspired right now! Thank you x

[@dollycreating]

A beautiful work of art and Jibid's fabric is to die!

[@christinem2911]

I absolutely loved this!! Two of my favorite crafty journal-makers' work showcased in one YT video...I can't handle all the talent & creativity!! Nik, your storytelling through your journals, just keeps ascending to greater heights! I found myself wondering at times...now wait, this is a made up story right? or...is it real??...but it's not? Historical fiction?! Either way, fabulous, brilliant work as always!

[@sonjam7694]

I must say you are a genius! Your work is exquisite. If I had to choose, you and Jibid would be my favorite journal artists. This journal is absolutely amazingly gorgeously beautifully incredible! :)

[@BarbaraHenry]

What a great story, what a super cool journal. Just Wow!

[@lizvanwessem2055]

This is a glorious piece of art, just gorgeous! The only off note for me was the stamp on the boarding pass. I'm British, so it's an image in very familiar with, it's the current Queen as a young woman. That stamp, on a journal from 1894 (or whenever it was) is impossible, and broke the spell you were crafting so lovingly! Such a shame, but I really do admire your work and art, wish I had the time to do this!!!

[@lizvanwessem2055]

Thinking about this some more. I just watched another of your videos, 'Forlorn' and nothing caught my eye in the same way, perhaps because there's no date on the journal - it could be from any period in the last 150 years or so, so I was able to completely fall in love with the story that you crafted, it was wonderful. I think the problem with this one is that you gave a specific date, when you date a journal so clearly people have a very specific image in mind for a time period and as i said, if you include anachronisms that people recognise as being from after this time period, it can be jarring. Of course none of this is real, I do realise that, and perhaps I am being oversensitive to this (I am a historian, so am trained to spot this kind of anachronism in my own work!). I just wanted to say that I adore your work, and I hated that the first comment I left here was a criticism and wanted to suggest a way forward for the future - perhaps avoid mention of specific years, or be ultra careful with items like stamps which are identifiable to a specific time period by the head used. www.postalmuseum.org/discover/collections/philatelic-collection/british-stamps/ might be of use to help with that, there are other resources through google. :) I look forward to watching through your old videos - thank you for sharing with us!

[@CraftyLadyCraftyLady]

Nik... this is wonderful.you have taken journaling to a new level...love your themes . Such great work...clever... Hugs...📚🤗😘

[@jibidneary2212]

Oh man, you are scary! Yes Ma'am, I read it! Who would dare not? You had me in a cold sweat, I think you should be a school teacher lol ;) Love this book nik, I gasped for joy when you opened it, those specimens are fabulous, as is the entire work. Lots of love to you xx

[@Ashragdoll]

I love the story behind this, i love creating with a back story as well! ❤

[@WendysJournalAdventure]

BRILLIANT Nik, so creative and clever! You are an inspiration! ❤️❤️

[@joyp224]

Awesome journal and love the backstory ❤️

[@rneustel388]

So bloomin’ amazing!!

[@redpagecafe]

Love your story telling such a great book love the Jibid material on it perfect for this journals life story 😊 great job love the crate too xx

[@Jana-TheCraftyGambler]

This is the coolest journal EVER! You are an awesome storyteller. I agree with the others, you have a real talent for story telling, you should write short stories and have them published.

[@FionaJ]

Wow Nik, this is spectacular! ! ... I love this creation, so much thought has gone into it.. tfs xox Fi

[@krislair8019]

You and your artwork are amazing. Just amazing

[@beverlydunn5394]

Great story telling! Love the journal.

[@matildagentle3816]

It’s the stories!!!!! I’m loving these stories!!!!!

[@PaperPlaywithJulieK]

Another awesome journal with great story telling!

[@roofee66]

Love love love this 😍 you are so talented and inspirational and funny 😆 x

[@mattieparker211]

I think this is one of my all time favorite junk journals .I love the ones with stories of real ppl or fictional.but great stories of their lives.what a great job .

[@lizlepp5036]

what an awesome journal..I did as I was told.paused and read the story..I do love history..I really enjoy a good story..Thank you..

[@sandrachandler8698]

Wow! You have such a vivid imagination. This is really art at its height. You imagined it and designed it exactly as you wanted to. I don’t think I could have sold this it would be like something I gave life to but whoever got it got a real treasure!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

oh gosh, I love that book. It was very hard to let go. My only consolation is that I could make another for myself, if I needed to =) THank you, Sandra!

[@QueenBeasDsgn]

I love this whole thing the metal box and the book and the whole story... The compass and map... You thought of everything!!!! 💜

[@hakantacrafter813]

lovely journal. thank you for sharing.

[@Anaswonderland3]

Wowowowowow! Stunning! Love the story, great way to put together a jj, I’m no way close to making anything like you, but it is truly inspiring! Stunning! Tfs xoxo Ana

[@1888starz]

Firstly, thanks for waiting for me to read the storyline. Secondly, you should become a writer of historical fiction even if they're short stories.....a collection of your genius talent! Thirdly, phthisis is pronounced 'tysis' or 'thysis' (the ph is silent), Fourthly - your'e a genius story teller.

[@ragdoll49]

I did read the backstory, I ended up so involved in the story, that I forgot I was watching a video. Brilliant

[@UandMeGod]

WOW!!! Amazing!!!! LOVE everything about this project!! The story line, the amount of thought and work you put into it.....everything is perfection!! You truly have such a gift and are so incredibly talented. I also agree with 1888starz with everything she said about your ability to be an amazing historical fiction writer. Or shoot teach actual history using this form of creativity and bet failing student's would become your star student's! Seriously most kid's who are struggling in these subject's are just bored and uninterested and you would make it so interesting and engaging. Basically you are AWESOME!!!!!

[@ellabella2603]

Great story, the journal looks amazing. Love the fabric. And my budget is happy it seems to have sold as soon as you put it in your store since less than an hour elapsed between 6 MST and when I checked. :)

[@NiktheBooksmith]

not yet! we still have half an hour ;)

[@ellabella2603]

Nik the Booksmith LOL! I'm in Oklahoma this week and my time is all backwards. Checking it out now. :)

[@lorrisbits]

Another awesome storybook journal! I love how you tell the story! The journal is amazing, I would have loved to follow another auction, pretty sure this one would have creeped way past 500.! Thanks so much for sharing~

[@NiktheBooksmith]

you think? that would be awesome, but just Etsy this time! There are some ppl that don't "do" Ebay, so I wanted to spread the love a bit. If it doesn't sell at my store, I'll pop it over to etsy. thanks, Lorri!

[@lorrisbits]

It is not sitting in Etsy very long, I lay odds in sells in the first 1/2 hour - it is unique! : )

[@MayCR07]

this is phenomenal!

[@kathleenseligmytatterednto8560]

You should write books! Maybe in one you have made! Great story amazing project. Back story and art are fantastic. Your channel has made my daughters and I want to create our own junk journals. Amazing. Thanks for sharing!

[@amitexo]

Last week i said the Jekyll & Hyde was your best work and you come up with this lol either way I am thoroughly enjoying those new creations of yours! Also i usually get bored & frustrated with videos that are sometime too long but i swear to god, i can listen to your stories like forever, something to do with your voice or quirkiness i dunno but kinda cool.

[@alemapretsof]

Brilliant story idea just brilliant. Sounds like it wax fun for you to do,

[@margavanderwel1485]

Of course dear Nik I read it first :) Love the story and the journal You are such a craftsman (women) Tfs xXx

[@corinnecurtis5145]

Fantastic journal!!

[@sangelwings1959]

So cool Nik! I've always told myself (and I really do talk to myself) but I'm not weird, never throw anything away or if you see something you're not going to use right then and there..... someday you will. BUY IT Love what you did!!

[@vanikurup]

Absolutely SPEECHLESS!!!!!!!!!! You are a genius JJ Queen 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😊😊😊😊😊

[@carriecardwell608]

Great Journal! I love your creativity! New sub ️ ☺️

[@shellyschronicles7561]

Simply awesome💜

[@barblydell9800]

Just amazing!

[@Happy2Plan]

You are so creativity girl!! And funny!! 😊😍🤣 - Crystal

[@Cheryl-Carpenter]

I love it Nik!

[@sharonolsen6579]

Another masterpiece ! !!! ...........

[@beverlystout7841]

Beautimus! Love it!

[@rosyvieyravazquez8474]

Beautiful.

[@ReneesatItAgain]

Intriguing story cover book twine compass case... all. The elements inside are perfect too! Beautiful collab.... had to laugh at the cold water... what *were they thinking? Lol.... borderlines torture... 5am.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

hahaha right?? let's douse the critically ill patients with cold water. weeeee! thanks, GT, I always love to see your comments, you rock, girl!

[@AbiNomac]

WOW you are inspirational.

[@debbiestherapy]

Love your journals, but love the story aspects almost more. You are a great story teller. I want to know the whole story now, not just the outline! 😉

[@Innkeeper]

Awesome Journal

[@kjhaygood]

You are an inspiration. I often find myself making up life stories of the people waiting in lines (instead of being on my phone). Now, after watching you, I'm going to make a journal of those people. How fun will that be?

[@kayhammock]

Very cool!!!!!

[@kristenevans4557]

So cool!

[@Ilovetudoisso]

Maravilhoso seu trabalho, sou sua admiradora ! Adorei o tema , parabéns ! ( Beijinhos do Brasil )

[@mariep-MAPAT]

Looove the story!!!!