The Booksmith Classics Challenge

[@apocalypse_frau]

As a science fiction fan with a soft spot for cosmic horror who is also an artist, I think your first outing in themed junk art journaling is a smashing success. I hope to see more of these in your body of work. Bravo!

[@LepGold]

I've been making journals and following Nik for awhile. She's amazing and so are you! This is phenomenal!

[@jeanthobaben]

Hey Mike, I'm female but I'm not a huge fan of lace and frills so I love this journal! I'm also a big SciFi fan and Wells is the Grand -Daddy of the genre.

[@suedragon42]

Ian will have to make room on his steampunk stall for you fabulous books 💕 and perhaps a KZbin class. The whole thing is brilliant and inspiring. Congratulations 😃

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Lol...maybe! XO

[@andreamussman6211]

This is great. I appreciate the cleaness and no frills look. Im actually bored with all the fussiness, so this is a refreshing change. Bravo.

[@chuckkolb1270]

What a grand book. Your creative juices were flooding your mind, fingers and even toes.

[@Kathy.Cooksey6]

Mike! This book is stunning! Thanks for sharing.

[@PinkOddBird]

Mike! You did a great job! Love the way you did the washed out images. So smart to do it that way! Love the original ephemera of course! I'm just so happy to see you made a journal! I have been watching you for a long time, and it is nice that you have another talent to tuck into your belt! Great job here! 😊

[@dawnc8755]

Wow. I love this. So much attention to detail, yet not overly embellished. I love how you did research for the theme!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Above and beyond, Mike, above and beyond! Its simply brilliant and everything I hoped for, seriously fab, my friend! 👌🤗

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thanks, Nik - Glad my efforts were up to scratch! XO

[@blondelebanese9922]

Mike, I loved your journal. You put so much information in your narration that shows you did a lot of research which just added even more charm to your journal. To be honest, I’m so used to watching ladies’ videos of their journals with miles of lace, cute little charms, pretend ephemera that yours was a real joy to see. Being a woman, of course I love the more girly pieces and hadn’t thought of doing it a different way...until I watched your video. Just as each person is unique, their projects are also unique. I loved what you said at the beginning about you just not being that kind of person (I think you were talking about there being no charms, dangles, etc. it is sheer perfection. It’s manly and strong, much as I suspect you are! Great job. Now I’m subscribed and am anxious to see what other kinds of creativity you possess. Well done, my new friend. -Annie

[@sueellensiebert9202]

What a stunning book. A fitting tribute to both Wells and his literary masterpiece.

[@ngaireashdown6783]

I have no words...yes I do! Love, love, love this journal. Such a wonderful example of a handmade book/journal - thanks so much for sharing. Now I want to read the War of the Worlds. You are so inspiring to so many people. xx

[@tuthillg]

Love the simplicity of your journal and the incredible illustrations! Wonderful, Mike! TFS!

[@daniemarzigliano4890]

wow what a spectacular book

[@annelenox4140]

This Creation is simply Amazing!! I absolutely LOVE the front page of the newspaper!! Job well done!

[@CraftyAuntSally]

Brilliant, really love it. Thank you for sharing.

[@annemillion1501]

This is one of the most awesome journals I have ever seen!! Love everything about it!

[@cricketbee7823]

Very nice. Great work 💕😃👍💕☕

[@AzaleaLala]

Your journal is well thought out and beautiful. I love that you kept to a theme with the subdued colors and ephemera from the same time period, or at least made to look that way. The old photo of the church with the pod walking by was my favorite until you showed us your front page of a Newspaper. Fantastic!

[@AnitasDreams]

This is just most Fantastic!!!! Job well done. For some reason I thought that the Jules Vern 20,000 Leagues under the Sea would also be a good book to make in that style.

[@artyfartyannie]

It's wonderful, love all the perfectly chosen details like the maps and the newspaper you created. :)

[@roofee66]

Fab journal Mike. .....what a great challenge from Nic. I love her work too, she is truly a master(mistress) booksmith and is very funny too! Have you listened to Jeff Wayne’s War of the worlds? If not, I can thoroughly recommend it - even though it was written 40 years ago, it still stands the test of time x

[@JacquiWil]

That is pretty darned awesome!!! Love it so much ... the vintage feel and the HGW - War of the Worlds theme running throughout. You did a bloody amazing job of this! WELL DONE!!! ;-)

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@karinach8071]

This is fabulous!!! Absolutely amazing:)

[@parisnchristlove]

Your first attempt creating a bound journal? You hit it out of the ball park, Mike! Excellent work, great classic! Well done, I hope we'll be seeing more of these works from you in the future:D

[@roseanndeighan3290]

Hi Mike, You have done a fantastic job on this book! Amazing! Love it all! Thank you for sharing.

[@LedgerAndLace]

WOW! SO COOL to see work from a guy's perspective! LOVE those illustrations; they're understated but add so much to the theme. And the maps and tags and postcards are really great, too! :-)

[@robinsutton4952]

Just when I think I’ve seen all your videos, another unseen and wonderful vid pops up. This came after watching Steampunk Tuesday featuring Ian’s Greatest Detective Journal. I used to make vintage paper by getting blank newsprint wet and sun drying, repeating the process several times.

[@khpatzkatz]

Beautiful book Mike . I have been watching Nik for a while now and get so much inspiration from her . I recently found you and now I have two favorite artists to inspire me . Love your work and will continue to watch . Thanks for all .

[@SouthernBELLEishmentShop]

Absolutely amazing Mike. Love the torn tags marking each signature. Great job!

[@ladycatscraftycuriosities5197]

Altough I’m more of the floral type, your journal is simply brilliant! Love how you worked out the story!

[@dianejarvis270]

Absolutely loved your journal, Mike. Looks really authentically antique. Great, too, to see a journal in a more masculine style. Loved its simplicity and uniqueness. Loved everything about it really! Thanks for sharing.

[@nanwool]

Wow! This is awesome!

[@starsailorscrapper]

Mike.... This is flippin fantastic!!! I really really love your book!!! Awesome job!!

[@OneGuyOnline2]

Wow, really great touches! Loved your newspaper. Well done!

[@KylieCooStudio]

Good enough????? It's a great journal Mike. Thanks for sharing :)

[@desireestewart-jordan9630]

So cool! I love it. 😊

[@christinebell8980]

Wowza. This is fantastic, Mike. So enjoyed the flip through. Thanks.

[@madebylora]

I absolutely love this book! Brilliant!

[@lisajmascord8183]

Love your journal. Love your mock up of the newspaper report, brilliant.

[@rheaslaughter8906]

You are an incredibly talented man.

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@MissGroves]

Really nice to see someone with a similar style to me. Love your vision of this and choice of theme

[@sandyward3336]

Oh, I think you should get the prize for the best journal! My favorite of yours so far. I like how you left so many blank pages for writing and future "finds" relating to the book. Thank you!

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@cathymark1994]

Well done! Enjoyed seeing your book, and love the details you've added to it

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@buntysvintageemporium3632]

See,now you're hooked lol. I've bought an online class from Nik, money well spent.

[@purplepixie274]

Fantastic Mike! There's a house right on Hythe seafront in Kent; it has a plaque saying H.G. Wells lived there. It's now painted teal/aqua. I adored listening to the musical version as a teen, in the dark, so realistic. I appreciate your authenticity in your ephemera and attention to detail. Tfs! 😊

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@cheriweston7619]

Absolutely amazing and so very creative. I love it!

[@janecameron7498]

Excellent project and so well executed. Not my subject but love the idea of the book and like a lot of the inclusions, maps, period table etc. Well done.xx

[@RMurrell31]

Lovely in its simplicity.

[@papercraftingirl]

Awesome journal! You should definitely create more, it's quite addicting! tfs!

[@kbain9015]

Mike you are a genius

[@MikeDeakinArt]

I wouldn't go that far....lol XO

[@FayeTouve]

Wonderful book! Excellent attention to detail, love the watermarked pages. Fantastic job on this first attempt. I just finished my first book and learned so much from creating it. I love books and making them is such fun. I imagine you had a great time with this.

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@eydnamortensen5985]

Stunning journal! Well done! I especially like the newspaper print you created, that was a piece of brilliant inspiration! Love from Denmark :)

[@dorothyradley9391]

Well done Mike! Your book is fantastic, well good enough for such a challenge. Attention to detail throughout and authentic to the period. You can add to it by looking for related items at the steampunk events throughout the year and attaching them to your book. One could make such a book for any popular theme that is close to ones heart. I think it is fabulous. Hugs to all xxx

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@WNCisHome]

Just WOW!!! 😮

[@constancemangione1055]

Love this journal! A great idea for your tags. Can't wait to see more of your journalistic style!

[@franrogo4547]

OH MY GOODNESS! This journal is absolutely spectacular. Your attention to detail is absolutely amazing. Well done indeed.

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@guilherminacarvalho5598]

I think you must continue,you did a good work.

[@thenandthere]

Great theme for a journal!

[@beehivekristine]

The journal is delightful- you did such a great job on it, and your commitment to the theme was masterful. I mostly enjoyed watching you take us through the story and seeing it unfold. Thanks!

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@lynngregory2336]

Fantastic job Mike. I have such admiration for anyone who can create like this. Thanks for showing it to us

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@michellebrown7000]

Hello Mike! I'm a new subbie! Love how this challenge is introducing me to so new crafters. Great entry for the challenge. Great to see the masuline touch. TFS! michelle

[@darlenesmith515]

Wow, you did a great job! You went all out with authenticity of the times, love it.

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@maremagoo8140]

A true labor of love. Well thought & planned out. A treasure for life of your own making. TFS

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@amelialeigh2025]

What a beautiful book, Mike. Such a big amount of work, and so well worth it. Thanks for sharing.

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@beachngypsy746]

FANTASTIC JOURNAL

[@mariastarr10]

Mike, you have really out done yourself! That journal is just amazing!

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@alicedowntherabbithole4]

Love the book - well done! Love your doggie too - I have a greyhound! xx from rural County Durham xx

[@MagicGoblinPrincess]

That's amazing. I love the attention to detail! Well done, sir!

[@susanhamilton1822]

New subby here. I'm not a ruffles and lace kind of person either so I really like this. :) That red striped paper by Tim Holtz is one of my favorite papers ever even though it's so simple.

[@MsBatmouse]

Love both books. The War of the World's and your handmade book. Wow it's wonderful.

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@Tlazoetl]

Have been following Nik for ages. You did an amazing job on your journal. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@doreenb1837]

Love the book Mike, so well done. I also loved that book. I watch Nik all the time as I do you!! TFS

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@pandorademarco]

This was Wonderful!! Thank You for Sharing!!

[@Scorpiomary]

I love your journal. Great job

[@marykeaton9373]

Magnificent book, Mike! I've been watching and enjoying your videos for a couple of years and only found Nik's a few weeks ago; love you both and find your creativity and masterful artwork fascinating and inspiring. Thanks so much for the time and work involved in sharing with all of us. You've certainly risen to Nik's challenge in a wonderful way! ☺

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@jeanwest-ackroyd3908]

Well thought out Mike, great challenge ! For me, the things I try ( including a random journal ) all turn out to be'near misses' which I seem to be destined to produce in all areas !

[@angela14962002]

OMG - I absolutely love that idea/challenge. I think that would be a fun project for kids to do as well to get them interested in reading books. I just showed my niece (6th grade) and she said this would be fun for a book club. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!! BTW, you did a GREAT job on your book! LOVE IT!

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@Jenibow]

I was so excited to see you were tackling this challenge. The book looks great. Well done!

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@annekedev8811]

So beautiful I love it.

[@brandybobo2980]

Oh very nice touch with the copper staples ( I love that) Really like your Journal, not surprised though, as I like and enjoy all your Art thus far. Thank You for sharing.

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@lauramurphy438]

Awesome book Mike. TFS

[@mandyofmarymac]

I have discovered that I simply LOVE making books and journals! Your's looks fab.

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@lizzylizzy744]

Wow, how did you make that newspaper that’s great! Nic is getting me addicted to making those books!

[@MikeDeakinArt]

I'm a graphic designer...so It's what I do! XO

[@scrappyhorses]

So very cool, Mike! Love all the research that went into this book!

[@paperdrake4543]

I love this.

[@MelaniesShabbyChic]

Absolutely, Absolutely Stunning!!! Words escape me at the moment! Just Gorgeous Mike! I would love to make one as well, so if you could share any resources that would be awesome!

[@MikeDeakinArt]

What sort of resources were you thinking of? All the graphics I used are all freely available on the internet and are all public domain except the newspaper which is my own graphic.

[@MelaniesShabbyChic]

I'm sorry Mike, it was late for me so I didn't explain myself well at all.....eeeeek.... I meant to ask if you had watched a video or some form of tutorial for creating the journal itself, and the hand stitching of the pages and how to attach them into the journal. I now see (roll eyes here) that you have attached a link (like I said it was bedtime for me) so I will check that out! Again, an absolutely incredible creation! Be proud of yourself, it's GORGEOUS!!!!

[@1888starz]

Awesome journal you've made for 'Nik the Booksmith's Classic Challenge. It is everything 'classic'. I loved how you did it so methodically in order. I came here after watching 'Amber Crafts' who recommended you on book making. You have a new subbie here! By the way BEST WISHES on the challenge. TFS

[@skeletorama1916]

So amazing...the attention to detail really makes this piece shine!! Love, love, love, and hope this is only the first of many more. (And more videos, of course!)

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@alisonroots8752]

I love your attention to detail and was totally hooked the whole way through. thanks

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@07klatu]

Oh my God Mike this is amazing! I wish i had you're talent.

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@kmwwrench]

Fabulous! Love that faked newspaper.

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@laurathurston4757]

Good enough?? Your book is amazing! Thanks for sharing!

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@tonihall7810]

Smashed it out of the park mike. Awesome book. I love the pages and ephemera you created . Maybe you could start writing your life story in it , Starting with mum and dad .

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@demigough2040]

WOW!!! 😍 you really are so talented, love your wotw book it’s perfect! I’m a big fan of anything to do with war of the worlds, grew up listening to Jeff Wayne’s musical version and loved the book and the fact that when it was first read on the radio people thought it was a real invasion 😊 and your book is amazing you’ve put so much time and thought into it, It is fab! X

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@jennbickerstaff]

OMG, love it! It's fantastic, you out did yourself, I can't believe it's your first journal, I'm so impressed!😍

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@TACSTAMPS2U]

Fabulous book!

[@EvaVilla-pm5mv]

Great job Mike. Your papers were amazing.

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO

[@danabarnes230]

Oh this is fantastic! Love Mr. Wells also Mike. Great piece!

[@MikeDeakinArt]

Thank you XO