Your Ideas, Artfully Crafted by Dawn
Dawn’s “Junk Journals” “Decorative Theme Boxes” and “Bird Book Houses” make fabulous one of a kind handmade legacy gift for a person that has everything or for yourself! These gifts thrive on nostalgia, visual interest, and a sense of history.
Have a favorite book? Ask your family and friends what theirs are. Then you can have Dawn go to work to create a unique and custom journal, box or birdhouse for them.



Here are 20 popular or classic book examples of titles and topics: Choose one of them or use this list to form ideas of a title and topic of your own. These are not always available, so please provide a 2nd and 3rd choice.
Classic Literature & Poetry:
“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” & “Through the Looking-Glass” (Lewis Carroll): Whimsical illustrations, fantastical themes, and playful typography make this title ideal.
“Jane Eyre” (Charlotte Brontë) or “Pride and Prejudice” (Jane Austen): Romantic and elegant, these offer beautiful language and a sense of historical charm.
“Little Women” (Louisa May Alcott): A beloved classic with themes of family, creativity, and personal growth.
The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe: Dark, gothic, and atmospheric, perfect for a moody or vintage aesthetic.
Collected Poems of Emily Dickinson: Short, impactful poems with evocative imagery and a unique style.
“The Secret Garden” (Frances Hodgson Burnett): Themes of nature, discovery, and transformation resonate with many.
Historical & Cultural:
Victorian Flower Dictionaries or Language of Flowers Books: Beautiful illustrations and symbolic meanings.
Old Atlases or Maps: Geographic details, vintage typography, and aged paper create a sense of adventure.
Vintage Cookbooks (Especially those with handwritten notes): Nostalgic recipes, handwritten annotations, and aged food photography.
Antique Travel Guides or Phrasebooks: Evocative of past eras and travel adventures.
19th-Century Botanical or Natural History Books: Detailed illustrations of plants, animals, and insects.
Vintage Fashion or Costume History Books: Images of period clothing and accessories.
Old Children’s Readers or Primers (McGuffey Readers, etc.): Classic illustrations and educational content.
Artistic & Creative:
Books on Calligraphy or Hand Lettering: Inspiring examples of beautiful lettering styles.
Vintage Art Instruction Books (Drawing, Painting, etc.): Classic techniques and illustrations.
Scrapbooking or Paper Craft Books from the 1900’s: Ideas and inspiration from past crafting trends.
Books on Folklore or Mythology: Enchanting stories and mythical creatures.
Specialty & Niche:
Books on Astrology or Fortune Telling: Mystical symbols and imagery.
Old Hymnals or Sheet Music Books: Musical notes and religious themes.
Vintage Diaries or Journals (If ethically sourced): A personal touch and a glimpse into someone’s life (ensure no private or sensitive information is shared).
Best Design Book Design Elements
Condition Matters: Books with aged paper, worn covers, and interesting textures are highly desirable.
Illustrations are Key: Books with detailed illustrations, engravings, or hand-drawn elements are especially appealing.
Focus on Themes: Consider themed junk journals based on specific topics (e.g., nature, travel, romance).
Ethical Sourcing: Most of Dawn’s books are recycled from thrift shops and other sources. These gifts are sourced highly responsibly, avoiding books with significant historical or personal value.
Give a legacy gift to yourself or others that is not only one of a kind, but beautiful, culturally rich, and engaging.
ART COMMISSION AGREEMENT
Date: __________
Parties
Artist: ______________________________
Client: ______________________________
Project: _____________________________
Description: [Briefly describe the artwork, e.g., “A watercolor portrait of a photo”, “A book journal with the title “”] _______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Painting Size/Dimensions: [Specify dimensions, e.g., “8×10 inches”, “11×14 inches”] ________________
Medium: [Specify the medium, e.g., “Watercolor”, ” Book Journal” “Nostalgic Box”]
Payment: ________________
Total Fee: $ _______________
Payment Schedule: [Specify payment schedule, e.g., “50% upfront, 50% upon completion with photo sent before shipping”.]
Timeline: _________________
Estimated Completion Date: [Date] _______________
Revision Policy: [No revisions]
Copyright: _______________________
Ownership: ______________________
[Specify who owns the copyright, e.g., “Client owns the copyright”, “Artist retains copyright with a non-exclusive license to the client”]
Use:
[Specify how the artwork can be used, e.g., “Client has the right to use the artwork for personal purposes”, “Client has the right to use the artwork for commercial purposes”]
Signatures:
Artist Signature: _________________________
Client Signature: _________________________
Date: _________________________