Michelle McLendon

My name is Michelle McLendon from The Purple Onion Books. I am a small, artisan bookbinder based in southeastern Alabama. I offer several types of hand bound books whether it is a watercolor journal, a sketchbook, wedding book, baby book, travel journal or sketchbook. The uses are endles

I use a lot of different materials such as mixed paper, embellishments with ribbons and textiles within my journals. I also include antique graphics and often my own photography. I strive to use high quality, acid free, environmentally friendly, tree free or sustainably farmed/recycled papers for my books.

I have a BSBA in Risk Management and Insurance from Troy University, where I was also a member of the Sound of the South marching band from 1996-1998. I worked in the insurance industry for around 15 years before going full time with my journals.

The Purple Onion Books was founded originally as a hobby after a long day at work. I began with the Coptic stitch and have branched out from there as a completely self taught book artist. I now travel the Southeast and Midwest art show circuit and sell my journals online to all corners of the planet. If you are into journaling of any type, sketchbooks, nature, vintage items or old houses, then I may have a few items of interest to you!