ever imagined. "Robin just captured
their personalities and caught them
being natural, goofing around and hug-
ging," Feldman says. "She even got a
wonderful shot of Aaron making a face
with some of his teeth missing, then
put it together with a poem about the
Tooth Fairy. And there's one of Sara in
Robin's ballerina costume, twirling.
"The quotes she included really
Os ;rause you honor and !member rhos ,: that cone ihfire you.
capture exactly how they are at this
time in their lives," adds Feldman.
"Some day we'll look back and say, 'I remember when they used to say that."'
Arm's books — ranging from 24-50 pages for a single-family book and about
25 pages longer for extended families — are printed on glossy archival paper, are
linen bound and are finished with a glossy, photographic dust jacket. She also
creates prints on canvas, up to six feet wide, plus jewelry, holiday cards and note
cards. A new Web site (spinningyarnspress.com ) allows clients to choose images
online in addition to in-person viewing. And Arm can produce duplicate books
for multiple recipients. "I loved the book Robin made for my husband, Jay, for
Father's Day so much that I ordered copies for our home and for my mother in
Ireland," Feldman says. Her children are also part of a grandparents' book created
for Jay's parents' birthdays. And Feldman plans eventual sequels, beginning with
Aaron and Sara, the Teenage Years.
In addition to clients through word-of-mouth, Arm also has sample books dis-
played in shops and boutiques around town. "We have people who come into our
store, see the books and call Robin to order them for everything from anniversary
gifts to a unique and wonderful keepsake for older family members," says Laura
Osborne, co-owner with Julie Grippo of Bec and Sam's children's boutique in
Bloomfield Hills.
"They are so nicely put together with stories and poems and pictures. Julie and
• I cried when we first looked through them; they are so touching."
Thrilled with her career change, Arm says, "I can be as creative as I always
was, but in this business instead of creating an ad that someone will just throw
away, I'm creating something that can be cherished forever."
And reaction to the finished product is often overwhelming.
"A woman in Manhattan whose husband gave her one as a surprise says she
cried when she received the book and told me it was the most important thing
anyone ever gave her," Arm says.
Added Feldman, "It's not like having a bunch of old still-life pictures of my
kids, just sitting there smiling. No one ever glances through the book and says,
"'Oh, it's nice. Thank you for showing it to me.' Everyone who sees it can't believe
it. They say they've never seen anything like it — ever." And while Feldman's
book is usually displayed on an antique easel in her home, she says, "When we go
away it goes straight into a fireproof safe." And
that, she says, is because "it really and truly is a
great treasure.

WOOD TAILOR

•

❑

Above: Robin Arm included a vintage photo
of her mother- and father-in-law,
Claire and Rabbi Milton Arm, in
a book she created to celebrate
the 50th birthday of her husband,
David. Left: A few of the books Arm
has created, including the one that
started it all, Little Monsters — a col-
lection of photos of Arm's children and
their neighborhood friends dressed for
Halloween.

For more information, log on to spinningyarnspress.com or contact Robin Spencer Arm at
robin©spinningyarnspress.com or (248) 770-1068. Book samples are on display at Sec and
Sam's in Bloomfield Hills (248-539-0500) and Rochester Hills (248-652-7600) and at Initials in
Grosse Pointe (313-647-9100). Two-hour photo sessions begin at $250 and book costs start at
$600 for a basic book of 20 pages plus cover. Portrait mini-sessions begin at $150.

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Visit us at Rock Financial Showplace January 25-27, 2008

For More Info Call: 517-545-8640
or Visit Us Online At:

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•

JANUARY 2008 •

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