This piece is actually a test run for a new (to me) design. Once again, employing the versatile wonderment that is Stonehenge paper -- 100% Cotton, moulde made right here in the USA. Luscious, sumptuous, and suede-like are just a few descriptors for this paper; as well as three reasons that I enjoy working with it so well.
I have a weakness for these fanciful little embellishments. A quick and easy way to elevate virtually any book project. You can find them in several finishes in my Shoppe.
This binding was an exercise in reverse engineering. Normally, when I want to learn something new, I head for the interwebs -- specifically, YouTube -- Nirvana for the visual learner. This time out, I wanted to puzzle it out for myself. I thought the biding would be perfect for teaching event later this year, and I was right. A few kinks to work out, and I will be ready to teach this model!
This is always a fun workshop! Accordion books are deceptively simple, but allow for all sorts of complexities in their finishing (i.e. niches, windows, and other interactive elements). This overview shows the addition of an extra length of paper, thus doubling the size of the book. One of many things we do to customize this form.
This is always a fun workshop! Accordion books are deceptively simple, but allow for all sorts of complexities in their finishing (i.e. niches, windows, and other interactive elements). Here, you get a closer look at the paper wrapped, board cover as well as the internal niches that play off the colors on the covers.
This is easily one of my favorite forms! Loaded with a nice, heavy-weight sketch paper, it is ready to hit the road with you. The cover design is achieved using alcohol ink sprays over a vintage plastic doily as a stencil. Unique and eye-catching, these journals make great travel companions.
Originally designed by the incredible Hedi Kyle, this is the only form that I teach that does not utilize Stonehenge paper. This amazing construction is derived from folding nearly 4 feet of rice paper into a compact structure with pockets for pages. As much fun to fill as it is to make...
Created as a play on words, the "Tag! You're It" book was my 1st entree into Art Zines -- loaded with finished work (ATCs and a hand made magnet) as well as some of my favorite ephemera (labels, tags, and markers of all sorts). They were created in an edition of 13.
This custom blizzard book was a gift for a dear friend of my mother's, and utilized a narrower format rice paper. This resulted in a smaller book -- perfectly sized for the hand -- and featured beaded, satin ribbons for the closure.
This double signature book is a perfect 2-day workshop. Day one, we explore surface design using acrylic paints as water media, and day two finds us constructing the book and focusing on cover design. This structure features a wrap around cover providing loads of extra real estate for creative expression!
A look inside this colorful creation. The patterns in this piece were created using a wooden fabric pattern stamp and contrasting colors on each page.
Looking at this structure from the top, you can see how the cover 'enrobes' the book itself. In addition to allowing for more working room, it also adds stability to the design.
These diminutive volumes are both fun to make, and a great project for beginners. They are a big hit with the younger set, and enjoyable for all skill levels.