quick little book

I discovered the helpful, fun site of Kiala Givehand and her self-challenge of creating A Book in A Day for each week of 2013.  She made a video of each and shares her process and some instructions..... I was inspired to create this version of one of her books. Here's my step by step process: (lots of pics ahead :)

Using pieces of my gelli prints, I cut 10 pieces about 4" tall by varying lengths long - longest maybe 10".  Fold each page in half.  You can see I have a little range of heights, though not any dramatic differences. TIP: it's sturdier and better to keep them all the same height (or within 1/8" or so) but the widths can vary to your heart's content.

Step 2: Cut a length of string/yarn/ribbon (I used embroidery floss) for each page.  Glue each page shut after snugging the string into the fold.  She used double sided tape; I used my glue stick.  Press pages under heavy book til well dried.

My pages glued with strings inserted.

Step 3:  Assemble the pages in the order you want, lining up all the folded edges evenly together.  Clamp them together so they don't move while you're tying them together.

Step 4:  Tie each string to the adjoining string until all pages are knotted together, top and bottom.

Then it's time for finishing touches - I took several of the top strings and tied them to bottom strings and added a bead - it's not necessary for holding the binding together, I just tried something new.....  I separated the threads of the floss to fringe it....

As you can see, my interior pages were all different lengths.....

Quick and fun!  - I'll show you as I fill it up a bit - I'm thinking......a bird theme.  Let me know if you give it a try.

ALAW done!

My first alphabet book of the year is finally done.  Hosted by Fiona, ALAW (a letter a week) is a fun way to play with lettering and create 2 alphabet books (or whatever display method you like) a year.  I'm a little behind in settling on the format for this alpha and I'm not 100% in love with it, but I like the idea and will play with it more.

Inspired by a project in the new issue of Pages magazine by Wen Redmond, I used an ultra simple book "binding".  I cut a narrow notch in the top and bottom of each page then used ribbon to tie it all up. You can see the notches as I show you the pages below.

I used a sheet of mulberry type paper I had on hand, tore the sheets so I got the deckle edge, used watercolor - every shade of blue I had - to do my mark making, added black circles here and there.  If I were to do it again I'd do the letters on the same paper as the book or on a more contrasting paper (I used bristol paper), but since I didn't know what I was going to do with the letters, I just picked a paper and started.  I was pleasantly surprised at how well the mulberry paper held up to the watercolors.

For the first time, I actually know exactly what I'm going to do for my next book.  The theme is "peace" and I'm going to use my photography, lettering and a flag book format to create an interactive book.  I'm excited to get started!  Please wander over to the ALAW blog when you have a few minutes and see the huge variety of projects and lettering mediums. As usual, the creativity is just amazing!