There were plans to show how I made this book with step by step photos.
But I became so involved with making the book, I forgot to take pictures along the way.
And then things happened like sewing in a couple of signatures upside down and having to take the entire book apart.
I have been saving the small scrap of leather used on the binding of the book. It is a thick rustic piece of leather.
What I hadn't anticipated was how hard it would be to push a needle through the leather even with the pre-drilled holes. And then again the sewing of signatures ordeal. I ended up sewing the nine signatures on a thin piece of leather and then sewing just three of them to the thick leather.
back of book
I used an older thrift store picture for the front and back covers, the kind of picture that is printed on chipboard. The chipboard was then roughly cut down to size.
Closed with leather ties
open - I love an exploding book or journal that is packed with stuff
and below are a couple of my favorite pages
one of the few "before" pictures
I love this old mail order sample of a fabric swatch
and how I used it in this book
a couple more pages
and this page has a thin piece of tree bark found on a walk with Ralph the Dog
The soft creamy tones of the bark is so gorgeous and was perfect for this book of junk and found stuff.
More photos to follow.
Thanks to everyone who wrote requesting this book to be an on-line class. Most of the techniques I used are ones that have already taught in classes. Also, there was quite a bit of unsafe usage of power tools and sharp blades, not to mention the cussing that ensued to get this book finished.
For all its trouble, I think it is a lovely little book. I find it so interesting to see the bits and scraps you find to include in your books. They are truly original gems.
Posted by: katiejane | January 29, 2012 at 01:17 PM
What a beautiful book. A lot of love and detail. I like the way you combined all your collections of material and combined them in a harmonious way. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Bobbie Lynn Duran | January 29, 2012 at 03:12 PM
Another lovely 'Patty Gem"! Wow! I loved the statements about why the book was not going to become an online class, especially the cussing part. Gosh, I thought I was the only one that harsh words with my projects...perhaps not, huh? I too love the way you combine interesting and usual materials into such a charming finished product.
Posted by: Brooks Ann | January 29, 2012 at 09:38 PM
So beautiful and so inspirational! Great details.
Posted by: Brian Kasstle | January 30, 2012 at 06:49 AM
Absolutely gorgeous. you go girl.
Posted by: Roni J. | January 30, 2012 at 04:55 PM
I revisited my "pushing the envelope" class download and realized that much of this book's construction IS covered there, except for the advanced cussing. I'm inspired to give that course another try, and will email questions or problems as I struggle along!!
Posted by: Sharon W | January 31, 2012 at 07:27 AM
This is such a special little book. It is lovely. Now I'm going to be watching for an old print like this at the thrift shops. Thanks for sharing it.
Posted by: Nelda Ream | March 02, 2012 at 03:22 PM
this is one of my favourite books ever!!! so special!!! hearts & hugs
Posted by: chenoa | March 08, 2012 at 12:46 AM
gorgeous!
Posted by: Dianne | November 13, 2012 at 11:53 PM