Wordless Wednesday 26.11.14

Day 50/365

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Even More Projects!!

Day 41/365

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Today I’m posting about a project I’m pretty proud of: books that are case bound using bookcloth I made!  This is something I’ve wanted to do for a while now, especially with all the fabric choices out there.

I decided to stick to solid colours, with linen and linen-like fabrics, I love the texture and richness of the colours.  photo-10

I finished these journals with sewn-in ribbon bookmarks, and corners to protect against wear.  I focused on two styles: a landscape journal filled only with 140 lb watercolour paper (I want one!!) and a portrait-oriented daily journal with a lovely large page surface to capture the day’s thoughts.

Since they are a limited edition binding (only 10 of each style) they are only available at the One of a Kind Show from November 27 – December 7, 2014.  If you want one, come find me at booth D49 in the Rising Stars section!

More Projects!

Day 47/365

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In the spirit of productivity I’ve decided to post more ‘in progress’ notes. Above, the dried and pressed boards from yesterday’s post Continue reading

Projects!

Day 45/365

As I’m sure you know by now, I’ve got a rather large arts and crafts show coming up, the One of a Kind Show.  I figure this is a good time to showcase the processes I go through in making some of my products.

Today’s featured project: hand dying paper!photo 3

Testing colours, making sure to get just the right hues.  I use a mix of inks and watercolour paints.

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Mid-dying – yes, this is a messy process!  And I love it!

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A side view of boards covered with my hand dyed paper, drying in the press, makes a great texture shot.

A Friendly Reminder

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Just a friendly reminder that holiday shipping deadlines are quickly approaching.  If placing an order online, please keep in mind shipping times so your items arrive on time!

For orders destined to Canada the last day to ship is December 10 (this is the very last day!)

For orders destined to the USA the last day to ship is December 8.

For orders going everywhere else, the last day to ship is December 1.

Wordless Wednesday 11.19.14

Day 43/365

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Bookbinding + Painting + Printmaking = Happy Me

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Sometimes I indulge myself and combine mediums.  Such is the case with this series of blue painted and relief-printed Longstitch journals.  I’ve done this before with other painted journals, but recently came across these photos and felt the urge to share.  OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Details are everything, matching beaded closures is a thing of beauty (to me anyways).
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As many bookbinders and other makers of handmade items know, creating in multiples is key.  These books are no exception.  But make no mistake; each is unique in placement of the cover patterns and images.  Designing these books, the covers and crafting these pieces is the sort of project that keeps me happy!

The Studio on a Sunday

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A journal mid-production; this is the coptic binding variation I tend to be using more and more.

Loving the brown linen thread on the navy cover and spine, a lovely natural journal.

Ornament Making

Day 39/365

photo1If you’ve started thinking about the holidays and where to start, I may have the answer for you.  In one week I’ll be teaching an Ornament Making Workshop over at the Arts Market on College.  It’s the perfect way to start off the season!

This is a hands-on workshop where you’ll create a personalized, unique book ornament. We will touch on the basics first, and then dive into the main project – you will leave with your very own handcrafted ornament!

No previous art or bookmaking experience is necessary.

For more information or to register, go here.

 

Monsters!

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Sometimes I get sidetracked from bookbinding and make other, book-related things.  For instance, these Monster Bookends.  They’re cute and they functional!

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Meet Gerald.  He’s an eccentric retired chemistry professor who loves debating and usually sees the sunny side of things.il_570xN.277783825

Meet Frank.  A cranky old man, he goes out of his way to ruin your day.

There are a few more characters as well, but these are my favourites, all available exclusively at Arts Market here in Toronto.