Saturday, February 23, 2013

A little book

 
 
 
 
I made this little book to give to my daughter, Carrie.  It was my version of a journal created by Barbara at Joggles.  Every Wednesday Barbara emails a new video tutorial for a project or technique.  One week the tutorial was making this little tag book.   I love making books, I just don't make many!  Carrie is really the book maker in the family.  She makes gorgeous books!  So, when I got the idea to make this little book I thought perhaps it was like bringing coals to Newcastle, so to speak!  But, I couldn't resist. 
 
The whole thing started last summer when I made a tag background in a class at The Queen's Ink.  It turned out so well and it reminded me of old books.  I decided to keep it and turn it into tag art and give it to Carrie.  She is also a librarian and conservator and loves old books.  Old books even played a prominent role in her wedding décor theme.    So, back to the tag!  Around the same time as the idea to make the tag into a gift came to me I found instructions on making a little book out of sheet metal and paper with filigree as ornamentation in the magazine Belle Armoire Jewelry.  Perfect!! I would add the little book to the tag.    After I watched Barbara's video I decided I had to use the tag to make one of these little journals.  The tag was a different size than the one in the video so I adapted the instructions.  I had so much fun making it and for once I documented the process!  So, I have lots of pictures but I won't bore you with all of them!!!
 
I covered the back side of the tag with paper from The Queen's Ink and used a bone folder to make the creases. 
 
 
 
 
Once the cover was folded I added some old clips from an old thesaurus we use for paper art.  I inked them to make them blend in with the cover and glued them randomly to the tag. 
 
Appropriate, no?!!  The others also had to do with books and libraries!
 
 
I then cut paper for the signatures.  I used a pamphlet binding to put it all together using bakers' twine. Then it was time to make the little metal book!  It was fun to make with a piece of patinated copper sheet that I had on my table.  I used a piece of filigree for ornamentation on the outside and some vellum paper for the signatures inside.  Yes, it has paper inside even though it can't be opened! 
 
 

As you can see in the picture I used bakers' twine that has a metallic thread wrapped around it as a closure.  I attached the metal book to it and on the other end I attached a Tim Holtz pen nib.  The pen nib is inscribed with the word "journal" and the number 23.  Both are perfect for this project because it's a journal (!) and Carrie's birthday is the 23rd!!! 
 
Here's one more picture of the little book. 
 
 


 
Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you enjoyed my story of what I've come to call "the little book".  Have a great day!
 


5 comments:

  1. Maryanne - - - YOU KNOW I am drooling over this scrumptious book! It's wonderful - and I adore all the personal, special touches you put in there for Carrie. So sweet!! I know she will cherish it.

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  2. This books is so pretty and the details are so sweet! Your daughter must have squealed with joy when she received this :-)

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  3. Once again I am using the words stunning and gorgeous - that's all I ever seem to say when I visit your blog but once again this truly is stunning and gorgeous! And not only do I LOVE it I also can't believe how I have never come across bakers twine with gold thread in it!

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  4. Definitely an awesome present :) I tried to open the little metal book when I got it, but Mom had to tell me it doesn't open!

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  5. Wow this is so cool!!! The textures and colours are amazing, I just love the old vintage rusty look of it! Would you be able to tell me where I could find the videos you mention? I just love this!!

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