Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Holiday Journal Book Making

 Hi everyone. I must say I've been in a low key mood today. Back to work after several days, and many of us (including many of my students) were moaning and groaning about the embarrassing election results here in the US. But the hubby came home today from the hospital! Yahoo! I am taking tomorrow off so someone is home with him, so that gives me a 4 day weekend. I am very excited to have some home time- and maybe I will even get into the studio.
Or at least I can hope!
So a few weeks ago I showed you a new arty book I picked up.
In this book I learned a new book making process which I wanted to try. So I made myself a holiday journal. (I did this all before the hubby's heart surgery.)
I'll warn you, this my first attempt at the technique, and I'm rather messy to start, so bear with me. The beauty of making something is that it has little flaws. They just give the finished project some personalized character. :)
I cut the covers off an old library book I picked up on the "please take for free" table.  I covered the covers with some holiday fabric. Then I used some book binding tape to make the spine.
To make the book signatures, I folded some water color paper in half  and made the little signatures using 2 pieces of this folded paper. Then I took each of these and ran the fold through my sewing machine. to connect them.
Then I stacked the signatures  and using a needle and thread, I hand stitched up and down through the outside of my machine stitching to connect all my signatures.
It was a bit of a challenge finding the best thread to do this with. I started with waxed binding thread, which was too thick, and then I moved to regular sewing thread, which was too thin and kept breaking. So finally I used some machine embroidery thread which worked great! After they were stitched, a cut a piece of gauze, and using white book binding glue, I glued it on the edge. You can see that above.
After it dried I used some red line tape, as you can also see above, to attached the outside of  each side of the pages to the cover.
 Like a professionally bound book, it leaves space between the spine and pages.

 I started working with a little cover decoration. There's more to it, but I've yet to take a photo of that, so you'll have to wait for another day to see the finished result.
 I wish I had taken more photos are I made the journal instead of waiting to the end, but next time. I really like making my book this way, so I will do this process again.
Not much else new here.
Thanks for visiting.

8 comments:

froebelsternchen said...

Oh my gosh -- what a fantastic book making project! That's fantastic!
I am glad to hear that hubby comes come! Yeah!!! Hope he feels back to normal soon - my best wishes for his recovery and for you a bit "me time" enjoy it.
Sorry about the embarrassing election results
as well - I feel with you!

oxo
Susi

Jeanie said...

Well, first and most important, I am SO glad your husband is home. You must be tremendously relieved and I know we all are for you.

And second, this is a book I've not heard of but I love what you have shown us so far and I'm really impressed. (Especially with the sewing since that is SO not in my wheelhouse!). I can't wait to see the finished piece but I really appreciate your detailed instructions and photos.

Finally, thanks for your Gypsy visits and comments. I'm regrouping today (and yesterday) too. But so glad you liked the Thanksgiving post -- it's a wonderful holiday! And this year you have much for which to be thankful.

Valerie-Jael said...

What a wonderful project, looks really exciting, making your own book. Glad your hubby is home, enjoy the long weekend together. Yes, the election results have let many of us on both sides of the big pond in shock and concern. Hugs, Valerie

Sandy said...

Wonderful - I ordered the book!
Sandy xx

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

You had me right up to the hand sewing, which is impossible for me. I have no pinch grip, so can't hold the needle. I do like how you made yours, and I applaud you. Now you know what to use and what not to use. BTW, I miss red liner tape. I haven't had any in YEARS.

SO, so glad to read your husband is home and you both have four days to destress and maybe make a bit of art. Have a super day, dear.

Meggymay said...

First of all, so pleased that you husband is home with you and recovering from the Heart surgery
Its a fabulous book making project and you had fun making it.
Enjoy your long weekend.
Yvonne xx

Divers and Sundry said...

Woohoo! I'm happy to hear he's home. I'm still in shock over the election. Facebook friends from both sides are dealing with it in ways you might expect lol, and I'm seeking peace on the patio, trying to ready plants for the winter. And I'm wearing black and purple ;)

Let's Art Journal said...

I'm so pleased that your hubby is now at home - yeeeeaaaaah! Wishing him a speedy recovery after his surgery :-). Your Holiday Journal is superb and your cover turned out fabulous - loving the beautiful silver embelishment too! Glad you get a 4 day week and have a very happy and relaxing long weekend! J :-)