Sunday, June 19, 2011

New Journals, New Online Journal Class




Here are some new journals I completed recently. This one is for my friend, Lyn. She liked the one I made for her son and wanted me to make a similar one for her. It’s a leather travel journal with my handmade painted pockets inside. She loved it so much that she made a video out of her photos!



This is an adaptation from I class I took at Southwest School of Art a few years back. Originally, we used a cover of special handmade paper that I knew I would not be able to duplicate. So, I’m experimenting using 140 lb. watercolor paper as well as canvas. This is the paper cover, painted with acrylics, and folded back to double and strengthen the cover. It’s basically a sewn on tapes type.




Here is the same type, only with a canvas cover. I haven’t sewn the “X” stitches that attach it to the cover yet.





Hiding out from the continuous and oppressive 100 degrees plus temperatures outside, this weekend I began gathering materials for Full Tilt Boogie. This is the newest online class from Mary Ann Moss. Even though I’ve taken several online and in-person bookbinding classes, Mary Ann’s is by far the most helpful and downright FUN! She goes to great lengths to demonstrate the binding techniques, both in the print and video versions. The first journal structure is something I’m familiar with but she has a new idea that really adds to the structural integrity of the book. And, there’s her spirit of adventure and experimentation! For a bookbinder, the fact that the materials are not necessarily archival and acid-free explorations has me gleefully digging through my studio for papers I’d never thought I'd use, in all sizes and types. And, heaven knows I need to use up my paper supply—from old greeting cards I couldn't part with to commercial scrapbook papers from last year, from the guts of old books to my own paintings on watercolor paper. It’s very freeing process and I’ve only started the first week!



 


7 comments:

  1. Not hard to see why Lyn made that video. Your journals are truly complete, mature artworks in of themselves.

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  2. Your journals are fabulous! I also enjoyed the Steam Punk photos in the previous post. So fun!

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  3. Isn't this fun? I just made my way over from FTB to see your blog. Love your journals ... they are wonderful! Your blog is just great. See you in class. Donna

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  4. Your journals a gorgeous, Gina. Real works of art in themselves.

    P.S. Thank you for the lovely comment you left on a recent post of mine (I've taken the post down since then). I'm sorry I haven't replied sooner, but I did want you to know that your thoughtfulness was deeply appreciated. Here's a virtual hug right back at you!

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  5. I like the painted paper version. The rich colors look great!

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  6. I am loving these covers! WOW. You're giving me food for thought. I always cover my watercolor paper covers with fabric but love this painterly look. Love how the fabric ties thread through the cover too. I'd love to learn that technique. Is it an online class?

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  7. You are very kind, Vincent.

    Thanks, fellow class-mates Briana and Donna. FTB Class is wonderful!

    Your comments are very appreciated, Angela and Buchertiger--love both your blogs.

    Colette, the class with the fabric tags was a local, in-person class.

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