I did a spontaneous live stream this morning on YouTube.
I used Yes paste and am starting to get used to it. It's a good paste as long as it's not dried out. It should be gooey. I cover it with plastic wrap before storing.
Thanks again to all of you for your encouraging emails, messages and comments. I really appreciate it.
In other excellent news!!!!!
My daughter and her husband are expecting our first grandchild! We are all thrilled. A little boy is expected somewhere around February 22.
My health is still unpredictable but I've been swimming, eating well and getting plenty of rest as my medicine is fine tuned.
I've missed you guys so much!
Affiliate Links: I get a % of sales at no cost to you
Bookboard (DickBlick): http://shrsl.com/17k9b Yes Paste and bonefolders also available at Blick Lokta Paoer at Blick: http://shrsl.com/nrfq-n87-ahwv6s_1-1 Lokta Paper at Joggles: http://shrsl.com/nrfq-1h8i-bo7xx3_1-1
I recently purchased a Joggles Disc Bound journal because it's such a smart idea and I wanted to share it with you. I've been using the disc binding system for organizing classes, color swatches and making sketchbooks for some years and love the flexibility.
My latest Joggles Haul
First the haul. I picked up a few more Oxide inks. Joggles has the best prices on them and I'm slowly collecting and filling in holes in my palette. There were a few more bits and bobs such as Dina Wakely journal clips, Jane Davenport stickers and yet another package of Tim Holtz paper clippings. Links are below.
Joggles Disc Bound journal is a very handy idea. I want to start a new YouTube series for art journaling with stamps and other cardmaking techniques, This is a type of art journaling that will be more planned. I can pull out the pages to work on them, I can die cut, ink smoosh, etc.
Watch today's video on YouTube here. Subscribe, Like, Comment and Share. (I'm a broken record) Supplies are linked below.
Affiliate links. I get a commission on sales with no cost to you. These commissions help me defray costs from my blog and YouTube.
Some of my favorite things are books. I regard some as old friends and visit often. In this year of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, I'm going through my bookshelves with an eye to weeding. These three books emerged as my favorite for very good reason. Check out the video below for more information.
Tops on book list is Shereen LaPlantz Cover to Cover. I know a lot of you folks feel the same way. I read it as a bookbinding virgin and clearly remember the wonder I felt while reading through the pages and examining the book models. It's not going to go out of style. There are prettier books but this remains by far the best in terms of variety of structures and detail in explanation. IMHO, natch.
You won't find any book on bookbinding to be clear at first read through. It takes time and sitting with a threaded needle and folded signatures. It's worth the trouble.Esther K Smith's book is a visual treat. There are solid forms in here along with clear (as can be) instruction. Great ideas and a wonderful graphic appeal.
What you have to understand about bookbinding is that the stitching can be complex. Read carefully and examine the illustrations while you read.
At Home with Handmade Books is a delight. Full of whimsy and some very easy forms. This may be for you if you'd like to stay in the easy books realm although there are some challenges here as well.
If you want to go pro in your bookbinding endeavors there is no one better than Keith Smith's books. In particular, go for the 3 volume set of non-adhesive bindings. There are stitch patterns in here that will keep you busy for a lifetime. But this is complex stuff. I don't say that to scare you off but instead to let you know that this isn't craft-level bookbinding.
If you'd like some inspiration, The Penland Book is amazing. Full of ideas and beautiful books. Thoughtful writing and information. I love this book.
Just to fill things out, I love Shereen LaPlantz The Art and Craft of Handmade Books. It's just lovely. She was ultimately unhappy with it because there were some pretty hefty errors in the instructions. She went ahead and self-published a hefty revision. I can't find it online at the moment but I'll let you know if I do.
There are more books in my collection and I'll share as I weed. Something tells me though that none of my binding books are going anywhere. I love em. Here is today's video.
If you watch on YouTube, please subscribe, like and share. That helps me loads.
Rescue Book Journals http://dianatrout.typepad.com/blog/2011/10/rescue-book-journals-online-class.html
I've added a couple of other favorite books to this list: the book on Japanese binding and Alisa Golden's Handmade Books. Golden's book is stuffed but a bit dense and difficult to read. The other is wonderful but a bit academic. These are both very good books on binding. Remember that these are affiliate links and I make a small amount of money when you use them at no cost to you. That helps my small business so Thank You!
Don't forget to help my small business by sharing this post with your friends on social media!
I shot a ton a video while making my Birds Illustrated Tunnel Book. Today video spotlights the landscape painted background in the books. I painted each page similarly and it's pretty basic acrylic painting. The fan brush is fun to use for trees, shrubs and grasses.
If you look at the grasses in the picture above, you'll see the grasses that I painted using the fan brush. It takes a little practice but once you get the hang of it, it's a simple technique. I like to use 2-3 different greens to add even more texture and depth to the grasses.
Enjoy the video! If you haven't seen the whole book, look here for the video flip through. Affiliate links below (I get a percentage of the sale with no cost to you.)
This sweet little book is a boon to any thrifty soul. All you need is a paper grocery bag, tape, scissors, a ruler and pen/pencil. A papercutter will make your job easier. You can decorate your book any way you'd like or leave it plain. See how I decorated my TagAlong here. You could make a smaller book with just four folds using (up) scrapbook paper.
The Math
Here's the math for a book that will hold eight Avery shipping tags (linked below) that are 4.75" x 2.37". More than one tag will fit in each pocket.
The total length is 32" (for this size of tag) The height is 12.5" (for this size of tag)
To do the math for any other card or tag:
Measure the width of the tag x 8 = wx8. Add: wx8 + 8 = width of paper (in my case w of the tag - 2.4" (I rounded up) Measure the height of the tag plus + 6 = h+6 = height of paper (in my case I round up to 5" for the tag height)
If that math is wrong, go yell at a nun, OK?
Anyway, to continue:
Cut your paper bag down one side and around the bottom. Fold the bag in half width wise. There should already be a fold at the halfway point.
Use the folded end of the bag as your true straight edge. Measure and cut 16" from that edge (taking into account that the length is doubled this will give you 32" in total length).
Now you'll fold:
Unfold the bag
Fold up the bottom 3" (pinch fold in the center and at both ends and then carefully connect the pinch folds. Fold the top down 2"(repeat the pinch fold technique)
Leaving the pockets folded
Fold the width in half Fold the left side over to the center mountain fold and carefully fold Fold that half of the length two more times, always fold to a mountain even if you have to reverse a fold.
You should have one half the the book folded four times and the other half of the book is not yet folded. Fold the other half of the book the same way. You may need to reverse some of the folds along the way.
You'll wind up with an accordion fold
Add the washi tape (or stitch) along each end of the book so that the cards won't fall out of the front and back.
You can make this books any size you want. Size them for any tags or index cards. Use them to store little bits of paper or die cuts. The possibilities are endless! Enjoy the video which makes everything clear
Affiliate links used. I get a percent of the sale with no cost to you.
I'm so happy to present Part 2 of this Longstitch Stash book. It was lying there lonely in my WIP or UFO box for way too long. And I just love it. (Can I say that? Yes. Yes, I can ;) Check here for Part 1 of this 2 part series.
It wasn't until after the video was finished that I wove it using thin ribbon for the "corset" effect. I explain it in the video but if anyone would like a demo, let me know.
I'm interrupting this program for a health update: I saw my Oncological Gyn yesterday for my 2nd follow-up to August surgery and he was super happy. And so am I. Thank you all so much for your emotional support. It's been a very difficult time. I also thank you for using my links. That has been a real help over the past year when my teaching schedule was interrupted. As my life changes, I try to adjust my business practices.
Here's the video and the links below are affiliate links (in which I get a % with no charge to you. Thank you).
Today's video was recorded last July and then it sat. And sat, patiently waiting for it's second part.
The needle was threaded and inserted into the first pamphlet. I'm happy to report that this lovely binding is finished. In the first of two videos, learn tips for adding different sizes of paper into the signature.
Adding details such as sewing (or gluing or stamping or weaving or ...) to the papers before binding adds another layer of lovely texture to your finished book. Join me on Friday for Part 2: Stitching.
Here's a peek at the finished book. I wove the Long Stitch (demo'd in Part 2) with thin ribbon. I'm calling it the Corset Stitch :)
I've linked all supplies that you'll need below the video. Enjoy!
In addition to the Affiliate linked supplies (I get a % of the sale. No extra cost to you), I use a 22 or 24 tapestry needle, a phone book or mouse pad and 1/4" ribbon (available at most craft stores.)
Inktober begins tomorrow and I'm participating this year. I'm terrible at these challenges. I just don't stick to it, but as Yoda would say, Try, I will. Here is the official website.
There were a few sketchbooks that would have worked well for this challenge including my current art journal. But any excuse to bind up a little book.
I used Neenah Solar White 80 lb paper for the guts. It's a very smooth cardstock - nice for pen work. For the cover, an old composition book cover was sacrificed, the black and white is fun. I used black masking tape to hold the covers together, Duct-Tape Book style. This book is simply bound, using the 5-hole pamphlet stitch, here.
Here's the video tutorial. I've linked all supplies below the video, including some of the pens I added to my pencil case video, here. Enjoy!
Here are affiliate supply links. I get a percentage of the sale at no cost to you. Below are JetPens links (no affiliation except free supplies which really helps me out).
Circle Journal is a reformated class from last year's work-along class. An independent study class that you can work at your own pace. The material will be permanently accessible.
This is a LOT of information: a painting primer, a mixed media primer, art journaling primer: much more than I could cover in 2-3 full day workshops. And you always have me on the other end of your computer!
Here's an overview:
Sign up and begin anytime you'd like. A total of 22 videos and a bunch of pdfs: one for each of the four lessons, plus symbol drawing, words to transfer and a tiny maze book zine.
Lesson 1: Painting & Markmaking. Using thinned acrylic paints, let the spilling begin. Brushstrokes, color mixing, markmaking with stamps, stencils, alternative items. (5 videos, 2 pdf's)
Lesson 2: Folding & Stitching your Maze Book. The possibilities are endless with this type of book. Make a mistake? No problem: stitch, cut, tape your way to a new bookform. Handstitching, machine stitching techniques and ideas are included (2 videos, 2 pdf's).
Lesson 3: Line, Collage, Gesso & Paint. (8 videos, 1 pdf). Loads of spilling in this lesson in lines and images. Get the low down on using paint, gesso and portfolios. Creating your own stamps is simple if you've done the brainstormng on symbols. Includes creating foam stamps and symbol drawing.
Lesson 4: Embellishments. (7 videos, and a bunch of pdf's). Includes tabs, blender pen transfers, simple lettering, and other embellishments).
$60/Join Anytime, Permanent Access After you have paid for the class, you will receive the blog URL and password from me
I started writing this on Monday, 3/15 and have been at it all week.
A bit of sunshine for your Friday morning ...
Monday mornings begin on Sunday night for me as I sprawl on the sofa with my planner.
On Monday, I pretty much ignored what I'd written in my planner and did a Live Stream on stamping in a little book instead.
In my studio, I have a big basket and box project folders for YouTube videos and I keep doing things off the cuff instead. Here is a look at the flip book I was working on.
Tuesday: My planner says "Watercolor." Also: "Work on Mixed Media Watercolor class."
Here's some of the painting I started. (at the top of this post: I love the idea of the flowers glowing yellow around the bulb part and the sunlight dancing along the tops. Sorry about the uneven lighting.)
The red coming down from the flower needs more definition.
I will go back into the right hand flower and lift paint out for the stamen "legs." I love that brown from mixing green and red.
Tuesday Night: Aunt Betz called from the hospital: Pneumonia. Wednesday was devoted to helping her get settled, talking to her doc and the nurses and distributing chocolate bunnies to all involved.
The rest of the week is up for grabs. I'm heading to the studio to work on some watercolors again and maybe get started on another flip book. Mixed Media Watercolor class is underway. This happend
After being inspired by the Gelli Arts folks here, I folded a bunch of mark-making tools for the Gelli Prints video coming soon. Today is the son's birthday so this is underway
Who knew there was a thing called Hipster Animals? Honestly! Google it. They are hilarious. I caved and purchased the set from Hero Arts after watching Kristina Werner make a card with it here. I think they need bodies but they could also be trophy heads.
Have a great weekend, everyone. I'm looking forward to my stamp carving class tomorrow. Off now to visit my auntie. Here are some of the materials and tools I used this week (affiliate links used).
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