new bookbind

Greetings!

I worked on a new project last night. A fully bound hardback book! 

I used scrap materials for the prototype, and will use nicer materials on my next one.

more coptic?

Yea.. I made another coptic stitch journal/sketchbook this evening. I used ANOTHER paisley fabric from a box in the garage. I guess I'm on a paisley kick or something. 

I went to Michaels today and got some curved needles, and wow, they make a HUGE difference. It is so much easier using a curved needle for the coptic stitch...

Without further ado, pictures!

I used a gold colored thread for this one.

I stopped by the library today, and got a few books on bookmaking, and paper making. I want to try and make some handmade paper for a book. We will see if I ever get around to that!

Anywho, adios for now!

crazy paisley

My mom used to be an avid crafter. She would make fun things and sell them at the craft show. I was rummaging through her old supplies, which havent been touched in years, and found some great fabric! One of the patterns I found was a great colorful-crazy-paisley. I love paisley. So I had to make a journal with it!

This was my first time covering the covers of a book with fabric, and it was relatively easy. I had issues cutting straight lines on the fabric. If anyone has any tips, I'd love to hear them!

On to the pictures!

Here's the completed journal:

I had a lot of fun doing this project. I can't wait to make more, and try other methods. 

I used the coptic stitch in this one, just like my last project. 

Any questions or suggestions? Leave a comment! I'm definitely curious to see if anyone is actually reading this blog...

coptic stitch bookbinding

Okay, as I said last night, tonight I was going to try a new bookbinding project. 

I followed this video, by one of my new favorite youtubers. This is a coptic stitch binding.

I used a variety of all different colors of paper I had lying around. I covered two pieces of thin cardboard with paper as well, for the covers. 

Picture time!

Cover:

Stitching/spine

Each page is a different color!

I had lots of fun making this! 

More stuff coming soon. If you are interested in making a book like this, go to the video I mentioned above. She is a great teacher!

bookbinding

My creative energy has been crazy lately... I have just been wanting to MAKE stuff. You saw my pottery attempts, and I still have lots of interest in ceramics, but I gave it a rest. I think I went too full force into it. Needless to say, I found a new outlet for my need to make things. This new activity is also cheaper, less messy, and takes less time to complete a project. 

What is this activity?

Bookbinding! 

I have always been interested in it, but never really tried any projects until tonight. I used a tutorial in this video. It's pretty basic, and I had lots of fun!

Mine are a little rough, but it was my first time, and I am quite happy with the outcome!

I already have some other projects by that same Youtube user in mind. I have watched every one of her videos, and she is great!

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A year or so ago, I was given a succulent type plant from someone at my work (I work at a garden center), and today I walked out to my backyard and was surprised to see it was in bud! 

It's huge! Obviously I haven't checked on it in a while, since I'm just now noticing it. The bud is actually airtight, and full of air like a balloon.

I did some research, and it turns out this flower will smell very bad, almost like rotting flesh. This attracts flies and other insects to help pollinate the plant. 

I probably wont be smelling this one, like I do my roses.

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And I leave you with a picture of the sunset on my way home from work this evening!