And I am stoked!
Just wanted to add a punch of summer on a day that looks a little gloomy outside!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
ROUNDTHEWORLDIN80PGS OPENING JUNE 1ST 2010!!!
I will be launching a new store, Roundtheworldin80pgs on June 1st and I can't wait! I will be showcasing and selling the books that I handbind using papers that I have ordered or picked up from different countries around the world : Japan, Italy, Nepal, China etc etc and of course local papers.
I am so excited about the new store and my new focus. I will still be able to fill custom orders but in the mean time I will be working on a line of photo albums/ scrapbooks.
And as always, all my books are one of a kind!
Hope to see you soon!
Be well
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Taa Daaaaaaaaaaa!
I have completed the Wedding Guest book and am really proud of myself. I sent a few images of it to the Bride via facebook and she loved it! Of course, I was thrilled (and relieved)
The book is coptically stitched with Irish waxed linen thread, which was the first time Ive used anything of the sort. The pages are strathmore paper and the silver peacock feather was created by a hand cut stencil and silver leafing. I wished that the silver leafing was more patchy for lack of a better word, like when you are leafing a 3D item but then it would be difficult finishing it in a way that it wouldnt chip off an any given time.
Turns out two days after I finished this book, I cut a piece of my finger off and had to go to the ER. THANK GOODNESS I finished the book already! The Bride picks it up this weekend and then the bitter/sweet feelings kick in. My creation is gone but now it is the hands of the Bride and will participate in the happiest day for her!
thanks to UberArt / Studio B at http://www.etsy.com/shop/emersonbindery for all your help! you were fantastic!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Deep thoughts by Jack Handy
"Instead of a trap door, what about a trap window? The guy looks out it, and if he leans too far, he falls out. Wait. I guess that's like a regular window."
I couldn't resist.
Ive been working hard with not only the guest book (which Im pretty stoked about) but coming up with a constant pricing system. Ive been logging how much Im paying for supplies such as paper, how much they cost per sq. inch so I can charge accordingly. Turns out, Ive been charging decently, even when guessing.
Things Ive learned this week when it comes to bookbinding:
When making your own stencil to embellish with a silver leaf pen, the stencil can be as thin as simple computer paper. This saves wrist power when using an xacto to cut the stencil out.
I at first tried to adhere the stencil using rubber cement which can usually be a god send, however it stains certain papers, so test it out first. I was afraid to use moveable spray adhesive because I thought it would stain the paper but it didnt! Turns out that it worked perfectly. But only spray it once or else it will leave a sticky residue on the paper.
Using a silver leaf pen makes things really easy. After applying, let it sit over night and dry out or else its easy to smudge. Ill check on how it is tomorrow and report back. The pen didnt leave the look I originally wanted when thinking about using the sheets of silver, however Im thinking of going over parts of it again to give it a layered look that you get with sheets of silver leafing.
I didnt open a window when using the spray adhesive and trust me, its not ideal. Opening the window is difficult for me logistically with the wheelchair and all so Ive got to figure that one out before the spray makes me ga-ga.
I always keep in mind to measure twice, cut once. But remember to make sure the sheet of paper you are cutting is sat the correct way so the strips you are cutting arent too long and there isnt enough space to cut as many per sheet as you were doing all along.
Words from my old prof...be ok with the mistake you made because you will never make it again.
Here is hoping George.
I couldn't resist.
Ive been working hard with not only the guest book (which Im pretty stoked about) but coming up with a constant pricing system. Ive been logging how much Im paying for supplies such as paper, how much they cost per sq. inch so I can charge accordingly. Turns out, Ive been charging decently, even when guessing.
Things Ive learned this week when it comes to bookbinding:
When making your own stencil to embellish with a silver leaf pen, the stencil can be as thin as simple computer paper. This saves wrist power when using an xacto to cut the stencil out.
I at first tried to adhere the stencil using rubber cement which can usually be a god send, however it stains certain papers, so test it out first. I was afraid to use moveable spray adhesive because I thought it would stain the paper but it didnt! Turns out that it worked perfectly. But only spray it once or else it will leave a sticky residue on the paper.
Using a silver leaf pen makes things really easy. After applying, let it sit over night and dry out or else its easy to smudge. Ill check on how it is tomorrow and report back. The pen didnt leave the look I originally wanted when thinking about using the sheets of silver, however Im thinking of going over parts of it again to give it a layered look that you get with sheets of silver leafing.
I didnt open a window when using the spray adhesive and trust me, its not ideal. Opening the window is difficult for me logistically with the wheelchair and all so Ive got to figure that one out before the spray makes me ga-ga.
I always keep in mind to measure twice, cut once. But remember to make sure the sheet of paper you are cutting is sat the correct way so the strips you are cutting arent too long and there isnt enough space to cut as many per sheet as you were doing all along.
Words from my old prof...be ok with the mistake you made because you will never make it again.
Here is hoping George.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Busy as a bee, and that rhymes with P and that stands for pool!
I just couldn't help myself. I thought 'busy as a bee' and then the Music Man lyrics just came out. My grade 13 drama teacher would be SO proud!!
So, Ive been busy. And when I'm busy, I'm happy. I was in a bit of a funk and neglected my studio space where I make my books. It wasn't until I had to work on the order from my Aunt that I went back in there and boy am I glad I did.
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She had ordered 5 address books for gifts. For Christmas I had made each of my Dad's sisters one and she liked it so much that she called to thank me and to order 5 more!
When I was waiting for the last one's glue to fully dry so I could unclamp it, I remembered a little phrase I had printed out ages ago but never got around to using. An idea I had before came rushing back and I just had to make the book right then.
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I had printed out the phrase "what do you think" for a diary/journal since we all become close enough friends with our journals to tell them what we really think. I used lined pages and a traditional French stitch I learned in my first bookbinding course. I love the window I created in the cover and am SO THANKFUL that my on a whim idea worked out.
While I was photographing the above books, I thought that I was neglecting the very thing that I couldn't live without when making books...my studio space! I started out making books in my living room and the flow of work would be interrupted by having to tidy up so the family could have their dining room back. Ive since moved into the kitchen, where we never eat for some reason and have been creating there ever since!
The drawers I couldn't live without. They sit perpendicular to the table thats always too messy to photograph on its own but is lovely in the way the old glue shimmers in the light and the tool box is the embodiment of strength. How is that for writing when its way too late to do anything but sleep :)
Listening to : the sound of traffic outside
So, Ive been busy. And when I'm busy, I'm happy. I was in a bit of a funk and neglected my studio space where I make my books. It wasn't until I had to work on the order from my Aunt that I went back in there and boy am I glad I did.
She had ordered 5 address books for gifts. For Christmas I had made each of my Dad's sisters one and she liked it so much that she called to thank me and to order 5 more!
When I was waiting for the last one's glue to fully dry so I could unclamp it, I remembered a little phrase I had printed out ages ago but never got around to using. An idea I had before came rushing back and I just had to make the book right then.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
I had printed out the phrase "what do you think" for a diary/journal since we all become close enough friends with our journals to tell them what we really think. I used lined pages and a traditional French stitch I learned in my first bookbinding course. I love the window I created in the cover and am SO THANKFUL that my on a whim idea worked out.
While I was photographing the above books, I thought that I was neglecting the very thing that I couldn't live without when making books...my studio space! I started out making books in my living room and the flow of work would be interrupted by having to tidy up so the family could have their dining room back. Ive since moved into the kitchen, where we never eat for some reason and have been creating there ever since!
.jpg)
The drawers I couldn't live without. They sit perpendicular to the table thats always too messy to photograph on its own but is lovely in the way the old glue shimmers in the light and the tool box is the embodiment of strength. How is that for writing when its way too late to do anything but sleep :)
Listening to : the sound of traffic outside
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Spring is almost here, I promise
I have returned from my trip longing to make more books and take more photographs. I am currently working on a custom order for 5 address books, and then Im on to a wedding guest book, something that has me both exhilirated and scared. I want to do the Bride right with this book, she is special and Id like the book to be too.
At http://www.bethr99.etsy.com/ I have listed quite a few photographs that I had printed and stored away. I realized that through various peoples reactions, they would make GREAT Mother's Day gifts!! I have included a few as a tastey sample of whats in my store.
Quite a few of the images are 8x12, I just couldn't crop any of the image off! There are a few 4x6 copies as well.
I have recently been introduced to secret Belgian binding, and Ill have to give it a try. Like most stitches, at first glance it looks tough but I have faith I can do it. Ill just have to try :)
I am asking anyone who is reading this to please donate to the Relay for Life Cancer walk this year in honour of a few specific people who have received heartbreaking prognoses this year.
At http://www.bethr99.etsy.com/ I have listed quite a few photographs that I had printed and stored away. I realized that through various peoples reactions, they would make GREAT Mother's Day gifts!! I have included a few as a tastey sample of whats in my store.
Quite a few of the images are 8x12, I just couldn't crop any of the image off! There are a few 4x6 copies as well.
I have recently been introduced to secret Belgian binding, and Ill have to give it a try. Like most stitches, at first glance it looks tough but I have faith I can do it. Ill just have to try :)
I am asking anyone who is reading this to please donate to the Relay for Life Cancer walk this year in honour of a few specific people who have received heartbreaking prognoses this year.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Just when you think its time to put your feet up...
you receive more orders!
A few days before Christmas my dear old friend emailed me after he had been looking at bookstores for a recipe book for a gift. When he couldnt find what he was looking for, he called upon me. I felt honoured!
It was a Recipe book, double the size I normally do, lined pages and I have added five index cards if you will so she can organize her recipes. She can write on the tabs and keep the recipe book tidy. My friend wanted it to be pink so I chose this pink because I loved the end pages and was dying to use them. He also wanted her name in caps along the spine, so I printed on the paper I used before I bound the book. I love how it turned out!
A few days before Christmas my dear old friend emailed me after he had been looking at bookstores for a recipe book for a gift. When he couldnt find what he was looking for, he called upon me. I felt honoured!
It was a Recipe book, double the size I normally do, lined pages and I have added five index cards if you will so she can organize her recipes. She can write on the tabs and keep the recipe book tidy. My friend wanted it to be pink so I chose this pink because I loved the end pages and was dying to use them. He also wanted her name in caps along the spine, so I printed on the paper I used before I bound the book. I love how it turned out!
While I was working on this, my aunt called me. For Christmas my dad had asked me to make an address book for each of his sisters, I gladly did as I adore them all! Well I received a thank you call and was asked to make 5 more! Thankfully they neednt be ready until April! I have a project Ive been working on for months that MUST be finished this January so Im glad I have time for the address books!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wishing you all
A Very Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!
I have been very busy the last few months creating new books and shipping out ones I have sold, its been a great month!
About a month ago my dad ordered 5 address books for his sisters and sister in law. They were a hit and one Aunt called today to thank me for making it and ordered 5 MORE! Im so excited! And then with two days to go before Christmas my old and great birthday sharing friend ordered a custom cook book to be ordered! *dont forget to breathe* lol
The cookbook is going to be blank so she can fill it out, but I am inserting removeable pages with tabs so she can organize her recipes. I think its going to be super awesome when its done. Now, just to remember to photograph it before it is picked up lol
Lately I have been trying to be more green in what I make so I have just listed two up-cycled books Ive made. I really do love them! One is made from an old VHS case that had a grea
t pattern and a great shape to it. I did some cutting and sewing and VOILA! An awesomely shaped book with yellow coptic stitches! I really do love it. The other is also bound with a coptic stitch and the cover is cardbo
ard I rescued from a close to being tossed in the recycling bin cookie box! I really enjoyed being creative with something that is already there, working with what you have and not being wasteful at all!
I can't wait for the next few months! They are going to be busy (just when I thought I would hit a lull and be able to relax) but Im soooo looking forward to it!
I have been very busy the last few months creating new books and shipping out ones I have sold, its been a great month!
About a month ago my dad ordered 5 address books for his sisters and sister in law. They were a hit and one Aunt called today to thank me for making it and ordered 5 MORE! Im so excited! And then with two days to go before Christmas my old and great birthday sharing friend ordered a custom cook book to be ordered! *dont forget to breathe* lol
The cookbook is going to be blank so she can fill it out, but I am inserting removeable pages with tabs so she can organize her recipes. I think its going to be super awesome when its done. Now, just to remember to photograph it before it is picked up lol
Lately I have been trying to be more green in what I make so I have just listed two up-cycled books Ive made. I really do love them! One is made from an old VHS case that had a grea
t pattern and a great shape to it. I did some cutting and sewing and VOILA! An awesomely shaped book with yellow coptic stitches! I really do love it. The other is also bound with a coptic stitch and the cover is cardbo
ard I rescued from a close to being tossed in the recycling bin cookie box! I really enjoyed being creative with something that is already there, working with what you have and not being wasteful at all!I can't wait for the next few months! They are going to be busy (just when I thought I would hit a lull and be able to relax) but Im soooo looking forward to it!
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