Friday, October 12, 2007
50 Books on Exhibit!
Selections from 50 Books are now on display at the School of Art and Design's Gray Gallery, as part of the faculty exhibition. Opening reception is Friday, October 19, 5 to 9 pm, East Carolina University. Come on by and see the books, as well as the amazing work of the ECU art and design faculty.
Day 48
While Book 48 isn't complete, I know what I want to make. I want to cut up found text to put in this beautiful little jam jar. I haven't decided where to find the text, or what to do with the lid. I also plan to paint (in acrylic) some letterforms on the jar. Stay tuned!
Delicious Book Bits!
Over the summer I took a basic ceramics class at the Emerge Gallery and Art Center in Greenville, North Carolina. I learned a lot under the great instruction of Adam Egenolf. As the summer wound down, I decided to use some of my remaining clay to create some book parts. I just have to share, so here they are.
I create some buttons that need to be drilled to open the holes....
a cover and back for a coptic binding (again, the holes need to be drilled)....
a weird spine (I think!) for a book...
and a panel to be used in some way.
I create some buttons that need to be drilled to open the holes....
a cover and back for a coptic binding (again, the holes need to be drilled)....
a weird spine (I think!) for a book...
and a panel to be used in some way.
Day 47
This book is only about 2 weeks old. I keep coming back to the basic pamphlet stitch, using found materials as covers and paper. This book was part of my design process for the Peace book (see below). I thought I might make a book of newspaper, but it wasn't heading where I wanted it, so I aborted, leaving this interesting little hodge-podge of text and image - a happy accident!
Book 47: pamphlet binding
{paper} newspaper
{binding} basic butterfly pamphlet stitch
Book 47: pamphlet binding
{paper} newspaper
{binding} basic butterfly pamphlet stitch
Day 46
I did, in fact, create this book about three weeks ago, but am only now getting around to posting it. I LURVE this structure. The basic format is from More Making Books by Hand, but I didn't exactly follow directions. I took some liberties with the dimensions, and it is, indeed tiny - only about 3.5 inches high. Library catalog cards are the flaps in the structure. The red markings are genuine librarian markings, making them authentic, spontaneous, and beautiful. Enjoy!
Book 46: Flap Book
{paper} original silkscreen, mylar, library catalog cards, dowels
{binding} flap book
Book 46: Flap Book
{paper} original silkscreen, mylar, library catalog cards, dowels
{binding} flap book
Days 44 and 45
I am slowly making my way to book number 50!
A couple weeks ago I made a 'book' for the Countdown to PEACE that is co-curated/directed by the fabulous Catherine Billingsley and Jodi Hollnagel-Jubran. Take a look at their project and contribute a piece to this fantastic endeavor. I will be submitting my piece for PEACE soon.
Book 44: Peace
{structure} found architectural mesh woven with newspaper
Book 45: origami structures
I don't think of these forms as 'books,' but they could be! I tried a couple origami structures for this entry.
A couple weeks ago I made a 'book' for the Countdown to PEACE that is co-curated/directed by the fabulous Catherine Billingsley and Jodi Hollnagel-Jubran. Take a look at their project and contribute a piece to this fantastic endeavor. I will be submitting my piece for PEACE soon.
Book 44: Peace
{structure} found architectural mesh woven with newspaper
Book 45: origami structures
I don't think of these forms as 'books,' but they could be! I tried a couple origami structures for this entry.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Days 41 to 43 - Where did Kate go???
Well, the start of the semester came upon me fast. And, I had plenty of prep and meetings that kept me away from bookmaking. So, this puts me well past the 50 day mark... I missed it by about 8 books... I created two books on the 51st day, intending to crank out another 8. But, making 10 books - even models - is a huge task that my prep/meeting-drained brain wasn't up for. However, I did crank out two models for structures that were new to me. And one is totally of my own invention - a mock-up for a book I want to make soon - er, that is once I get through the 50 books.
And, today I was back at it, and cranked out book 43. I will make it to 50 by this coming Sunday!
Pictures will be posted soon, but here's the skinny on the last three:
Book 41: drop spine box
{paper} remnant matte board
{binding} tape, baby!
I case you couldn't tell I made this model entirely out of matte board and tape. It's crude, but I learned a lot in terms of the tolerances needed to get the structure to close properly. Whew!
Book 42: Locke's Box model
{paper} remnant matte board, etc.
{binding} thread, tape
This structure really pushes the boundaries. It's all based on the Cartesian idea that location is determined in relation to a fixed position. The interior box will be made of wood, with thread/string lacing its way around the structure to create a visible grid. On that grid will hang type/content, which will be quotes from Descartes and my notes/copy. The interior of the box opens flat, and will contain an abstract chess board overlaid with images of antique surveying equipment. This book will be the first in a series about theoretical constructions of space - starting with Cartesian space...
Book 43: accordion with added pages
{paper} remnant silk screens
{binding} pamphlet stitch/folding
Another fantastic structure from the great Lisa Beth!
And, today I was back at it, and cranked out book 43. I will make it to 50 by this coming Sunday!
Pictures will be posted soon, but here's the skinny on the last three:
Book 41: drop spine box
{paper} remnant matte board
{binding} tape, baby!
I case you couldn't tell I made this model entirely out of matte board and tape. It's crude, but I learned a lot in terms of the tolerances needed to get the structure to close properly. Whew!
Book 42: Locke's Box model
{paper} remnant matte board, etc.
{binding} thread, tape
This structure really pushes the boundaries. It's all based on the Cartesian idea that location is determined in relation to a fixed position. The interior box will be made of wood, with thread/string lacing its way around the structure to create a visible grid. On that grid will hang type/content, which will be quotes from Descartes and my notes/copy. The interior of the box opens flat, and will contain an abstract chess board overlaid with images of antique surveying equipment. This book will be the first in a series about theoretical constructions of space - starting with Cartesian space...
Book 43: accordion with added pages
{paper} remnant silk screens
{binding} pamphlet stitch/folding
Another fantastic structure from the great Lisa Beth!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Days 39 and 40 - August 15
Book 39: floating page - tri-fold with pop-up
{paper} cream text-weight paper with red cover-weight covers, and origami adornment
{binding} accordion with pop-up and additional page glued in
The triefold was a remnant from another book (wrong size!). I re-purposed it by cutting out a pop-up. The structure didn't quite do what I wanted until I glued on the covers and added the floating page. The window on the back is a nice touch...
Book 40: origami box
{paper} scrapbooking paper
{binding} none - the magic of paper folding
So, this structure is a bit of a cheat, since it stretches the idea of a book to its limits. Still, I used paper and create something new from the original sheets. I tried to create a smaller box for the bottom, but it was still a hair large. I took of 1/8th inch from the original square, but it probably should have been a quarter inch.
In retrospect, I think this structure could yield an interesting book. A design folded into a box lid and bottom could be curious...
{paper} cream text-weight paper with red cover-weight covers, and origami adornment
{binding} accordion with pop-up and additional page glued in
The triefold was a remnant from another book (wrong size!). I re-purposed it by cutting out a pop-up. The structure didn't quite do what I wanted until I glued on the covers and added the floating page. The window on the back is a nice touch...
Book 40: origami box
{paper} scrapbooking paper
{binding} none - the magic of paper folding
So, this structure is a bit of a cheat, since it stretches the idea of a book to its limits. Still, I used paper and create something new from the original sheets. I tried to create a smaller box for the bottom, but it was still a hair large. I took of 1/8th inch from the original square, but it probably should have been a quarter inch.
In retrospect, I think this structure could yield an interesting book. A design folded into a box lid and bottom could be curious...
Days 37 and 38 - August 15
Book 37: pamphlet with sewn adornment
{paper} cream text-weight paper
{binding} modified pamphlet stitch
This book was inspired by my good friend Lisa Beth. I think I should start calling her my muse... She showed me a post card for an upcoming show she's in and the image on the front used fibers in a book structure. The integration of fibers - thread, ribbon, string - into the structure of the book intrigues me. Here I punched a grid into the entire text block, then sewed a variety of threads through, in, and around the pages. The threads each only go through the book once, and all the holes are used on each page... I think this idea will definitely turn into a new book... Perhaps for a show submission.
Book 38: volvelle
{paper} paint samples from the hardware store
{binding} a brad pierced through the three pages
The volvelle is a fun structure, although I'm not sure I figured out how to use the voids to their best. Still, it's a fun concept.
{paper} cream text-weight paper
{binding} modified pamphlet stitch
This book was inspired by my good friend Lisa Beth. I think I should start calling her my muse... She showed me a post card for an upcoming show she's in and the image on the front used fibers in a book structure. The integration of fibers - thread, ribbon, string - into the structure of the book intrigues me. Here I punched a grid into the entire text block, then sewed a variety of threads through, in, and around the pages. The threads each only go through the book once, and all the holes are used on each page... I think this idea will definitely turn into a new book... Perhaps for a show submission.
Book 38: volvelle
{paper} paint samples from the hardware store
{binding} a brad pierced through the three pages
The volvelle is a fun structure, although I'm not sure I figured out how to use the voids to their best. Still, it's a fun concept.
Days 34 to 36 - August 15
After a great visit from my father-in-law Gene, and a bout of mild food poisoning, I was back at bookmaking yesterday, the 15th. The count of books was up to 7 (EEK!), but I made up all the lost ground. The theme for these books was three-dimensional structure. I experimented with pop-ups, built a house, and went crazy with the needle and thread. I've spread the books out over three posts, so enjoy!
Book 34: accordion house: "the house that Kate built"
{paper} cover-weight yellow paper
{binding} a simple accordion
For some reason the idea to make a folding house came to me at a time in my book making that I knew I needed to create, but was overwhelmed with other things. I had fun figuring out the structure, and think that a second version could use some interlocking tabs (e.g. from 'well heeled') to have the house form a bit easier and stay together.
You'll have to pardon the corny illustration. It cried out for something, and I had to make the front door look like our house in Minnesota. A good friend dubbed this 50s-era window arrangement 'cascading rectangles.' An elegant name for an ugly and strange door design. Thank goodness this isn't popular anymore.
Book 35: palm leaf book
{paper} remnants from our wedding invitations
{binding} punched pages bound with gros-grain ribbon
The palm leaf was on my list of structures to try, but not very high since I knew that it would be a relatively easy structure to create. The invitation remnants (including the ribbon!) made color coordination and size/format easy - no trimming involved!
Book 36: pop-up accordion
{paper} cream text weight with additional yellow cover-weight paper
{structure} cut pop-up accordion with adhered additional pages
The pop-up structure evolved organically. An idea developed and I started measuring and cutting away. Thankfully I got the cuts and folds right on the first time. I can't say this book is terribly elegant but it sure makes for a great structure.
Book 34: accordion house: "the house that Kate built"
{paper} cover-weight yellow paper
{binding} a simple accordion
For some reason the idea to make a folding house came to me at a time in my book making that I knew I needed to create, but was overwhelmed with other things. I had fun figuring out the structure, and think that a second version could use some interlocking tabs (e.g. from 'well heeled') to have the house form a bit easier and stay together.
You'll have to pardon the corny illustration. It cried out for something, and I had to make the front door look like our house in Minnesota. A good friend dubbed this 50s-era window arrangement 'cascading rectangles.' An elegant name for an ugly and strange door design. Thank goodness this isn't popular anymore.
Book 35: palm leaf book
{paper} remnants from our wedding invitations
{binding} punched pages bound with gros-grain ribbon
The palm leaf was on my list of structures to try, but not very high since I knew that it would be a relatively easy structure to create. The invitation remnants (including the ribbon!) made color coordination and size/format easy - no trimming involved!
Book 36: pop-up accordion
{paper} cream text weight with additional yellow cover-weight paper
{structure} cut pop-up accordion with adhered additional pages
The pop-up structure evolved organically. An idea developed and I started measuring and cutting away. Thankfully I got the cuts and folds right on the first time. I can't say this book is terribly elegant but it sure makes for a great structure.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Days 31 to 33 - August 8
Today I got busy and made three books. My posting has been sporadic at best, and I know that I won't be able to make a book tomorrow, and perhaps until Sunday. So, stay tuned. If you've been watching the blog you'll have lots of structures to wade through for a while. Enjoy!
Book 31: "well heeled" single sheet with interlocking cover
{paper} text-weight with columns
{binding} from Woven and Interlocking Book Structures, this is "well heeled;" it is a single sheet that is folded and cut. the cover wraps around and interlocks to create a double-thickness cover
The directions called for a 10 x 20 inch sheet for this book. But, my supply of large paper is almost non-existent. So, I halved the directions and came up with this miniature version. The origami paper were scraps that I had been collecting. A bit of color never hurt anyone, right?!
Book 32: concertina with triangular tabs (dracula's ketchup and mustard book)
{paper} spine: cream colored paper; pages: cover-weight yellow paper; covers: cover-weight red paper
{binding} a simple concertina with small tabs cut out of the spine; glued pages and cover
This structure is another creative gift from the great Lisa Beth. She brought over a great example of this book during our part on the 2nd. I remembered it, and popped out this one. The colors are bright, reminding me of hot dogs. And, the small tabs look a bit like fangs. Thus, Dracula's ketchup and mustard book.
Book 33: flag book
{paper} cream and parchment color text-weight paper; cover: 4/2 C off-set printed (of my design)
{binding} concertina spine with glued-on flags
This is, again, a structure I've wanted to try for a while. I cut a limited number of flags and then devised the page/gluing structure. It's pretty interesting, and would lend itself to myriad variations.
Book 31: "well heeled" single sheet with interlocking cover
{paper} text-weight with columns
{binding} from Woven and Interlocking Book Structures, this is "well heeled;" it is a single sheet that is folded and cut. the cover wraps around and interlocks to create a double-thickness cover
The directions called for a 10 x 20 inch sheet for this book. But, my supply of large paper is almost non-existent. So, I halved the directions and came up with this miniature version. The origami paper were scraps that I had been collecting. A bit of color never hurt anyone, right?!
Book 32: concertina with triangular tabs (dracula's ketchup and mustard book)
{paper} spine: cream colored paper; pages: cover-weight yellow paper; covers: cover-weight red paper
{binding} a simple concertina with small tabs cut out of the spine; glued pages and cover
This structure is another creative gift from the great Lisa Beth. She brought over a great example of this book during our part on the 2nd. I remembered it, and popped out this one. The colors are bright, reminding me of hot dogs. And, the small tabs look a bit like fangs. Thus, Dracula's ketchup and mustard book.
Book 33: flag book
{paper} cream and parchment color text-weight paper; cover: 4/2 C off-set printed (of my design)
{binding} concertina spine with glued-on flags
This is, again, a structure I've wanted to try for a while. I cut a limited number of flags and then devised the page/gluing structure. It's pretty interesting, and would lend itself to myriad variations.
Days 28 to 29 - August 5
This is a continuation of the last post. Enjoy!
Book 28: interlocking structure
{paper} yellow card stock with cream text weight paper for the hinges and wrap-around
{binding} this is a totally interlocking/woven binding.
This structure is from Claire van Vliet's and Elizabeth Steiner's Woven and Interlocking Book Structures. It's an amazing book, with good instructions. My great friend Lisa Beth loaned me her templates, as well as the book. Even with a template and the book in front of me it took a while to figure out the actual binding. And, cutting the pieces was time consuming, but the structure was very pretty making the entire process rewarding.
Book 29: tunnel book
{paper} pages: recycled packaging; spine: cream text-weight paper
{binding} accordion spine on each side, folded to allow for telescoping
I had wanted to create a tunnel book for some time and finally did it. However, I made the project a bit more difficult by making the book telescope. I thought the effect would be sort of interesting. I think the packaging makes some interesting textures. This book gives me lots of ideas for others... Hmmmm...
Book 28: interlocking structure
{paper} yellow card stock with cream text weight paper for the hinges and wrap-around
{binding} this is a totally interlocking/woven binding.
This structure is from Claire van Vliet's and Elizabeth Steiner's Woven and Interlocking Book Structures. It's an amazing book, with good instructions. My great friend Lisa Beth loaned me her templates, as well as the book. Even with a template and the book in front of me it took a while to figure out the actual binding. And, cutting the pieces was time consuming, but the structure was very pretty making the entire process rewarding.
Book 29: tunnel book
{paper} pages: recycled packaging; spine: cream text-weight paper
{binding} accordion spine on each side, folded to allow for telescoping
I had wanted to create a tunnel book for some time and finally did it. However, I made the project a bit more difficult by making the book telescope. I thought the effect would be sort of interesting. I think the packaging makes some interesting textures. This book gives me lots of ideas for others... Hmmmm...
Days 24 to 27 - August 5
After much time spent without any book making materials in hand (although they were on the brain!), I finally got around to finishing the book I started on Friday, the 3rd, and made up some lost ground.
If you're counting, you may notice that I am matching the book number to the day. I decided to take the 25th day 'off,' since I was one book ahead. So, now the dates will match the book count. Here is the late post.
Book 25 - sewn-on-straps: tangled up in blue
{paper} text block: cream text weight; covers: recycled packaging with origami paper; straps: translucent paper
{binding} a typical sewn-on-straps binding with kettle stitch at head, tail, and center of the spine for added stability
The blue theme is inspired by a good friend of mine whose favorite color is blue. When I glued down the origami paper it buckeled the covers a bit, and I'm not terribly happy with how the glue interacted with the translucent straps. I wish I had hidden where the straps were sewn onto the covers. A good lesson in materials!
Book 26: tri-fold sewn into a 5-fold
{paper} cream text-weight and Thai hand-made paper
{binding} the name says it all!
I learned this binding from book maker extrodinaire Lisa Beth. It's quick and easy and a neat way to use folded pages. Figuring out the sewing took some work, but it was all good in the end.
Book 27 - sewn-on-straps with letterpress cover
{paper} text: cream colored text weight; front cover: cannibalized cover from a note card received from a friend - letterpress by A Little Something in San Francisco
I couldn't resist this card. I'm thinking that I'll make books for my nieces and nephews for Christmas. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for neat covers like this one!
Notice that Chachi was being a very good helper cat with these books...
If you're counting, you may notice that I am matching the book number to the day. I decided to take the 25th day 'off,' since I was one book ahead. So, now the dates will match the book count. Here is the late post.
Book 25 - sewn-on-straps: tangled up in blue
{paper} text block: cream text weight; covers: recycled packaging with origami paper; straps: translucent paper
{binding} a typical sewn-on-straps binding with kettle stitch at head, tail, and center of the spine for added stability
The blue theme is inspired by a good friend of mine whose favorite color is blue. When I glued down the origami paper it buckeled the covers a bit, and I'm not terribly happy with how the glue interacted with the translucent straps. I wish I had hidden where the straps were sewn onto the covers. A good lesson in materials!
Book 26: tri-fold sewn into a 5-fold
{paper} cream text-weight and Thai hand-made paper
{binding} the name says it all!
I learned this binding from book maker extrodinaire Lisa Beth. It's quick and easy and a neat way to use folded pages. Figuring out the sewing took some work, but it was all good in the end.
Book 27 - sewn-on-straps with letterpress cover
{paper} text: cream colored text weight; front cover: cannibalized cover from a note card received from a friend - letterpress by A Little Something in San Francisco
I couldn't resist this card. I'm thinking that I'll make books for my nieces and nephews for Christmas. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for neat covers like this one!
Notice that Chachi was being a very good helper cat with these books...
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