50 books/50 days

Day 54

2008-01-04T08:34:00.000-08:00

Kelly's book
{paper} cover: scrapbook paper; signatures: standard copy paper
{binding} sewn-on-tapes

Day 53

2008-01-04T08:33:00.000-08:00

Anna's book
{paper} cover: scrapbook paper; signatures: standard copy paper
{binding} sewn-on-tapes

Day 52

2008-01-04T08:32:00.000-08:00

Lauren's book
{paper} cover: scrapbook paper; signatures: standard copy paper
{binding} sewn-on-tapes

Day 51

2008-01-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

Peter's book
{paper} cover: scrapbook paper; signatures: standard copy paper
{binding} sewn-on-tapes

Day 50

2008-01-04T08:30:00.000-08:00

Maya's book
{paper} cover: scrapbook paper; signatures: standard copy paper
{binding} sewn-on-tapes

Day 49

2008-01-04T08:28:00.000-08:00

Morgan's book
{paper} cover: scrapbook paper; signatures: standard copy paper
{binding} sewn-on-tapes

Day 48 Redux - Sewn on Tapes

2008-01-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

After many days (months!) of silence, I finally am back with many books to share! Over the holidays I made seven (yes, 7!) sewn-on-tapes blank books for my nieces and nephews. I cranked out these books in about three days and made use of the craft store for supplies. Each books was designed specifically for one of my nieces or nephews. I chose colors they like (thus the proliferation of pink!) to make them happy. The covers are chipboard covered with scrapbook papers. I added decorative brads with Martha Stewart tags to the covers for a bit of decoration and to help the kids keep straight whose book is whose. The end sheets are solid-colored scrap-booking paper. Each book has six signatures with 5 folios each, is sewn on two tapes with kettle stitch at head, tail, and middle. Inside each book I clipped a small envelope that contains stickers.

Book 48: Matthew's book
{paper} cover: scrapbooking paper; signatures: standard copy paper
{binding} sewn-on-tapes

50 Books on Exhibit!

2007-10-12T06:52:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-12T06:50:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-10-12T06:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Day 47

2007-10-12T06:42:00.000-07:00

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

Day 46

2007-10-12T06:36:00.000-07:00

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

Days 44 and 45

2007-10-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

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.

Days 41 to 43 - Where did Kate go???

2007-09-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

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!

Days 39 and 40 - August 15

2007-08-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

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...

Days 37 and 38 - August 15

2007-08-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

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.

Days 34 to 36 - August 15

2007-08-16T11:50:00.000-07:00

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.

Days 31 to 33 - August 8

2007-08-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

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.

Days 28 to 29 - August 5

2007-08-08T16:49:00.000-07:00

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...

Days 24 to 27 - August 5

2007-08-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

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...

Day 27 - August 3

2007-08-08T14:07:00.000-07:00

Well, I didn't actually get around to making a book today, but I did play hostess for an evening of bookmaking and mah-jong. I was joined in my bookmaking adventures by my good friends: Lisa Beth, book artist; Annie, photographer; and Dindy, metal designer (sitting from left to right around the table).

I picked out a sewn-on-straps binding for the group to make. Lisa Beth zipped through her book and used some Japanese (or Chinese?) wasabi bean packaging for her straps. Dindy and Annie are new to bookmaking, but did a fantastic job with the whole thing. I forgot to take pics of their books, so forgive my forgetfulness. Dindy's book had covers with color copied images of a bright turquoise dress with embroidered flowers and small Day of the Dead trinkets. We discovered the toner used in laser color copying is not ideal for covers, as it tends to rub off during the process of weaving the straps through the cover. Annie used some neat paper with black shapes and used orange straps.

I did manage to punch my signatures with Lisa Beth's handy signature punch (what a time saver!). But, didn't get around to sewing it until Monday (see the next post).

Hopefully the bookmaking parties will continue. Perhaps with a stab (edge sewn) binding next...

Day 23 - July 30

2007-08-02T09:33:00.001-07:00

I have had these colorful business-card size envelopes hanging around since our wedding last year. We used them as a guest book; guests wrote messages on little cards and sealed them in the envelopes for us. It was terribly cute, but not many of the guests at the reception filled out the cards. So, we have lots of envelopes and paper cards remaining... Thus, this book.

I am behind a couple books, so today watch for the momentous half-way point - book 25, as well as two other structures...

Book 24: concertina spine with wrap-around cover
{paper} 'pages:' business-card size envelopes; cover: recycled box covered with scrapbooking paper; spine: translucent paper
{binding} pages sewn onto the spine at the mountain folds; covers glued

I neglected to consider the sewing and spine when constructing this cover. I would have worked better as a full wrap around that covered the spine. I wanted the book to feel like a bit of a portfolio of envelopes. And, I realized I forgot the trusty penny in the most recent days' photography. Apologies. I'll find another penny and make sure the next set have them.

Day 22 - July 29

2007-08-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

I decided to tackle another sewn binding. Didn't I say I was on a sewn-binding kick?! This time, sewn-on-straps is the flavor of the day. I decided to use some worsted-weight wool yarn for the binding to make the spine more decorative. The weight of the yarn expands the signatures, making the spine thicker than the signatures alone, creating an interesting effect. The straps are some origami paper (another stash!) I just uncovered while going through some of my boxes of supplies.

Book 23: sewn-on-straps
{paper} French Paper Co. Speckletone Frostone Tundra Text 70#; cover: recycled box ; straps: origami paper
{binding} sewn on straps with kettle stitch at head and tail with yarn

Day 21 - July 28

2007-08-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

I've been on a sewn-binding kick lately. These are the structures that most intimidated me, and I am finally beginning to feel comfortable with them. This coptic binding didn't turn out as graceful and precise as I would have liked, but for a first try it's not bad. I'm also getting better at creating covers (that are covered). I think the next challenge is to try a binding with pages that are reinforced on the spine and have a case with end sheets. I have done a sewn-on-tapes binding previously, so that prospect isn't daunting, but making a large book brings about fears of imprecise measuring and cutting... Slowly, though, I'm learning tricks as I read along and try things.

Book 22: coptic binding
{paper} text block: French Paper Co. Speckletone Frostone Tundra Text, 70# (finally I read the label and reported it!); cover: recycled box covered with a recycled bag from that big mermaid coffee company
{binding} a traditional coptic bind with black thread

I think one of the downfalls of this binding, for me, was that I ran out of the thicker cream thread (yes, thread!) that I had been using as binding thread. I gave my supply of linen binding thread to my mother, and haven't replaced it. I'm trying not to, but with 25 days left in this project, I just might have to break down and buy some.

Day 20 - July 27

2007-07-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

I wasn't feeling really inspired today and decided to use paper as inspiration. This structure is based on Smith's Non-Adhesive Bindings. I decided to use some scrap booking paper. For some reason, the kooky pink pages were calling to me. The patterns are schmaltzy, but I think the book turned out fine. Not the best, but not the worst...

Book 21: concertina spine with pleated double folios - 'pink petals'
{paper} scrap booking paper for the spine and interior pages; translucent paper for the outer pages
{binding} pages glued to the spine, with ribbon running through the spine to close or open the structure

This structure, when tied open, looks terribly floral. The floral pattern on the pages also adds to the motif. So, here you have a very pink, very feminine book.

Days 18 and 19 - July 26

2007-07-27T16:07:00.000-07:00

I didn't make a book on the 25th; I just wasn't 'feeling' the bookmaking. So, I put it off until Thursday and made two on the 26th. These two bindings are from Keith A. Smith's Non-Adhesive Binding.

Book 19: dos-a-dos-a-dos or the wedding cake book
{paper} translucent paper and cream text-weight paper
{binding} I used a modified butterfly (pamphlet) stitch to both sew the sections and bind them to the smaller sections

I saw this binding, and I thought that it would be appropriate to make the 'wedding cake book' look like a cake. With cream paper and ribbon contrasting the blue white of the translucent paper makes this book simply edible. Yum!

Book 20: french doors
{paper} text: cream text-weight; cover: origami paper
{binding} hinged case cover; signatures sewn to the end papers and glued in

The example in Smith's book didn't have a hinged case, but I thought that it would make a supportive cover. I added the pearl buttons in a sort of ad-hoc way. They aren't adhered as best they could, and as a result the buttons are a bit weak. I also learned, by making this book, that flat buttons work best for this type of closure. And so the learning continues...

Day 17 - July 24

2007-07-27T15:51:00.000-07:00

This binding is based on examples I spied in a borrowed copy of Shereen LaPlatntz's Cover to Cover. I am particularly happy with the use of color. The covers are printed blue with a varnish on the interior, and 4C process on the outside. The image of the fruit (peaches?) is borrowed from Owen Jones' A Grammar of Ornament. I have this small version - who doesn't love a tiny Grammar of Ornament?

Book 18: piano binding with concertina spine
{paper} pages: yellow text-weight paper; spine: translucent paper; covers: 4/2 color offset litho printed with a design of my creation
{binding} pages sewn to the peaks of the concertina spine; hinges cut and glued; bamboo skewer used for post

A few notes on my process

2007-07-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

Until this point I haven't truly taken a look at the way that I decide on a structure and materials, because, quite plainly, it isn't all that complex. I travel where my mind takes me. Influenced by the books I'm learning from, I browse the pages of the texts, looking at pictures and imagining how my materials might work in the form.

I keep a running inventory of the materials I have to work with, like I keep a mental inventory of the food in our fridge and cupboard. And, as I cook, check the mail, and rummage through boxes of 'stuff' stored away, I consider if any of the items I run across could be used for bookmaking. In fact, we made some sushi the other night and used the last of our little tin of wasabi powder. The tin is small and cute, with interesting Japanese/English packaging. I saved it, and I know it will be part of one of the books I make. I haven't decided on a form yet, so stay tuned. I'll come up with something. (The photo is of shrimp steaming for the sushi; great radial shape to the skewers!)

I addition to considering materials, I also think about the types of structures (accordion, edge-sewn, case bound, non-traditional) that I have made thus far. I'd like to avoid repeating more structures, because there are so many extant binding styles to explore, and many more that are yet to be created! To avoid forgetting, here is a list of books I'd like to try: a larger multiple-signature case-bound book; an altered book; a book with pop-ups; a book with non-adhesive bindings (e.g. fancy interlocking pages!); and... The materials, books, and discussions with friends and colleagues are all mixing together in my intellectual slow cooker. It's set to low, and simmering away! If you'd like to suggest a book structure, please do so! :)

Finally, a note on the abysmal photography on this blog. I have to admit that I never did read the directions for our little point-and-shoot digital camera. As a result, the images that I take of my own work (and my students) is generally piss-poor. I haven't quite figured out how to get the camera to color balance. As a result, some of the pics I shoot don't need any color correcting, and others need lots. To automate the image sizing and color balancing I've started using Adobe Photoshop's 'actions.' I've now got a '50 Books Resize' script recorded to automate the resizing, and have a couple color balancing scripts ready to help fix the images. However, the color outcomes are not nearly perfect (which bothers me!), and the color is pretty awful. I'm hoping that at the end of this project I can devote some time to shooting the books with a black background to help color balance the images.

Day 16 - July 23

2007-07-23T14:09:00.000-07:00

I spied today’s binding in Books, Boxes, & Wraps yesterday. I thought the style seemed interesting, as well as easier than a case binding. However, getting the measurements just right (never a strong skill of mine!) proved harder than expected. Also, making the text block, which measures 3/8ths inch, was rather difficult. This is the largest block I’ve made yet, and punching the holes for the binding with my small awl was hard. I think I need a new, construction grade awl. That’s one new tool for the wish list!

In retrospect, I think a modified hinged case that would tuck like a matchbook cover would be ideal. It would take some very precise measuring, but the cover would be thicker and feel more durable.

Book 17: sewn binding with one-piece match book cover

{paper} text block: cream paper; cover: silk screened print
{binding} edge sewn

Day 15 - July 22

2007-07-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

Today I made up all of my lost ground. I tried some new structures, and got a little crazy. Take a look.

Book 13: tortoise shell edge sewn binding
{paper} book block: cream text weight paper; cover: handmade paper (a gift from my sister) and Japanese paper
{binding} sewn using directions from Books, Boxes, & Wraps by Marilyn Webberley and JoAn Forsyth

The cover used on this binding was a very thoughtful gift from my sister about, um, 4 years ago! I have been moving around the about five sheets of paper for years, trying to figure out how to use them. Today they finally found a purpose! The red stamp was made by the paper maker, and I decided to use it as a focal point on the cover, off-setting the ink with the red binding thread.

Book 14: Japanese ledger book
{paper} text block: circles of origami paper encased in plastic sleeves (for selling cards, I believe); covers: packaging covered on one side with origami paper
{binding} sewn using Webberley and Forsyth’s directions

I got a bit crazy here. I had a package of plastic sleeves and have wanted to use it. I found these circles of paper leftover from another project and decided using the two together was kismet. The only snafu I hit, was that after I found the book I realized that I had sewn the closed ends together, not the open edges, as I had wanted. Oh well. Now I can mix the origami circles or change out the content… Maybe I’ll change the edges sometime later and sew them up.

Book 15: scroll
{paper} silkscreen print cannibalized, trimmed, and glued to make a long, thin single sheet
{binding} glued to a ribbon spool; ribbon remnant used to hold the scroll closed

As I worked on the Japanese ledger book I used the last of a spool of think, cream ribbon. I thought, this is the perfect opportunity to make a scroll book! I adhered origami paper to the two sides of the spool, cut the ‘page,’ glued it together, attached it to the spool, and sought about figuring out how to ‘close’ the structure. Some leftover beads, the hole puncher, and some ribbon later, ta-da!

Book 16: pleat accordion
{paper} text pages: origami paper; cover: packaging covered with self-adhesive craft foam
{binding} origami paper folded into an accordion; pages glued in

This little book was fun and easy. I was deciding which paper to use for the covers, and remembered that I had a stash of self-adhesive craft foam and felt. These materials were remnants from my job search. I don’t know what came over me when I was putting my application materials together. For some unknown reason foam and felt seemed appropriate when I was at the craft store. Hmmm. I think it’s best that I didn’t end up using them. This use is much, much better.

Day 14 - July 21

2007-07-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

I have always been a bit afraid of case-bound book structures, mostly because I have never tried them. And, I should add, that I saw my friend Craig’s amazing case binding and was totally intimidated. His attention to craft and detail are impeccable, and something that I can aspire to. However, I know that sort of skill and thoughtfulness are very hard for me to achieve. So, I decided to start small…

Book 12: miniature multi-section (signature) case binding
{paper} signatures: cream text-weight paper; covers: cover board is old packaging covered with origami paper; end sheets are origami paper
{binding} sewn according to the fantastic directions in Making Books By Hand by Peter and Dana Thomas.

Using the great directions of the Thomas’, I used library corners when covering the case. I did get the spine a bit too big (by about 1/8th inch I think), but for a first try, it’s awfully cute. That’s the nice think about working small: you’ve got the ‘cute factor’ in your favor.
I should also mention that I am including the penny in my photos to provide a sense of scale. My ratty cutting mat should help do that, as well.

Days 12 and 13 - July 20

2007-07-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

Thursday was a fine day. It was surprisingly busy, in particularly because our modem died. This is the THIRD modem from our local phone (DSL) service. The skinny on the situation is that whenever there is a thunderstorm the generation of modem that we have dies. The manufacturer received bad parts that make it generally a piece of crap. So, right now, no wi-fi signal. If I do manage to get this posted Sunday eve it will be a miracle, but we’ll see… In terms of bookmaking, I did manage to squeak out two books, not falling any more behind. Here they are.

Book 10: 'leaf' edge sewn binding
{paper} text block: French Paper Co. text-weight yellow paper; cover: translucent paper
{binding} sewn in a variation of traditional edge sewn bindings that looks a bit like a leaf

I saw an example of an edge sewn binding somewhere recently that was made in a similar patter but sewn with pipe cleaners. This example was really intriguing because of the sewing materials, and because the designer used interesting binding to page size proportions. The binding occupied more than half of the overall width of the book, leaving a relatively small page size. The result of this inspiration is this book. The front binding looks good, but back is a bit messier. The next time, it will improve.

Book 11: junk mail pamphlet
{paper} junk mail from a credit card offer
{binding} basic butterfly stitch for a pamphlet

This book felt like a bit of a cheat, because I have used this binding before. I got the idea for the junk-mail pamphlet after going through our daily selection of direct-mail credit offers. This was the only offer to avoid the paper shredder. Simply trimming the entire envelope yielded an easy little pamphlet. The interplay of text and credit card logos is sort of fun on the interior.

Days 6 to 11 - July 18

2007-07-23T13:15:00.000-07:00

[in the voice of Joe Peschi from Die Hard] Okay, okay, okay… On Friday, July 13th, I traveled up to Alexandria, Virginia, to visit my father and his wife. I had the best intentions for making books the entire time we were visiting. However, I managed to whittle away the weekend watching the Orioles play in Camden Yard, visiting the Corcoran for an amazing exhibition on Modernism, and eating way too much yummy food and pie. We returned on Tuesday 17th, and I didn’t get back into a ‘book making way’ until Wednesday the 18th. On the 18th I made up a bit of ground, making the three following books.

book 7: long stitch binding (modernism)
{paper} text block and covers: two cannibalized brochures from the V&A’s and The Corcoran’s exhibition, Modernism; covers: also used black creased scrap booking paper
{binding} sewn with assistance from Books, Boxes, & Wraps by Marilyn Webberley and JoAn Forsyth. I have to admit that the basic idea of the book is understandable, however the instruction were a bit opaque. Through some trial and error I arrived at this final product. The idea to use the brochure (the size of the book is the width of the brochure, and 1/3rd the height) came when I realized that it would make easy miniature signatures. And, this small book makes an interesting little memento of my visit to the exhibition. The cropped copy and images from the brochure document some of the best work of the early 20th century. What better content could there be?!

book 8: isosceles triangle accordion
{paper} trimmed silk-screened print
{binding} accordion fold with ribbon and beads for a closure

This binding came about as a quick and dirty book to make. The ribbon and bead were a happy accident. The paper wouldn’t stay closed, and I thought the ribbon and bead would be a good way to provide some tension to keep the structure shut.

book 9: sewn dots
{paper} black creased scrap booking paper
{binding} red thread

I had this idea for a book after using the hole punch for one of the earlier books. I thought that attaching the dots along a thread could provide an interesting contrast form and size. I also wanted to explore a non-traditional structure. The result is this strange hanging ‘book.’

Day 5 - July 12

2007-07-12T18:51:00.000-07:00

Today was a double book day. I don't think, however, that I'll forget again. Part of the purpose of this exercise is to create good habits, as well as to explore repetition as design/artistic process. So, if I routinely forget, then all is lost. But, fear not. Today's book is here.

book 6: accordion book with pockets and wrap-around cover
{paper} cover weight duplex sheet/tan on one side, dark brown on the other
{binding} folded from a single sheet

I had this box of sale hang tags and had the idea to use them as hanging attachments to put in the pockets. The hole punched on the outside of the wrap around cover highlights the two-tone paper and serves as a means for attaching the tags. Hmmm. This structure begs for content, perhaps later.

Day 4 - July 11

2007-07-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

DOH! I rolled over this morning and remembered that I forgot to make my book yesterday! I think it was a combination of a weird sleeping schedule and hitting the elliptical at the gym two days in a row that did me in. Regardless, I am now all caught up...

So, I made this structure on July 12th, but am counting it as book 5.

book 5: single signature book with pleated spine and decorative beads
{paper} text block: text-weight cream paper; fly papers: handmade cream paper; cover: silkscreen print
{binding} butterfly stitch sewn signature; butterfly stitch on the covers for the added beads

This binding was challenging, but fun to make. The instructions I had were a bit off with the measurements, but I worked it out. The silkscreened image on the cover is of a door. I created a series of silkscreen prints in high school, and this is one of them. I just found them in my closet and decided they needed to be re-purposed. Clearly, however, the book needs to be pressed. The signature wasn't pressed, and the prints were rolled up. I'll press them now...

Day 3 - July 10

2007-07-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

Today I went off to a ceramics class and then came home to make my daily book. I am heading out to the airport at midnight to pick up a friend (our airport is 1.25 hours away), so I had plenty of time to explore forms and make a structure that was entirely new to me. Yesterday's book was familiar, even if my last use of that structure was with balsa wood and linen hinging tape, not a single sheet of paper. Here's today's book:

book four: nested accordion pop-up-fold book
{paper} canary yellow cover-weight (remnant from wedding invitations); muffin package cover; remnant Japanese origami paper
{binding} folding, plus some glue to adhere the nested accordion and covers

I think this lil' guy turned out quite nicely. Pop-ups are an interesting form, and a quite difficult one, too. This book is a good entry into the format, however. Color/paper choices were kismet; wanted to use the canary yellow and remembered that I had the extra strip of origami paper. My pack-rat tendencies are paying off!

Day 2 - July 9

2007-07-10T19:05:00.000-07:00

Day two came and went, but I did (I swear!) make a book. It was a rather lame book, but a book still.

book three: boustrophedon accordion book
{paper} text-weight cream paper

Made quickly with scissors, sans ruler, this little booklet is done. Honestly, I chose the style because it was easy.

Day 1 - July 8

2007-07-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

I am the queen of procrastination. I wait until the last minute, work diligently to get things done, then call it good. The idea for 50 books/50 days came during the Spring 2007 semester. I was eager to start but overwhelmed by the planning I thought needed to be done before I began. I was also in the throws of my second semester as a tenure-track prof, and was up to my eyes in all kinds of fun ivory tower stuff. The summer, I told myself, would be the ideal time to start and finish 50 books...

The summer is quickly slipping away, and I had not yet started my book project. And as usually happens, when I get busy with other things in my life I get more productive. I had been away from home helping my little brother and his wife move from Charlottesville, VA, to Gainesville, FL. Then, my mother and her husband and my lil sis stopped by in the 35-foot catamaran during their first year of the 'crusing lifestyle.' (Mom and hubby are retired - lil sis is taking the chance to rethink things.)

I'm busy now. And, as my friend Heather says, I'm getting my 'poop in a group.' I've got items on my calendar, and now books to make.

Since my mother is trained as an architect and an artist in her spare time, I took the weekend to get my supplies together and start talking about books, and finally just simply make one (well, two!).

So, here are the specs on the books.

Book one: post binding with a cover

{paper} text block: remnants from my wedding invitations (yellow paper with color laser printed color bars)/cover: box from muffin packaging
{binding} remnant post; paper punctured with hold punch

Book two: three signature, exposed chain-sewn binding with covers

{paper} text block: left-over cream colored paper from my job search; remnants from wedding invitations (see above)/ cover: box from muffin packaging
{binding} sewn with linen binding thread

Today was a good start. Inspired by conversations with my mother and her work I created two tiny books, neither of which structures, or sizes, I'd made before. My mother works on her book, surrounded by materials. Orange kitty ChaChi has taken on the title 'book kitty.' Notice the two tiny books in the lower left corner; the book with the red/pink yarn is by mom, the books with the white ribbon, by me.

introduction

2007-07-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

Fifty books/50 days is project in creativity, book design, and artistic production. It is inspired by the AIGA's 50 books/50 cover awards (and subsequent show). I am a novice book artist, a tenure-track graphic design educator, and a design research. Book arts comprise the creative discovery aspect of my work in the School of Art and Design, at East Carolina University, where I teach.

I have deep love and passion for the book, from highly-refined, beautifully-designed books that are mass manufactured and involve hordes of editors, designers, and pressmen, to those books that are made lovingly by hand by a singular artist. As one interested in the form of the book but yet inexperienced in creating many structures, I decided that I needed to focus intently on simply creating and generating work. The result is 50 books/50 days.

This is my plan: to create one book a day for 50 consecutive days. I will focus on exploring structure rather than content. All books will be created using existing materials and found objects. I will not buy any new materials for the project. Each day I will document my work via photography, and this blog will serve as a chronicle of my experiences.

I had originally intended to perhaps explore 5 structures 10 ways, or 10 structures 5 ways, or some such form, but as I began to surf through my books on book making, I discovered that there were easily at least 50 structures that I had not explored, or were worthy of a day or two of work.

And so, let the project begin.