Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Book making addiction strikes again . . .

. . . after seeing one of the Design Matters TV workshops showing how to stitch up a book using
 
tapes across the spine.  I have made books before but not for a long time, and didn't get to try this method then.  So I looked in my books drawer and found signatures and cover boards left unused from previously, hunted out some ribbons and got cracking. I used to think it would be rather difficult using tapes, but actually, once you get a couple of signatures stitched together and no longer feel you need 2 more hands, it all goes very smoothly.  Two of these 3 books are not done with tapes, but one has the signatures stitched together with a chain line top and bottom and long stitches in the middle.  These were then woven together using up the long end of thread.
The next has one chain and 3 groups of long stitches which were linked together to produce something that looks like herringbone.  Both these books have a place marker made by twisting the leftover ends of thread together and adding beads.
These three have ribbons stitched across and the stitches linked to each other.  And in two the ribbons have also been used to tie the book




As I only had these rather glitzy ribbons I've bought some plain white tape now and painted some of it, so that should be interesting.  It gives a bit more scope.  I also want to try using strips of fabric, and thick cord.  I'd also like to start using fabric on the book boards but am not sure how to fix it.  Is there anyone out there who can advise on a good sort of glue to use with fabric?  A brand available in the UK preferably.

8 comments:

katiejayinpa said...

These are wonderful and intriquing.You are so talented.
kaethejean

Unknown said...

Your books are so pretty! I love making little books and altered books.

Bhavna said...

I never knew, people are so creative ...I just buy books from the shop and scribble...but now I will look in to any book in a different way...awesome blog

Mandy said...

Barbara,
I have awarded you a Sunshine Award for your truly inspiring textile work. I so enjoy looking to see what you are busy making and always learn so much from your posts.
You will find details about the award on my Blog:
www.crazydaisytime.blogspot.com
These can be found in the entry dated 6th February and also the previous post.

Mihaela said...

Beautiful! I like to reed and I like also to embroider.

Victoria said...

these are beautifull
wow..love your blog
thanks..its really inpiring to know these things can make such great presents :)
thanks again
x
ps: keep up the good work..happy blogging

Anonymous said...

What beautiful books. Each one seems to have it's own character.

Judy Martin said...

Very interesting post about tapes and signatures, and your books are fantastic.