Category Archives: Book arts

Blank books for children

Posted on November 17, 2009 by

With the holidays fast approaching and a sluggish economy, you may be looking for create gift ideas that are easy on your pocketbook. Blank books are great gifts for children, even those who don’t usually enjoy books or even read yet. With a little imagination you can take a blank book and make it a one-of-a-kind gift the child in your life will treasure. Make it into an alphabet book they can fill with words … read on, my friend…

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Bookbinders tickets

Posted on September 9, 2009 by

There was a fascinating discussion on the bookarts listserv about something called a bookbinders ticket. It’s a small paper glued into the back of the book with the binder’s unique mark and it tells you about the binder and when it was made. They’ve been around for  about 400 years and give a offer a history of bookbinding. I do not make tickets but I do have a little round rubber stamp that I use … read on, my friend…

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Slow Books

Posted on August 17, 2009 by

Okay I am really excited about this project. I wanted to give away a copy of Keith Smith‘s Volume 1: Books Without Paste or Glue, and not in just a number drawing. I wanted to do something more, I don’t know, spectacular. Then Leslie Herger of Comfortable Shoes Studio gave me an idea (so if you don’t like it, you know who to bother). The contest is… an essay contest! Yep, you write a little … read on, my friend…

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Recession-proof your artistic income

Posted on August 8, 2009 by

Who wouldn’t love to not just eek out a living, but really thrive as an artist, even in a down economy? One of the best ways to do that is by creating multiple streams of income from your work. Laura Bray of Katydid Designs is offering an online course to help you do just that. Here’s what she’s covering (as she describes it): In this course, you will: * Learn that creating multiple streams of … read on, my friend…

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Things are all abuzz

Posted on July 6, 2009 by

There are several things going on around here, artistically speaking. (I have a husband and 4 kids that we homeschool, so we are always busy!) One thing is a chunky book swap I am hosting. The theme is “A little birdie told me,” and it’s turning out awesome. The pages are 3X3 and there has to be a bird or wings on the page somewhere. The quote doesn’t have to be about birds, but many … read on, my friend…

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Which came first: the content or the concept?

Posted on May 24, 2009 by

In Keith Smith’s tome Non Adhesive Binding: Books Without Paste or Glue (volume 1), he discusses the relationship between idea, construction and content. This is like the holy trinity of artist books–the conceptual, the physical and the visual. They can come in any order and they are dependent upon one another. Mr. Smith believes that they are intimately connected, but binding serves content, even if the binding choice comes before the content is actually created. … read on, my friend…

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Measurable goodness winner!

Posted on April 30, 2009 by

I had lots of entries for my little giveaway and was so excited to see such exuberance for these humble brass rules. I really do wish I had a set for each of you. It was so much fun that have already decided I will have another giveaway soon–maybe paper. Or a handmade book. Or a kit. The winner is… (cue cheesy drum roll) ALEXA! Congrats girl! Get in touch with your snail mail address … read on, my friend…

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In art, bigger really is better

Posted on April 23, 2009 by

These days in the art community there is a wonderful movement that strives to get back to handcrafted, placing a premium on pieces that are brimming with the artist’s personality. I agree, I much prefer the one-of-a-kind over the mass produced. I prefer smaller pieces that are well done over larger pieces that lack detail. That said, there are some things about your art that are better bigger. Bigger Dreams. Goal setting is important, but … read on, my friend…

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Measurable goodness giveaway

Posted on April 23, 2009 by

I am so geeky about all my bookbinding tools. I love my almond-scented Italian glue, my wooden bone folder, my Japanese punch. They inspire me every time I pick them up. One tool I often reach for is my set of brass rules. They make measuring super simple, because I don’t often plan ahead and have to do things one-handed. They are incremental and super handy for all sorts of things, from books to boxes … read on, my friend…

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You can judge a book by its cover

Posted on March 31, 2009 by

The cover of a book, especially an antique, determines its value. A great volume with an intact spine and flyleaves is sought-after by collectors the world over. When you make a book, keep in mind that the cover is not an afterthought. It is not simply a holder for the title or something to keep the pages inside from getting ruined. Yes it is all that too but it’s more. It’s like the front door. … read on, my friend…

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