It was an eco dye playday yesterday with friend, Sandy. Inspired by India Flint’s Eco Colour. We used dried and fresh vegetation—huge surprise that the dried leaves left so much color. We used Stonehenge printmaking paper and Watercolor paper with leaves packed in between sheets. The sandwiches were bound together then boiled for 1.5 hours in a solution of alum and fireplace ash solution. The blue shade comes from a blueberry! We’re ready to try other solutions for boiling!
One of the reasons I haven’t taken up quilting is because of the size of the fabric stash I’ve seen in quilters’ closets. I’m creating a smaller version of The Stash using fat quarters. I learned to make my own book cloth using a method from a Tim Ely workshop. He uses bond paper (thin and strong), wheat paste (I use 1 TBS precooked wheat starch with 4.5 TBS distilled water) and fabric. This method is so easy, so neat, requires no PVA, no crumpled paper support, and the paste permeates the fabric to provide some protection. Since the wheat starch is already cooked, this can be done on the spur of the moment and you can make as small a batch as needed (Just keep the 1:4.5 ratio)
I have two people and two books in mind for this book cloth. Let’s see what kind of book structures I devise!
This Book Is a Star!
This spectacular book, when closed, looks like any other book. But when it is opened, the pages pop out and form a star. This book will have board covers and will be sewn using double needles (beading optional). The double-page spread lends itself to artwork or photos. Variations will contain tunnels or pockets. The basic skills of gluing, folding, measuring and cutting, and long-stitch sewing will be covered. Appropriate for all levels.
Basic tool kit needed: bone folder, sharp pencil, metal ruler, cutting mat, glue stick, sharp scissors, small cutting knife, awl, double-stick tape.
Materials needed: Cardstock – 4 sheets each of colors A, B and C (solid colors); 7 sheets of color D (solid or printed); 2 sheets of pliable, decorative paper; beads for spine decoration; 1.5 yards of linen thread or cotton perle embroidery floss; 24 inches of ribbon.
date ………. Tues. & Thurs., Feb. 4-6
time ………. 1-5 p.m.
fee ………. Members $45/nonmembers $70 (27726)
place ………. Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center, Eureka
instr ………. Michele Olsen
Stab Binding: Side Bound Book
Stab bindings are formal bindings developed over hundreds of years in Japan, Korea and China. There were variations in the number of holes used, as well as the sewing pattern. Stab-bound books lend themselves to journals, scrapbooks, guest books, and gift books.
Basic tool kit needed: bone folder, sharp pencil, metal ruler, cutting mat, glue stick, sharp scissors, small cutting knife, awl, double-stick tape.
Materials needed: 15 sheets of text-weight paper (i.e. colored copier paper); one sheet strong, pliable cover paper (at least 15” x 15”); lightweight decorative paper (at least 8 1/2” x 11”); several yards sewing material (linen thread, embroidery floss, string, raffia, or ribbon will work) and needle to accommodate choice.
date ………. Thurs., May 1
time ………. 1-4 p.m.
fee ………. Members $55/nonmembers $80 (27727)
place ………. Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center, Eureka
instr ………. Michele Olsen
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