Dark Wooden book

Welcome Back

In today’s post, as part of the Adventurs in Acrylics workshop, I’d like to share a book I recently made. I decorated the cover using a painting technique that I’ll show you how to create, in a video tutorial on friday. This book features Coptic stitch binding, one of my favorites as the book lies flat when its open, handy for taking notes.  I can’t believe its been so long since I made a book. Between crocked back and whiplash, it seems to have been forever!

Coptic stitched handmade book, with dark wood effect covers

Hope you like the book, I’m pleased with how it turned out. There’s a bookbinding tab at the top of the blog, if you want to learn more about bookbinding or find out where to get bookbinding supplies from. Check out the tutorials tab, or the grab button in the sidebar for more information about the online workshop series, Adventures in Acrylics.

The closure on the book features Billie’s Book ties that I shared a video for recently. I added bead spacers in place of actual beads, as they were such a nice brass colour, they went well will the books colouring. If you would like to see how to make the ties, check out the video Billie’s Book Ties.

Its been  very tricky to get a photo of this book, in real life there are so many beautiful tones of colour in it, but the weather has been so dark, getting them to show up on camera, hasn’t been easy. Check out the video tutorial on friday, as that was recorded on a brighter day

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon

Billie

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Tutorial; Billie’s Book Ties

Welcome Back

In today’s post a great little tutorial for making Book ties. I’ve been making these for years and they are really handy. You can use them for book marks, for holding your pages down while you sketch outdoors and make them as functional or fancy as you like. Great for last-minute gifts too.

Billie's Book Ties

You Will Need

• Sketch book or whatever style and size of book you want to use your book tie with
• Cotton cord or flat shoe lace. I found UN Waxed cord or lace gave a better hold. The waxed ones seem to slip to easily.
• Beads if you wish to add decoration for a more elaborate design
• PVA glue if using cord instead of shoe laces
• Scissors

Method

This is definitely one of those tutorials best done on film! Trust me these are super easy to do, and really quick to make as well.

Options/Added Extras

Depending on the cord style you use, how about adding some more decorative beads to use the book ties as book marks and page holders.

Try them using flat shoe laces for your art journals, they are great for keeping your place, or keeping your book closed too.

Links

Shoe laces are widely available on the high street

Cotton cord I bought from Sanctuary Beads on Ebay 

This tutorial was meant to go up last week, but You Tube put the original soundtrack back on after I dumped it. All you could hear were the budgies and DH clucnking around Have to re upload it and then it takes 36 hours to ‘settle’ to quality in You Tube Hope I can resolve this or the online class is in jeopordy!

Best wishes and thanks for reading see you soon

Billie

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Handmade Sketch book

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In today’s post  I want to share a close up of the handmade sketch book I made a while ago.

My handbound Travelling sketchbook

The binding style is longstich, as it opens flat. The cover is leather, which came from Ebay You’ll remember the story, where I discovered just how BIG whole hides are!!! I’m such a townie, didn’t think it would be THAT big hehe. I’ve named her (the hide) Daisy and she lives in the studio. {Is that weird?…Little bit!}

Longstitch binding style

For the signatures, I’ve used half cartridge paper and the other half is watercolour paper, this way whatever style of sketch I want to do is possible. The book is A6, which is a nice size to put in your bag and not too heavy. For extra stability, I’ve got a piece of matboard loose in there, between the signatures.

Contents of hand bound sketchbook, the advantage of binding yourself is you can choose the paper, and even have multiple kinds in one book.

When you bind your own sketchbook, you can select the kinds of paper you want to use. It would be difficult to find a commercially made book which had different kinds of paper half way through wouldn’t it. This way I only need to carry one book not two

Best wishes

Billie

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Ask Billie

Welcome Back

In today’s post I’d like to give you the chance to ask me your crafting questions. Struggling with a particular product or material? Like to know more about a particular technique?

I have been crafting seriously for about eight years. The type of crafts I have most experience in are paper crafts, which you probably guessed, by the subjects I tend to write about. If I can’t answer your question in person, I hope to be able to point you to a website that may have the answers.

It’s your turn, ask away and I’ll try and help you.

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon

Billie

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Tutorial: Choosing Paper/Card for your Art Journal

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There are plenty of online classes for art journalling and lots of You Tube videos about art journalling, but I couldn’t find any to help me choose a journal design. With this tutorial rather than point you at a journal design that I like, I wanted to give you the information that will help you make your own choice, based on the kind of journalling you do.

In this way you get a journal that will work for you, rather than be a chore to use and perhaps put you off journalling altogether.

What do you want to use on your page?

If you use dry media; like pencils and only limited ink, just to write your journal, then lighter cardstocks like Cartridge papers may well be suitable for your journal pages. On the other hand if you like to layer on lots of inks, paints, glues and glazes, then a heaver weight card would be best. Try out a variety of watercolour cardstocks as these will take all kinds of media.

How do I find out what card is suitable for my needs?

Theres no quick answer to this, it is a matter of experimentation. Art shops often sell individual sheets of cardstock and papers and this is an excellent way to try a good variety of surfaces, with the materials you wish to use on it. One tip though, if you are buying a selection, do make a note of what card is what on it, before your leave the store. That way if you find a favorite, you will know which one it was

What kind of journal to buy?

When you have decided on which surface you like, you can then choose the kind of journal you wish you use. Watercolour papers are often available as pre bound books, either sewn or ring bound. It is a matter of personal taste and what suits your style of journalling. I have experimented with bound books, spiral bound books and loose sheets. These are a good way to go if you want to start journalling right away and don’t have the tools or time to create a journal from scratch yourself.

Sewn bindings

If you like stamping on to your pages, the sewn bindings can be great as you can get right to the inside edges of the page. The disadvantage of this kind of book is that if you like lots of bulky layers or dimension to your pages, then the pages will quickly get too bulky for the spine of the book and it won’t close properly.

Sprial or ring bound books

Spiral bound books are great if you like dimension on your pages. There is a lot more scope for the pages to increase in bulk with this kind of binding. The disadvantage is that if you like stamping in your journal, then personally I found the wire binding in the way and restrictive in where on the page I could stamp, without bumping into the binding. If you aren’t needing to stamp to the inside edges of the pages, then these kinds of journals are great.

Loose pages

If you are new to journalling and want the option of ditching a page to start over if it goes wrong, then this is a great way to go. I know there are going to be purists that hate me for saying that but you know what, lifes too short. You do learn as much from a page that goes horribly wrong, than one that works, but you don’t always want it there looking at you

I found using loose sheets, that I punch for binding later, a great work around for the issue of stamping to the edges of pages. I can chop and change papers during the book if I am using different media and stamp where ever I like. For me this is the way I’ll be journalling for a while, at least till my confidence improves. Its not for everyone but for newbies like me, its a great way to find your feet and have the freedom to change your cardstocks as you experiment, while finding your own style.

Making your own journal

The advantage of binding your own journal, is you can tailor it to the size, shape and binding style that suits you. It can be as simple or involved a bind as you like, depending on the tools you have to hand.

If you like your pages joined, more like that of a traditional book, I’d recommend going with a Long stitch binding style. You still have the option of pages right next to each other for double page spreads, but the bind is also good for allowing for extra bulk that layering would create.

 Spine detail showing the longstich binding

 

Inside the book

Coptic stitiching is another great binding style to use, as like longstictch, it allows the book to open completely flat. Coptic stitching won’t easily accommodate as many layers as longstitch, but if your journaling stlye isn’t heavy on bulky layers then it is ideal.

Spine detail of Coptic stitched book covers are alcohol ink onto gold mirror board

Another binding style that may be useful, is by using pre made wires. Either using binder rings or by pre punching your pages and binding them at the end. Both these style of books will give the option of single pages and allow for additional bulk as your journal grows. Binding at the end will allow you to create right up to the edges of the pages, without bumping into the binding wires

 BIA Calendar Tutorial

Later in the year, once the brighter weather returns, I hope to make a video tutorial of how to create your own  art journal. Until then check out different cardstocks till you find one you like so you are ready to get binding.

Bear in mind that I am still new to art journalling, but if you have questions, I’d be happy to try and help you out. Just leave me a comment

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon

Billie

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Tutorial: Quick and Easy Calendar

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Wanting to use some of your favorite papers or new Papercraft CDs for a quick n simple project? Didn’t get a diary for Christmas and wanting something a bit more original than the run of the mill, high street options? Read on

I’ve been wanting to do this tutorial for months but Microsoft have only just published this template. Did you know that Microsoft have loads of really useful templates that you can download and print? I found some great calendars on there a couple of years ago.

BIA Calendar Tutorial

You Will Need

Tools & Materials for BIA Calendar Project

• Microsoft Word 2007 or later
• A Calendar template, I’m using 2011 Cal Blue Border 3pg
• 3 sheets of card stock
• A4 sheet of decorative paper
• A5 sheet of co-ordinating paper
• 2 pieces of  mount board 10 cm x 14.8 cm
• Glue stick
• Steel Ruler and Craft knife
• Hole punch and binder rings OR Bind It All and wire.
• Cutting Mat

Method

• Print off the calendar template onto the three sheets of card stock.
• Cut the printed sheets in half so that the two months next to each other stay joined.
• Score the card in half down the short sides. If you wish you can glue the pages together but they will stay together once bound.

BIA Calendar; Inside Pages

• Place the printed cardstock into the BIA and punch holes in the blank area next to the named month.

For the Covers

BIA Calendar; Inside of Covers

• Take your sheet of A4 decorative paper and cut it in half to A5. Cover each sheet of mat board with a piece of decoartive paper and glue in place using the glue stick. Give a wider fold in of card on one edge, where you will be punching the holes to join the book together.
• Once the glue has thoroughly dried, punch the short side of the mat board using the BIA.
• Cut the A5 cardstock into two pieces measuring; 12 cm x 8 cm. (End Papers)
• Glue one piece of co-ordinating cardstock to the uncovered side of the mount board. Align to the un-punched end, leaving a 1cm gap on three sides. This will leave a 1 cm gap before the punched holes.

Assembly

BIA Users

• Hold the two covers in your hands as if they were already on the book. Now turn the front cover around to the back (as if you were folding it back to read).
• Place the covers onto the O wires
• Stack you calendar pages in the order you wish to view them and place them on top of the covers, on the O wires.
• Set your BIA machine to match the guage of O wire used, and then place your calendar o wire down into the BIA.
• Place the open ‘feet’ of the o wire toward the bottom of the machine, and press the BIA handle to close the wires.

**New users check out this video tutorials on You Tube **

New to the Bind It All? Have I confused you with the written instructions. Check out this video by mrspaturzo

• Perfect O wires

Crop A Dilers

• Your best tool for punching holes in mat board and chip board is definately the Crop A Dile.
• Set the depth of bite to 1/4″. The size of hole you cut will depend on the thickness of your binder rings.
• For a three hole book, mark the centre of the short side and punch your first hole there.
• Mark the centre of the short side between the last hole and the edge of the board and punch at the top.
• Repeat this for the lower hole.

Optional Extras

For a Ribbon Closure

BIA Calendar Tutorial

Tie a length of ribbon around all the pages and the front cover. Glue the centre point of the ribbon underneath the co-ordinating lining paper. Once the glue has dried close your book and use the ribbon to hold the book closed.

Belly Band

Not a pretty name but it can be a pretty result.

• Cut a piece of card stock to the desired with and long enough to wrap around your book and overlap itself.
• Use decorative scissors or punches for pretty edges.
• Wrap the band gently around the short edges of the book. Lightly pressing the edges, remove the band from the book and use a bone folder to reinforce the scored edges.
• Allow a half to 1″ over lap and trim off access length of card. Place the band back on the book loosely and glue the ends of the band together. This can be slid off the calendar to open the it or put back on with the calendar set to the current month, to hold the calendar open to the right place.

Embellish the covers with images and text to suit your project. I’ve left mine plain, as I especially liked the paper and it was going to get a lot of use and I didn’t want it to get bulky. I hope you have enjoyed this project and will give it a go. It would be lovely to see your results.

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon

Billie

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Tutorial: Book Weight

Welcome Back  

In today’s post, a tutorial to create a book weight. Book weights are handy for bookbinding when you want to put pages under a little weight but without using a full on press. They are also VERY useful if you have limited dexterity like me, for holding open books. They weigh down the pages so you don’t have to hold them open yourself.  

Decorated Book Weight

You Will Need

Items needed for Book Weight project

• Fabric 13 x 18″, choose fabric with a pile such as velvet or suede finish
• Pinking Shears
• Thread to co ordinate with your fabric
• Bag of lentils (or similar)
• Sewing machine (optional) You can hand sew this project if you prefer.
• Hand sewing needle
• Pins
• Tape Measure
• Sewing machine (you can hand sew the project if you prefer)

Method

• Cut your fabric to size using the pinking shears. Sew a line all around the fabric 2/8″ in, all around the fabric. This is to reduce fraying.
• Fold the fabric in half with the right sides together, short side to short side. Pin in place.

Book Weight - Shows sewing around edges

• Sew around one short side, one long side and 1 .1/2 ” along the remaining short side. Leave a gap (for turning the piece the right way out). Sew 1. 1/2″ after the gap to the edge of the fabric.

Inner row of stitching is through both layer of fabric. Note the gap!

• Trim away the corners of the fabric to reduce bulk and then iron the piece flat.
• Turn the piece right side out
• Fill your Book Weight using Lentils or similar.

 

Filling the Book Weight with lentils.

• Turn in the raw edges around the open gap, and then hand sew the gap closed.

Your project now looks like this  

Finished Book Weight

If you are using your book weight for bookbinding, to hold signatures flat before binding for example. Then it is best to leave the weight un-embellished. To prevent the possibility of the embellishment leaving an indent in your pages.  

Optional Extra’s

If you wish you can embellish your finished book weight using ribbon and paper/fabric flowers. This would make a charming gift for someone with dexterity problems as it can be painful and difficult to hold books open for long periods of time.  

Decorated Book Weight

Modify the size of your fabric for a smaller or larger book weight. You could also use these as paper weights. Make in dark fabrics for a desk accessory for the man in your life   

This project is really quick to make, it took me just under an hour and that’s with me fumbling with a new machine pro’s with their machine would make this much quicker Great for original gifts for friends and relatives. I’d love to see your results if you have a go with this project.  

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon  

Billie

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