Book Arts: Finished Projects

In my book arts class we have learned about seven different styles of constructing books from accordion style to softcover to linen tape hard bound (western bound). The western bound book is technique from the 16th century. In addition to mastering the actual technique of constructing the book we have to have a solid concept for the inside of the book. As my professor says, "This isn't a class about making cute little journals that you can give away as gifts. This is a university and there must be thought and concept in the construction..." It's a very challenging class on many levels, but the skills I'm learning are incredibly valuable and most people don't know how to make books.

One of my altered books. I set out to soak the hardbound book and then let it dry, but the whole book fell apart and I had to rethink my project. So I took the pages and folded them into triangles and then sewed them with red string to the spine of the book. I used the spin of the book as my base because it had such a great texture from the glue and end tape still attached.

This photo reveals what book I used for the above book! Hence why I chose red thread to tie it together.

My first linen tape hard bound book. It's a bit wonky in some parts, but I'm pretty proud of it. It was my practice book so it is pretty basic. The inside pages are watercolor so I can use it to practice sketching and painting.