Wednesday 11 June 2008

I can make BOOKS!!!

Can you tell I'm excited???!!! I have been wanting to try bookbinding for some time now as I've been quite frustrated trying to find a nice looking journal with good quality art paper over the counter. Now....I can make my OWN! These ones were made using the basic long stitch to sew the signatures to the spine but I do plan on learning how to do the Coptic stitch. I adore cute, little books and now, there will be no stopping me....the possibilities are endless!
Aaron begged me to make him the Zebra print one after seeing the end result of the striped journal so how could I refuse. The striped note journal is made with good quality drawing paper and will be mailed to one of my Pay It Forward gift recipients. I found it particularly difficult to actually decide on what type of gift I would do for Ben but, as he is a writer, I thought a note journal would come in handy. I feel bad that it has taken me so long to do but time just got away from me with life distractions and sickness. Better late than never, right? The book will be accompanied by a couple of other goodies too so I hope Ben will forgive my tardiness.

Inside books -

18 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  2. The books look fantastic. They definetely make for a lovely gift

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  3. Your books look GREAT! There will be no stopping you for sure, Serena. I love handmade books as well :-) I missed a coptic binding one here recently, but will do the next one. I'm sure Ben will love it!

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  4. Wow Serena they look absolutely fantastic well done !!! :)

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  5. Beautiful! I keep seeing these books and want to try them even more after seeing yours.

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  6. Love your books! I especially like the zebra print one. This is something that I've thought about doing, too. I have several books on how to make books but just haven't gotten up the nerve to try it yet.

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  7. Very nice. I need to get re-invigorated with crafty stuff. I think you will have fun crafting a few more of these alomng the way!

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  8. These are wonderful...Did you take a class or teach yourself? It is on my list of things to learn!! Wonderful work here Serena...thanks for stopping by my blogs!
    Artfully Yours...

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  9. This is inspiring me to give it a try...seems I used to do this many moons ago...just forgot. LOL. Pretty books...cool technique!

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  10. Oh, your books are beautiful Serena!

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  11. Thank you all for your positive comments on my first ever books! I can't wait to make more.

    Janet, I can tell you that I was very nervous through the process of making the first book but it was well worth those frayed nerves. I was so excited that I made it from scratch!

    Pattie, I viewed some instructional videos which were extremely helpful. I'll see if I can find the links again and post them.

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  12. You can make books and very nice ones to be sure. I love books and journals so I admire yours a bunch!

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  13. Oooooooh, you clever thing you!!!!

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  14. Love the books Serena, they will make great personalized gifts all around. You can do each cover to suit the person...Good job, Ro

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  15. Thank you, Boyd.

    Thanks, Anita....I was so tickled when I finished the first. I kept squealing out loud - "I can make BOOKS!".

    Thanks, Ro. I do plan to make up a few for gifts.

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  16. I just started making sketchbooks the end of May! It is so much fun--and challenging! I've been doing simpler coptic stitch books. Made a couple of gifts I haven't posted yet--as they are in the mail. I want to try a full cover next. You did a great job!! Congrats! :)

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  17. Hi Rita! Thanks for dropping by and for your nice comment. I had so much fun making these books and yes, a little scary the first time around. :)

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  18. Okay, I need to spend more time going through your archives. YOu have many talents I see. These are beautiful.

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