As I've often said before, one of my favorite places for inspiration is my library of books and magazines. During one of those “grab a cup of tea and a big stack of old magazines moments,” my attention rested on an article from Pages, a Cloth Paper Scissors publication. Cancelled Letters – an envelope book by Susan Pagnucci – begged to be created with my handmade papers. Well, the paper isn't handmade, but I painted or printed each sheet and tag that I used to create the book. (If you would like to create a book like this and need a template, Susan Pagnucci has provided an envelope template for you. You'll need to create a free account and then search for the article or author's name.)
After creating the template, selecting my papers, cutting out, marking the creases for folding with a Stylus and folding 6 envelopes (be sure to use a Teflon Bone Folder to prevent unwanted shine on your papers), I created the accordion spine and covers according to the article. It provides pretty clear instruction about making hole and stitching templates so that you can pierce them with a Craft Pick Paper Piercer. It's very easy to do by using an old phone book, tool
I stitched the envelopes into the spine with a Tapestry Needle and Waxed Linen Thread. It's exciting to see it come together as each envelope is bound to the book.
Once the envelopes are stitched, I used Aleene's Tacky Glue to close the bottom and sides. The spine needs ribbon or fibers, too. They hold the accordion closed as well as decorating the spine. I chose to use Seam Binding which may be colored many ways to match the scheme of your book.
Click the images below to take a closer look. The top 2 images are from the book created with my own papers. The other, created on the LIVE Stream, is made from Tim Holtz card stock. The envelopes for a book like this are best created with card stock weight paper.
I added Paste Paper tags to the alternate binding fins.
I love all the fun color within this book!
Book with Tim Holtz paper envelopes (right) and Paste Paper end papers (left).
See the fin? I'll add Paste Paper tags here.
Inside back cover – more Paste Paper.
If you create a book like this, I'd love to see it. Feel free to tweet photos @BarbOwenDesigns. I love seeing what you create!
I hope you can join me LIVE! each Friday at 2pm Eastern. You never know what we'll be creating and I thoroughly enjoy chatting with you.
Until next time,
Remember to Get Creative today! It's Easy!
Barb
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