Sewn book bindings can intimidating. But the more you do the better you get.

Every time I make a Coptic stitch bound book, I need to refresh my memory and skills.

So with this journal I set perfection aside and embraced the re-learning of the coptic stitch binding.

When journals are too perfect and precious, then I seem to be reluctant to use them. So I guess is is great to have this less than perfect journal for doodles, lists, notes and drawing.

If you would like to explore re-use old books this summer, then stay on the printmaking list below and I will keep you posted.

I love books as tools, inspiration and touchable works of art. Today I made a quick little journal with a piece of monoprinted fabric.

I like to make up the binding as I go. so this is a modified long stitch binding.

The steps to making this little artist’s journal:

1. Cut the inside folios. Folio is a folded sheet of paper
2. Rounded the corners with my new corner punch
3. Nested 8 folios inside each other to create 3 signatures.
4. Cut 2 pieces of mat board  a tiny bit bigger than my page size.
5. Taped those together with duct tape, and created the spine, wide enough to fit my pages.
6. Hot glued my hand printed fabric to the cover, wrapping it around the edge to the inside.
7. Poked 3 holes in the spine at the top and bottom.
8. Then poked holes in my 3 signatures to match
9. Starting on the inside of each signature, I stitched out through the spine, down to the bottom and back into the spine and through the signature. 
10. Tie off each signature in the middle. Tie it snug enough so that the signature does not wiggle but not so tight that you tear the pages.
11. Finally I added some end pages to the inside covers. These cropped monotype prints cover up the uneven and unfinished edges of the fabric cover.
12. I used hot glue and tape so I could quickly finish my book project. I used waxed thread, because I had some on hand and I like the way it locks off on itself and keeps a good knot.

Do you love books? Do you use them in your art? Do you make books? Or do you dare cut them and use them as foundations for you artwork?

If you have not tried using a book in this way – try it today! Maybe  use just a page or the cover.  Play with a book. Make touchable, intimate art.

If you like the fabric portion of this project and would like some help monoprinting fabric, then join us in the online printmaking workshop, Monoprinting Fabric. Get the details on the printmaking class page. Class starts soon.

Do you have a summer fun list?  Are you getting some fun into your days?  If YES, then great and if not, then let’s start. Maybe you have a stack of monotype gel prints that could be put to good use.

Bookmaking is a great way to use up practice prints and recycled papers, to make art that can be handled, transformed and enjoyed.  Remember this is suppose to be fun.  Everyone has a different definition of fun, so pick yours and make a book.

• If you love fast and easy, then collect some papers and a cardboard backing and bind with 2 metal ring binders.
• If you love nature and twigs then, try a stab binding and a bit of twine.
• If you love to sew then, choose a simple pamphlet stitch and some sturdy paper.
• Then once you have your mini masterpiece, share it, use it, handle it, display it and enjoy it.

Books as art, are quite personal and have a unique ability to connect the artist, viewer and materials.

Do you have a message that could be communicated through an art book?  Share your thoughts below.

Enjoy,
Linda Germain