Whilst I consider myself fairly obliging I have had to turn away such requests and feel the need to explain...
First of all... I didn't learn how to do this overnight. I have been on courses and have been taught by people far more experienced at bookmaking than I. An on-line tutorial isn't really a substitute for being taught properly.
Secondly, writing a tutorial for something like this takes a long time... getting the instructions clear and all the photographs taken is a lengthy process (I've done it so I know... see below) and I really don't have that sort of time at the moment
And last of all, I teach for my living... and although it would be lovely to offer free tutorials on the internet... it wouldn't pay my bills. I know this is tough if you are unable to come to my classes but a girl's gotta eat! (even if it is only cake and chocolate)
There are many project style books available with instructions for making little books like these, with pretty stitching or peep-hole covers...
Some with leather covers...
or fancy concertina style spines...
With their own special box...
But I'd like to recommend a couple of other options. If you get a chance, do a course with Heather Power. Heather is a printmaker who learned how to make books as a way of displaying her prints. She makes the most wonderful books and boxes and I learned how to make most of the books here with Heather.
You could have a try at a tutorial I posted here a year or so ago for the postcard book pictured below...
And if all else fails could I recommend "Cover to Cover" by Shereen La Plantz (Lark Books) which is what I turn to time and time again when making books.
I hope that answers some of your requests!
or fancy concertina style spines...
With their own special box...
But I'd like to recommend a couple of other options. If you get a chance, do a course with Heather Power. Heather is a printmaker who learned how to make books as a way of displaying her prints. She makes the most wonderful books and boxes and I learned how to make most of the books here with Heather.
You could have a try at a tutorial I posted here a year or so ago for the postcard book pictured below...
And if all else fails could I recommend "Cover to Cover" by Shereen La Plantz (Lark Books) which is what I turn to time and time again when making books.
I hope that answers some of your requests!
beautiful! love them all. I have a book on bookbinding .. I haven't made anything from it yet but I fully intend to..eventually. where did you get the lovely paper? I have bought some thick recycled rag paper from Paperchase to turn into cards.. its my favourite paper to work with but somewhat expensive and you can only buy a few packs at a time. I haven't found anywhere online that supplies raggedy paper... I may not have looked that hard though as I don't do that many paper crafts to be in the know. I'm rambling aren't I? too much coffee. *twitch*
ReplyDeleteYour books are truly beautiful and must have taken a huge amount of time and skill. Perhaps one day......
ReplyDeleteThose were great answers Gina! And an added bonus -- we got to see more of your beautiful books!
ReplyDeleteI love your books they are so beautiful.
ReplyDeletethanks for showing all those beautiful books - inspirational - you truly are multi talented Gina!
ReplyDeleteand thanks for the tips too...
It is such a lovely skill and I can definitely understand your reasons for not doing a tutorial.
ReplyDeleteI love the little book you made me - it's gorgeous. x
I remember doing a day course with Heather at Missenden Abbey years ago, a freebie during the exhibition weekend for C&G. We learnt japanese stab binding and I still have the cards we stitched for reference. I'd love to do a longer course with her, if it means I could make books like yours!
ReplyDeleteYour books are wonderful and so beautifully made. Bookbinding is a skill I envy and admire and one day I will pluck up the courage to have a go myself.
ReplyDeleteI treasure the little book you made for me a couple of years ago. I can fully understand your reluctance to do a tutorial!
ReplyDeleteSince I was a tutorial beggar, I feel that I must publicly apologize. I certainly did not intend to minimize the value of either your creative output, or your professional status as a teacher.
ReplyDeleteI think the chocolate wrapper element just went to my head there for a minute, and I posted my comment instantly...I now realize that this probably came across as a sense of entitlement. Very sorry, Gina!
Just a thimbleful...
ReplyDeleteYou are already so generous in sharing your thoughts, ideas, projects and processes that no-one could possibly object to your reluctance on this issue. We are all just so pleased to be allowed a little peek into your cake eating textile world !
Well if you ever need anyone to eat chocolate so you can use the wrappers to make more gorgeous books you know you can call on me :-)
ReplyDeleteYour books are all gorgeous Gina and like the above commenter, I'm always happy to help out with the chocolate wrappers! :)
ReplyDeleteVivienne x
The books are all super - if eating chocolate gives you so much inspiration I am off out to buy a very large box!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tutorial you shared on that previous post, v generous. I just borrowed '500 Handmade Books', a treasure of beautiful images & 'Hand Bookbinding, a Manual of Instruction' very technical, a good combination. I'll have to give them back soon tho....
ReplyDeleteI'm lucky enough to own a small Heather Power, it's beautiful, a gift from my mother (who lives near Oxford) who knows my love of Honesty.
I have just listed my tutorial on etsy for the very same reasons. I feel a bit mean charging for it but just like you said, a living has to be made. (Small as it is)
ReplyDeleteLovely books.
I know you teach for a living but if you ever start selling these gorgeous notebooks, I'll be first in line to come and buy one. The one with the hearts on it is so sweet!
ReplyDelete