Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Collage Book Experiment

Recently, Cloth Paper Scissors magazine hosted a reader challenge to create a mixed media mini-book. The only stipulation was that the size couldn't exceed 6x6x1 inch. Other than that, it was anything goes. I've been having so much fun playing around with the stitched collage post cards that I've been making, that I was inspired to see if I could transfer the technique to a small book.





I created this 24-page book mini-book using manila folders, paper scraps, watercolor, gouache, embroidery floss, beads, and my sewing machine. I finished it and emailed in my photos on the very last day possible. My book wasn't selected as a finalist to be mailed to the magazine and possibly included in a future issue, but I'm happy with my effort just the same for several reasons:














1. I actually finished something! Yep, I took the project from start to finish without getting distracted, bored, or disillusioned with it. It's a radical new concept I'm trying out.















2. I used up a bunch of my scrap paper stash. Not enough to make a dent in the humongous collection, but still....















3. I taught myself how to bind a book using the long stitch binding method.






















4. I'm inspired to make more books! I already have a few ideas floating around in my head on how to expand on the collage/stitch process and try out a few more techniques.

This book doesn't really tell a story in the traditional sense, but I like the texture and feel of it. Plus, for me it tells a personal story through my memories of the paper that passes through my life. I may not remember what I ate for lunch today (or even if I ate lunch at all!) but I can remember where almost every scrap in the book came from. I guess you could say this is my version of a crazy quilt in paper/book form.

4 comments:

lori vliegen said...

your collage book is spectacular!!! and way to go girl for taking on this challenge.....woo hoo!!! as great as this beauty looks in the photos, i'll bet it's even more stunning in person!! congrats on finding good use for some of that paper stash.....i'd have to make a boat load of these to get rid of my stash.....xoxox, :))

Kerri said...

that's pretty radical to me to- i'm a good starter, not so much with the finishing tho- on craft projects.

your collage book looks great.
how long did it take you?

donna!ee said...

gorgeous...thanks for sharing! :)

Anonymous said...

Wow, it's a beautiful book. Yay for your #1, I can relate. Looks to me like you should have been a finalist!