Monday 30 January 2012

A special book

Hi there everyone.
I hope you all had a good weekend; not sure where mine disappeared to but I was reliably informed that I did in fact have one...... I'll take their word for it!
A while ago I was looking for something and found a pile of handmade paper that my father had made for me years ago and I thought I'd lost. As my father is no longer with us I wanted to do something special with them so decided to make a journal using them. I know that they have been sizes so I can write on them and this way I will be remembering him every time I use it.
I used 3 pieces per signature and sewed them together and used 4 for this book. I cut the covers and spine from mountboard and covered with texture paste and left to dry overnight.
Then I made the endpapers for the book by covering the page with Frayed burlap distress stain and stamped using Katzelkraft stamps from the Egypt plate. These lovely stamps are available direct from France HERE or if you are in the UK they are available exclusively from The Craft Barn HERE.

I assembled the book using binding cloth for the spine and additionally secured it with some brads too before painting. The finished book looks like this
The front
After painting I stamped the head onto tissue paper and attached with multi medium. I added some mica fragments too and highlighted sections with a gold pen before sealing everything with a clear glaze which will protect everything.
I did the same on the back cover too
Now I have a special journal that every time I use it will bring back treasured memories of my amazing father who I still miss very much. I have not decided what to do on the spine yet but I'm sure I'll find something for it somewhere along the line! As the theme this week over at Simon says stamp and show is kings and queens I'm going to enter this as The main image is of an Egyptian king I guess it fits the bill!
Hope you all have a blessed and creative week.

15 comments:

Lol said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lol said...

What a stunning keepsake, so lovely to have something that your Dad made himself, very special indeed.
Hugs Lol xxx

Artyjen said...

What a lovely way to use such special paper ;)
xoxo Sioux

505whimsygirl said...

What a great book - and a very nice way to use the papers your father made for you. I imagine you get some of your creativity from him. Isn't it nice to have something that he made with his own two hands. I have several things my mom made (she's been gone since 1991) and have several oil painting of my dad, who is still with us. I just love it all so very much.

Kay

Crafty Loops said...

This journal is amazing Neil. I love bookbinding, its so relaxing. And the paper your Daddy made looks amazing quality. Ive been wanting to make my own paper but room is a big issue and I think if I tell my hubby Im taking up another craft, I may actually reduce him to tears, lol. This is an incredible tribute to your Daddy and a stunning journal. Lee x

Hanneke said...

Wow this is a lovely creation! I love the paper your dad made and now it's turned into such a nice memory. Hugs, Hanneke

Joanne said...

What a fantastic treasure. Every time you touch the pages you will be holding hands with your dad. so beautiful.
Hugs Joanne xx

Unknown said...

It certainly does fit the bill ... and how lovely to have a book made of such special paper! A real treasure! Thank you for joining the team at Simon Says Stamp and Show ... we hope to see you again soon!

Julia Dunnit said...

Marvellous way to remember and enjoy memories, and I'm perfectly sure that the finish for the spine will reveal itself as you start to use it.

Debbie Rock said...

More of your stunning work and such special pages inside ... so glad you found them and have another way of keeping your daddy beside you. D x

lainey said...

Oh this looks fab!! and a beautiful keepsake. lainey x

ellen vargo designs said...

Niel... WOW... your book is amazing! How special that your Dad MADE the paper! I've always wanted to try that myself! Very special remembrance of your Dad... thanks for sharing it with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. Ellen :)

JoZart Designs said...

How special! Your journal is a beautiful, lasting keepsake of your late father and it will bring many memories as you use it.
JoZarty x

Candy C said...

Neil, your book is awesome. I think it is wonderful that you used some handmade papers that your father made for you. That is the true beauty of this book...something handed from father to son. I love your cover and how you stamped the inside pages. Thank you so much for sharing your art with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. <3 Candy

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

So cool!!! That is art!!! The color is fabulous and eye catching...love the tut!!!