Monday 17 January 2011

Signs of improvement.

The addition of a bit more colour and adding the tulip and narcissus motifs has helped a lot. As before I have opened out the covers so you are seeing both front and back here. Each book will be approximately 5"x4" when folded shut, though the third one is slightly larger at about 5"x6".
Today I have added the linings/end papers and worked zigzag stitch round all edges to hold them in place. I used a deep pink for the tulip books and soft green for the narcissus. The end papers are 'fabric paper' made to Beryl Taylor's instructions in her book 'Mixed Media Explorations'. The piece I had made was rather dull so I sprayed it with Moonshadow Mist Golden Dubloons to perk it up a bit.

The colours are actually prettier than they appear in these pics and the stitched edging gives a nice finish.

The next job is to apply a coat - maybe two - of acrylic wax to strengthen the surface and protect the tissue flowers from wear and tear, then I must add the pages and stitch them in place. I'll show you the finished product when it is all completed.



Another sign of spring. I caught sight of these lovely fat clematis buds just outside the kitchen window. I think I'll leave the untidy looking dead leaves a little longer in case they are needed for protection if we get another cold spell. It's still early in the year, even if I have been going round the house turning radiators down today - no doubt I shall be wanting to turn them up again before long.




10 comments:

JustJules said...

The project is looking good, Mum! I love the colours, and can't wait to see the finished items.

Carol Q said...

looks gorgeous Heather. it has a very "old" look to it.

Julie said...

The books look great Heather! have you noticed the birds are starting to sing again? Spring can't be too far away!

Ro Bruhn said...

Love the aged look and the narcissus are beautiful.

Kat Mortensen said...

Ah! Now I see where a certain someone gets their creativity and flair!

Kat

The Weaver of Grass said...

Books lovely Heather - doesn't acrylic wax enhance the finish nicely?

Since my seizure I have done no creative work but yesterday, with the advent of the sun, I felt a faint stirring of creativity, so hopefully it is coming back.

Know what you mean about turning the radiators down - but there was a very sharp frost here last night.

Jensters said...

Popped over from another blog......wow this is very stunning and creative, cant wait to see the finished project.

Anonymous said...

Wow i am loving your art work, simply gorgeous
hugs June

Maggi said...

I love your little books and this one is no exception. A particular sign of Spring here this morning was ten blackbirds, all squabbling on the lawn.

Ann Christy said...

Thanks for your comments on my American Smocking samples Heather. I have some instructions if you would like me to email them to you annchristy2@gmail.com

I am quite surprised as I left a comment here about your lovely books a few days ago but it hasn't appeared! Maybe some else got it instead.