Tuesday 3 July 2012

Finished at last.

Here it is - the finished product. I found it very difficult to photograph in today's (and many other day's!) poor light. I doesn't look nearly as dark as this and is a more coppery brown.

The detail on the front cover shows up better in this shot. My aim was to make it look as if the decorative panels had broken off or been worn away in places. I am wondering whether to add tiny touches of gold with a paint marker pen, or leave well alone. If in doubt, leave it out?


I bound the pages to the spine which was made from a strip of Grungepaper which is a craft product that can be stitched, painted, etc. I bored holes through this to line up with holes in the covers and used very large decorative brads to fasten them together. The back is attached similarly although I have left it free of decoration. As I made the binding stitches I threaded those which would show on the outside with a variety of beads. They seem to have slackened somewhat and I don't know if this is because I didn't draw them up tight enough, or if I tightened them too much and the stitch holes have stretched. Luckily I want the whole thing to look very battered and ancient so a row or two of droopy beads will just add to the effect.


A closer look at the spine. I included one or two hand made rolled paper beads and two long oblong commercial ones with four holes which helped hold things together. They have lovely little spiral patterns and look as if they are made from bone, which is very fitting.

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Fantastic Heather, love the textures, I have really enjoyed watching your progress making this book.

Maggi said...

This is fantastic Heather. I personally would add a touch of Treasure Gold but there again I can't resist it!.

Carol Q said...

ooh Heather, lovely tree barky/leather effect and look at all the work that went into that detailed beaded spine. hmmm ... difficult that... I always tend to keep on piling it on. Maggi's idea sounds good though.

Barb Cady said...

Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful! Many congratulations. x

The Bug said...

Oh Heather that's gorgeous!

Heather said...

Many thanks everyone. I might try your suggestion Maggi - I love Treasure Gold too. It needs a little something to lighten it.

The Weaver of Grass said...

As usual it is exquisite - I have almost run out of adjectives.

Maureen said...

Really great Heather, it looks just as you wanted it I think - fantastic work!!

Anonymous said...

You have certainly achieved your aim with this one Heather, it is lovely.

Sara lechner said...

The spine is gorgeous!!

Julie said...

Your book is wonderful Heather, the spine is beautiful too. What a treasure!

Robin Mac said...

Heather, your work leaves me speechless, it is just so beautiful and the details are so meticulous. Did you add some treasure gold? Cheers

Jane said...

Another great book completed Heather.

Julia Ionov said...

It's awesome, I don't know how to make it myself. The texture, accessories and every element in this book is just perfect.
web design
ventura