fabulous denim & long stitch journals

Fused fabric sandwiches (up-cycled blue jeans, found fabric "batting" and "lining") created soft covers.  Note -- not all fabrics fuse equally.  Testing fabrics for "fusibility" reduces frustration.  Covers were trimmed to size and an reenforcing strip (interior spine) secured and stitching stations marked.  Note -- on dark fabrics, apply masking tape, mark, punch and remove before stitching.

A screw punch or awl created holes through fabric layers at the stitching stations.  Note -- students found the traditional Japanese screw punch made smaller holes, but the design of Martha's "popped/pooped out" fabric divots.

Q:  How much thread is needed to bind the journal?

A: Wrap around the spine -- once for each signature + one for good measure.

Each signature is stitched into place.

Right over left and under, left over right and under makes a knot neat, tidy and tight.  (Thanks Cheri:-))

COMPLETED JOURNALS:

Whether  left "blue jeans" plain or embellished, these journals are fabulous.  

classes through the career center

These classes are offered through the Columbia Area Career Center, but will be held at Bear Creek Paperworks. To register call 573-214-3803.

Collage Cards

February 26, 2013, Tuesday 6-9

Learn the basics of visual composition as well as technical tips as you play with decorative papers, found objects or recycled materials. You'll create a series of cards while experimenting with color, balance and repetition. No design experience is necessary. 

Small Books: A Primer

March 16, 2013; Saturday 10-4; $89 includes all materials

Learn simple stitched bookmaking basics: pamphlet binding, stab binding, multiple signatures as well as closures, soft and hard cover construction. You will construct several small books. No bookmaking experience necessary.  

denim & long stitch, a handmade journal

Denim & Long Stitch

January 12, 2013; Saturday 10-4; $65 includes all materials

A new use for old blue jeans:  repurpose that denim into a cover for a sketchbook or journal.  Fold paper into a folio; stack folios into signatures and stitch signatures with Irish waxed linen to the soft denim cover.  The long stitch (binding) allows pages to lay flat for easy writing or drawing.  At the end of the day, you will have created a unique book to give as a gift or keep for yourself.  And as a bonus, you will know how do repeat the process at home.