Are you sick of journals yet??? Well, I'm not. I could make them in many ways, especially the ones where I actually sew in the pages. This is a tale of two sketch journals, one large and one small. I began this project as a result of signing up for an online class with Roben-Marie Smith [http://paperbagstudios.com/rms/shop/]. I have to admit to being very nonplussed about the whole concept in the beginning, and felt like binning it. After lots of layers, days waiting for paint to dry properly, and then trying to make something from my efforts, well here it is.
In many ways I had to just wing it with the whole procedure, as we have limited download on our internet plan. I found the video tutorials were simply too large, and therefore I didn't really watch the whole lesson's video content. Those I did watch were very helpful, and Roben-Marie is a very friendly and helpful tutor. This is the back of the first [large] sketch padfolio.
I didn't follow the construction to the letter of course, and added three 5-leaf folded signatures to the inside [pages measuring 7" x 11"]. I used sketch paper, which I decided to leave white. The workshop instructions did say to add colour to the papers, but I have to admit it wasn't my thing. I hope you can see the pages and hand stitching in this photograph. The cover began as a piece of white cotton canvas.
There was an additional strip remaining after the first cut, which I felt could be used to make a mini sketch padfolio - front view in this photograph.
The back view shows part of the flower that was drawn on in the final layer of layers..........LOL. This flower was coloured using water soluble oil pastels, which I had not used prior to this project. In fact, many of the techniques were new to me, so I feel I've learnt quite a bit with this class.
This small padfolio contains four 5-leaf signatures, making a total of 40 postcard sized pages. This paper is very thick, beautiful to the touch, and has been made in Italy from recycled products. The inside has been coloured with inks, and sprays in various colours.
I have warmed to this along the way, but have to admit to calling it the 'graffiti thing' for quite some time. I simply must get over having to have things all lined up and being there for a reason!!! The covers are very sturdy, and have great tactile appeal. I can't express how much fun it is learning new skills. I adore the sewing in process in book making, although I fear my efforts are still a little on the amateur side.
