In this project, I inspired by the collages that I made during spring break. I called this series, “Butterfly Family”. The plan is to display a series of three concertina books, which have been kept together by the belly band.
I prepared all the collages that I want to use in this work.
I bought the largest paper that I could find (to make pages from one piece of paper).
I measured and cut all pages, then I folded them by following this pattern.
(I had a plan to use six images for each book, so I needed one-fold for each one)
I glued down images to fold pages. Now, they are ready for the next step.
In this step, I was going to measure pages and prepare the hard case.
I prepared three per cover in the same size.
Cover dimensions = height of page + 6mm x width of pages+ 6mm
I beveled all corners and edges of the grayboard with sandpaper.
I draw the measurement on the back of the buckram.
I glued down each grayboard and placed them on the right spot on the back of the buckram.
I wrapped it in baking paper and put it underweight.
I used ruler width as a guide to trim away all excess ages of buckram.
I trimmed off the corner.
Note: leave a thickness of grayboard+1 mm from each corner.
Now it is time to glue down the ends.
It is important to press down the corner by the bone folder.
I glued down long edges as well. I used a bone folder to fold it toward the centers. I had to make sure the edges stick to the board completely.
When I finished this stage, I wrapped it in baking paper and put it underweight. (And let it dry out)
Now, it is time to design pages. For these papers, I had a plan to cut off a paper in three different patterns.
First, cut off design: I cut off each butterfly wing in the way that they have a place to move like they are free to fly.
After I finished all cutting it was time to glue down pages to a hardcover. But before that, I glued down the black paper to the inside part of each cover (that when I move the butterfly wings in each end, the black paper appears underneath).
I carefully glued down pages to the covers.
At this stage, I realised that this design is too simple, so I added hollow squares on each page.
Second, cut off design: In this one, I decided to cut off wave shapes all over pages like the butterflies flying in the sky.
I followed the same steps to glue down covers to pages.
Third, cut off design: For the last one, I felt more confident with hips of practice. So, I wanted to cut off as much as I could.
It was so fun. I spent a lot of time on this project, but it worth it.
I glued down the pages into the cover.
The books are ready. Hooray
After all, I appreciated that each of these three books has different personalities and I like the fact that they have similar characters to connect them. They are also a good record for me as my confidence and technique grow 😉.
For the belly band, I chose floral patterned ribbons. I measured and cut pieces and I sewed them in the shape of a cross. I also sewed pieces of hook and loop fastener tape pieces in each end to tighten the belly band well.
Here are the photos of the finished pieces:
Here is the list of artist that I am interested in: