Whew! Where does the time go when the warm breezes of summer invade the atmosphere? So far behind in blogging due to a long stretch of hanging out in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Always such a privilege to soak in the beauty and charm of this special place.
But I hope to set aside some time in the next few days to catch up with all my bloggy friends. I don't think I've ever gone this long without inspecting my google reader.
I have to admit, on my drive back from the cabin all I could think about was getting my paws on my art supplies! You see, Mary Ann's newest online class Full Tilt Boogie debuted in my absence. As usual, her video instruction is superb and full of inspiration. Not to mention Mary Ann's adorable sense of humor...so add the word entertaining to the previous sentence as well.
Although the instructions in this class are focused on altering an old Victorian photo album, any type of book will work. The real empahsis is on bookbinding methods.
For my first journal {she will be teaching several different types of binding} I chose the open back binding. Isn't that fun? Another girl in class posted a photo of her completed journal where she used the baker's twine and I was sold!
The "book" I altered wasn't really a book at all! I repurposed the thick cardboard backing on one of my watercolor pads and made my own book covers! In order to give the covers more of an authentic look of an old victorian album, I first padded them with several layers of cotton batting {a slight brushing of mod podge to hold the layers in place}.
Before wrapping the covers in some upholstery fabric, I sewed different embellishments to the front cover using irish waxed linen thread.
The beautiful old velvet violet millinery flower was a gift from my friend, Patty. So fun to find a special place for this much loved little gem!
One of my splurges for this class was buying a Japanese Screw Punch. I've wanted one for a long time since I have gobs of uses for this little beauty. It even punches through thick leather with extreme ease. For this particular class, it drilled all the holes for binding my book together.
My plans will be to add my own photos I've taken, as well as add lots more tape-in sections, pieces of ephemera, a little paint, rubber stamps, and of course, some journaling.
So much for that housework getting done....!
And by the way, I'm pretty sure you can still sign up for Full Tilt Boogie if this is your cup of tea! It's a delicious cup for sure and the best part? The class never closes...meaning, you will have full access to all of the videos forever and ever. I love that about Mary Ann's classes!
{no, i am not a paid blogger! i post this raving review of the class of my own free will!}
Hope you're finding some time to live in your sweet spot too!
xo, Sue
thats really a nice and informative post ,you are doing an excellent job with your site let it keep coming.
Posted by: Pandora Charms | Friday, July 01, 2011 at 03:20 AM
Welcome back from the mountains dear Sue! Thank you so much for this reminder and your beauttttttifuuuuuuul album. LOVE IT! You must have been in total bliss creating this. Thank you for sharing...you are so good at that. Happy long 4th weekend to you! XO
Posted by: Cherie Wilson | Friday, July 01, 2011 at 08:15 AM
Gorgeous, gorgeous art journal, Sue! LOVE the cover & that last image is incredible. How do you find the time to fit art into your life as often as you do?
We have been outdoors cutting down huge pines, limbing them, and hauling the slash to a slash & mulch site. When I see pics like yours, I am so inspired to get the art supplies out! :)
Hope you have a great 4th!!!
Hugs,
Zuzu
Posted by: Zuzu | Friday, July 01, 2011 at 11:13 AM
What a fabulous book!!! I love everything about it!!
Posted by: Cynthia Schelzig | Friday, July 01, 2011 at 11:51 AM
I for one value your opinion and creativity very much Mz Sue...and thank you for each recommendation you share...it means a lot coming from you!
What a fabulous book already...splendid use of the irresistible butcher twine that comes in so many colors (ask me how I know) ;)
Time so much better spent than on housework for certain!!!
feels special that you gave that little ole velvet bloom a place of honor on your cover..you sweet thing you!
Happy long weekend to you and yours!
oxo
Posted by: ~*~Patty | Friday, July 01, 2011 at 03:44 PM
I am in a.w.e. How you tempt me to sign up for this! I'm still trying to get a ROD done Sue! This is just so neat!!!! Will you fill it with just anything that you fancy? or will it be themed? or from a vacation? I bought a book about different bindings and making books from all kinds of recycled items back in Feb. I just unearthed it in my sewing room yesterday. I hope you have a great Holiday weekend and am glad to hear that you had a nice time away for a break!
Posted by: jill | Saturday, July 02, 2011 at 08:56 AM
What a wonderful book. All the different layers and textures make it so interesting. I like the baker's twine for the binding too :)
Posted by: Tricia | Saturday, July 02, 2011 at 09:57 AM
This site is very meritorious and detestable,I appreciate!
Posted by: Christian Louboutin Shoes | Friday, July 08, 2011 at 03:15 AM
Welcome back, Sue. I've missed you, but I know you must have enjoyed your time in the mountains.
Your book is gorgeous, and I know it will become even more gorgeous as you add more pretties.
Posted by: | Friday, July 08, 2011 at 09:25 AM
Your book turned out fabulous! love the colors and the twine you used for the binding!
Posted by: donna joy | Sunday, July 10, 2011 at 02:04 PM
I am swooning with amazement! What a fabulous journal!!! You've created a beautiful keepsake!!! Hugs, Terri
Posted by: Terri Kahrs | Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 04:41 PM
But I hope to set aside some time in the next few days to catch up with all my bloggy friends. I don't think I've ever gone this long without inspecting my google reader.
Posted by: uklouboutinshoeshop | Sunday, July 31, 2011 at 10:56 PM