Sunday 20 July 2008

Altered Garden Book Update

I've completed these two double spreads since I last posted pix of them. Unless, of course, I find some further quotations to write on any empty spaces!
I've also made the Book Cover/Wrap, and thought I would share the process.
I prepared the layers, as before and as Annette's recipe, except I used another piece of rusted fabric (previously rusted and posted a few months back) with more pattern, as shown on the left hand side. I laid all the torn pieces of oiled paper down, plus TWO layers of chiffon - one emerald green colour with a gold thread in it and then the black on top. I pinned and stitched all the pieces down through all the layers, then went back and free stitched the spaces in betweeen. Click on the pic above to get a closeup look - you can see the stitching on the right hand side.
I then gave the piece a blast with the heatgun and magic happened - all that lovely texture! You can clearly see the 'rusted' fabric showing through.
I decided to use the last of the rusted fabric to line the Book Wrap. I was delighted with the texture so far, and as it will be handled quite a bit I decided not to add any extra texture this time - nor did I paint it at all. The book itself is about 10" x 6" and the cover protrudes about an inch, top and bottom. To stop the book sliding out, I have wrapped the fabric around the front of the book and stitched it top and bottom, to form a pocket for the front cover to go into - then the rest of the cover wraps around to the front, and is fastened by a loop going over the beads.
As I fill the book (I have five more double spreads to play with during the coming months) the fastener will expand to the next bead - well that is the theory anyway!
This just shows the book open, exposing the rusted lining. What about that fabric stitched label then, with the word 'authentic' on it, together with a ribbon. I pinched it from a new pair of trousers my daughter bought from Marks & Spencer! Perfect colouring, I couldn't resist it.......

10 comments:

Purple Missus said...

Wonderful fabric for the cover Val - looks amazing. Certainly invites you to look inside.
And the label, what a stroke of luck that was :)

Doreen G said...

what can I say except that it is simply amazing Val and the cover is wow.

Ruth said...

What a wonderful book - I love the cover and your use of the rusted fabric.

Sandy said...

Lovely pages. The book wrap inspired me to do one.

sharon young said...

What a fantastic result, Val, and the change in the texture on the book cover when it was heat zapped is amazing. And the addition of the lable is just magic.
Thank you so much for your encouraging comment on my blog post, and yes you've found me out, I'm a flapper!! Like the swan swimming gracefully on the water and paddling like mad underneath it where no-one can see!! So your comment was especially welcome :-)

Micki said...

The journal is really looking great. Love your cover.

dot said...

Beautiful Val, the detail is so pleasing to explore, it makes me "all excited".

Mandi said...

Absolutely stunning Val. I will have to have ago at this now. What a treasure you have created.

Alis Clair said...

I really love your book Val. Every page is so sumptuous.
The book cover is fantastic. It looks like a piece of bark.

rivergardenstudio said...

What a beautiful book you are making. I love gardens and flowers, and your art is lovely! Thank you for sharing! Roxanne