Oh my, there is nothing quite like constructing an art book for getting your creative juices flowing. That’s why I call it an adventure.
We will construct an art book, from scratch, with a Cracked Paper Quilt cover. I will also demonstrate a number of other types of clever and fun covers.
Then we will throw an array of mixed media techniques at the pages.
A smaller inner page opens to the right or to the left to create different spreads.
TOOLS:
- Sewing machine, if possible. A regular size 12 or 14 needle is what I use.
- Thimble, needles for hand sewing ( I use quilting needles).
- Several large needles for piercing paper to create signatures.
- Scissors that can be used to cut paper.
- Ruler, exacto knife
- Stencils, stamps (optional)
MATERIALS:
- A length of felt (minimum is 24″x 24″)
- A length of fabric (minimum is 24″x 24″): thin cotton of any kind, no matter what the color or pattern. It will not show in the end.
- A length of fine tulle (nylon netting).
- White & black polyester thread (optional: other colors)
- Images and words, preferably your own, photocopied or printed (with pigment based inks that do not smear) onto copy/computer paper. Bring both color and B&W printouts.
(These can follow a specific theme if there is one you would like to explore and express.) - A wad of blank computer/copy paper for backing, and for creating new design papers
- Various papers you already have
- Magazine and newspaper pages
- Liquid matte medium, and soft gel medium (gloss)
- White gesso: I use Liquitex, but any kind you have is fine. Bring black gesso if you like to paint on black.
- White glue
- Acrylic paints in your favorite colors: these do not have to be expensive.
- Dimensional Paints of any color (I use TULIP)
- Pencils (black and white Stabilio pencils have become my favorites), pen, black marker (Sharpie)
- Pencil crayons (water soluble as well), pastels, inks
- Brushes, sponges, rollers, ANYTHING you like to apply color with.
- Any mixed media supplies you enjoy using, including metal foil, collage elements, clay, beads, yarn, string, lace, trim, whatever!



