Saturday, October 17, 2009

The Book Project

Ingredients: Tab, old books, adoring and smart father, Zutter Bind-it-All Version 2.0, time, patience (provided by said father), inspiration, and love of ephemera.
Several years ago I ran across an old book that had been turned into a journal. Ever since, I have been on the quest to make my own. Research was done, time passed, interesting books were gathered, conversations were had, and finally it was the right place and time to proceed.
Let me say at the outset that this project would have never come to fruition without my Dad. He is a genius at measuring, spatial thinking, and craftmanship.
My Dad deconstructed the books in a manner that preserved the entire book.
He made sure that the pages came out so that they could be used.
I brought four books for our trial run and they turned out fantastically. Above is the book my friend Noreen picked. These are our prototypes. Eventually what I want to do is add blank pages (using plain paper, patterned paper, old maps, etc.) and then use my stamp collection to add journal prompts. There are so many old books out there with great covers!
My Dad and I are going to try to work out a system whereby I send him the books, he does the hard work, and then I decorate them up. I do believe that I will always leave the covers as they are orginally; they just look great exactly as is.
Here is the team; Jacobs and Daughter. We had a great time and I can't wait to keep working on this project. Thanks Dad!!!!

12 comments:

CathyR said...

Laura, what an awesome memory, this project you shared with your Dad. The new journal is just an added bonus!

Kellie said...

Those look fantastic! What a fun project!! :)

Patti said...

Yay! They turned out fantastically! You both did an awesome job and what great memories you made!

Liz said...

First off, I love the pic of you and your Dad. You sure do resemble him. Great project - and how wonderful that you could do this with him.

beth said...

aren't we lucky girls to have dads that do things for us like this ?

and I know they love helping us as much as we love their help.....

donna g said...

I love this father-daughter project. Are you going to sell any? Or would you want to trade? I'm taking a bookbinding class right now and would love to do a swap.

JJ said...

pretty cool!!

Jeanie said...

Oh, Laura, I am so smiling as I read this. What a wonderful project, and who better to share it with than your dad. I'd give anything to be able to do that. Hold that memory tight. Maybe he'll fill out a journal just for you...

Siobhán said...

Neat!! What a great team you two make... and wonderful memories.

Relyn Lawson said...

Oh, your Dad is so talented. I really, really love these. LOVE THEM.

dogfaeriex5 said...

these are beautiful!!! jealous...
and i love the picture of you and your daddy..xox

Donna Layton said...

Oh Laura I want one of these!! So cool:)