... and our Handmade Book Class

Having enjoyed our Stained Glass Class so much we always keep an eye out for the workshops and classes on offer at Maiden Erlegh Community Arts Centre.  So when we saw the Handmade Books and Journals, we signed ourselves up!

Before our class, we were sent a list of what we need to bring which included mixed/interesting papers, cord, and embellishments.  Seeing as we both had a stash of crafty supplies we ended up taking far more than we actually used!

Our tutor, Heather Nottage supplied us with other bits and bobs, including leather and paper for the inserts.  Heather explained that we would spend the day making two different styles books - one leather bound and the other with a hardback cover.

During the day we learned how to prepare the different covers, fold the papers and were taught two different binding styles - Japanese Saddle stitch for the hardback books, and another technique for the leather ones, the instructions for which can be found here.

Here are some of our works in progress!

We each chose different styles and colours for our books.  Simi's leather one was an orange scaley (like a dragon skin!) with some contrasting paper inside. The other is covered in fabric in a mix of blues and greens. Top tip from Simi..... if you forget your apron, wear the dress you were going to use as fabric.... then cut as required!! Much to EVERYONE's amusement!!

Sian went with brown leather with a colourful map inside.  The other is covered in fabric with a light blue 'theme'.

And here are our final pieces.....

We had a fantastic day and really enjoyed seeing some of our new friends (from our Stained Glass Class) as well as meeting some lovely new people. Aren't everyone's books lovely!!

PS We've linked our post on Faith Hope and Charity Shopping's Ta Dah Tuesday