Wednesday 15 October 2008

I've been busy this last few weeks. Hidden away in my studio, trying to turn it into a book binding factory... The reality is just the entire carpet covered in sheets of paper, gluey newsprint, bits of ribbon and tiny scraps, which I'm pretty sure is not actually what a book binding factory looks like (maybe?) but it still felt like it.


Its been a while since I made more than one book at a time. I've been concentrating on making one book really well (hopefully), on getting every step right, playing around with the design and binding, not really thinking about how long it takes me to sew it or cover it or finish it.


So, it was a nice change to work in a different way, think about streamlining the different stages, how to make them all the same size, the same design but still individual. Thinking about how long it all takes and how much I need to pay myself (never enough I'm sure!) I'm making out like I've made about a hundred books when in reality it was only about 16, but it was still an interesting process, one I've not really followed from start to finish since my degree show a few years ago. Unfortunatly I was so caught up in it all I forgot to take any decent pictures, and when I remembered, I only had my rubbish camera phone and no day light. When will I learn.

Anyway, hopefully you can get the idea...


These books are hardback with a rounded spine and ribbon page markers. The pages are a selection of different papers, with little inlayed paper sprouts on the covers...


I made some handmade paper covered books too, but the photos were just too awful to show. Out of focus and grey. I also made some little pocket notebooks, with mono print covers...



All available in the craft gallery at the bowery in Headingley (they do good coffee too if you're ever in the area)

Now I just need to get my act together and make some new books for my shop too!

7 comments:

susan heggestad said...

Beautiful work, as always.
Where did you get your degree?

Sarah said...

Thanks Sue! I did my degree, in Fine Art, at Leeds Met. I specialised in a combination of printmaking, bookbinding and sculpture. Hard work but good!

Gina said...

The books are all beautiful Sarah.

Amy Kerr-Menz said...

Your books are exquisite. Even with 16 it must have been a huge process! They look great :)

Eleanor said...

Hello!

Really gorgeous... I wish I had the patience!

How are you?

Acornmoon said...

Your work is always a joy to behold.

I wish I had the time to study bookbinding and printing properly. Interesting that your degree was in Fine Art. I wish as a society we would value our craftsmen a little more highly. There is such a combination of skills that go into designer books like yours.

Lori said...

Congrats on making the front page on etsy!