Wednesday, May 19, 2010

WOYWW 50: Handy Hands

Whats on YOUR Workdesk today? Well it's Wednesday and I'm once again playing WOYWW. Why you ask when there are so many people already playing. Last week when I sat out, there were 120. When I mentioned to Julia, the hostess of WOYWW, she sent me several wonderful messages encouraging me to come back because most people don't make it around to everyone. That was also the consensus of Cath, Karen, and Anne, who also play. Since all these gals were so kind, I just had to join in again. Even if I don't get to everyone's space, I can't deny my "nosy" mostly UK friends the chance to see what I'm working on this week. And to nose around their blogs, be sure to go to Julia's Stamping Ground for all the other links and to learn what WOYWWAC is all about.

Let's begin with my sewing machine. I'm sewing folios (single pages) together to make a signature (set of pages) that I will add to my Hands altered book (AB).

Now it's on to my work table, which is filled with my Hands AB. It is starting to show signs of stress. Even though it has less 3D pages than most of my ABs, this book seems to have shown signs of falling apart faster than most I've made.

In order to get ahead of the problem, I used HVAC silver tape to repair the book and in the process, created this spread called "Handy Hands." I never got a good photo of this, even after I changed the settings on my camera a dozen times. To create the words, I recycled some old foam letters from two different alphabets, both of which were given to me. I was able to hide the ugly foam letters with the tape, while using alcohol inks (AIs) for the background. Although this piece isn't finished, I wanted to show it to you today because I had planned to get it together during Earth Month, which didn't happen.

The whole point of this spread was to show how I spread my AIs. My friend Kathy's husband took a piece of scrap wood, drilled a hole in it, then added a small dowel rod for the handle. I added the velcro that the felt sits on. The wood block is the same width as the velcro, How perfect is that? And speaking of perfect, why is it that the colors are close to the book colors in these two photos, but not the overall? Lighting, maybe?


Once the felt is used, simply remove it from the velcro. So, if you don't have, or want to spend the money on one of those name brand applicators, simply get a block of scrap wood and a small dowel rod and make your own (or, if you have a handy hubby or wife instead of a cat, ask him/her to make you one).

Last week Brian asked how many pages I had left to do in my AB and the answer is I still have quite a few undecorated ones. He also asked if I had thought about other techniques. This started as a technique book, used to teach a beginning AB class. It was my way of giving back to an art community that has given so much to me.

Here are some links in case you missed any of these pages:

the story of how the class came together in words and pictures


pop out or extension pages

fabric, stamping, tape transfers

hot glue frames, folded pages

adding a zipper

using gesso as glue

a hidden pockets spread

and one of my favorite spreads, making a color wheel from magazine images.

It seems I have no photos of tag pockets, except for the hidden ones shown in the above link. I made several in different styles. I published them on my AB class blog, but not here. If I recall correctly, they are not finished and not filled, since I seem to have trouble making tags that I actually like. Hope you enjoyed this "handy" trip down memory lane and a look at what's on my work agenda desk this week.

Today's blog goes to Cath, a very sweet gal who visited me last week, even though I hadn't added my link to WOYWW. Now THAT was sweet, since there were over 120 participants. Some of you might know Cath from Kate's 365 Day Calendar Challenge. It's no secret where Cath is from. Her blog title tells it all. Cath in Cyprus is the name of the blog address, but her blog is named Notes from a Divided Island. No matter how you get there, just give her blog (and her work desk) a look today.

43 thoughtful remarks:

Cath said...

How very kind of you to showcase my blog.
I think I am going to be spending the day going through the links you have for your pages, they sound so interesting.

Cathx

Joey said...

Hiya,

I am glad you came back :O) I often feel guilty if I dont make it around to everyone, but it happens :O). Lots going on on those pages.

Joey.x

Liverpool Lou (Anne) said...

Hi Elizabeth, BIA is Bind It All (http://www.cuttingedgecrafts.co.uk/cart.php?target=product&product_id=21393&substring=bind+it+all) sorry about that.
I love your Hands AB. I bought some wood and little drawer knobs for handles to make my own AI dabbers but not sure I'll actually make them now 'cos I find just using a piece of cut'n'dry foam is fine. so I'm thinking I may use the wood to make a silk-screen frame (dont know what I'll do with the drawer knobs)
Anne x

Hels Sheridan said...

Gorgeous journal, loving the depths you have there hun x

Nine said...

Vraiment très joli ce journal.

Diane said...

This is so great--I am so impressed of all the work that you've put into this!

Unknown said...

I am off out in a bit to the charity shop but I had to stop by and see your mess too! ;0) I am so glad you came bk this week I have bee watching the progress of the AB and it's really growing. I always think of the Max Bigraves song 'you need hands' when I stop by lol great desk hunny

Love Dawn xx

Hazel (Didos) said...

WOW Love the AB it is looking brilliant, I don't manage round all the blogs either but have a few I go to every week, you do make such great friends through this lark!!! Thanks for the nosey, Hazelxox

Teresa aka Tess said...

I'll defintely be back to check out all of the links. Running out of time this morning, off to work soon. I'd rather be here with you!

Jacqueline said...

wow - great book. Love the tip for the AI's spreader - will have to have a go at that myself - thanks for sharing - Jacqueline xx

Twiglet said...

Such a lot of lovely work here - I will be back to check some more of your links - thanks!

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Love the journal pages, I really need to give this a go. Glad you decided to still join in. Tracy Evans x

Terri Kahrs said...

Awesome progress in your AB, Elizabeth. And what a great tip for making an applicator! What I like about your tip is that you can make the 'pad' any size you'd like instead of having to deal with a tiny one. Thank soooo much for your blog visits, too. Your kind words always warm my heart! Hugs, Terri xoxo

Unknown said...

wow that is some book, love the singer.
Christine x

Lynn Cohen said...

One needs a day to just sit and read and absorb all that you have to share here. Much to learn in the book making business! All looks so interesting. I must bookmark you for a quick return.

Unknown said...

I am LOVING how this book is turning out! Hurry up and do another page- I can't wait!

Julia Dunnit said...

Oh my.. how can it be misbehaving like that before being finished and posted around the world for us all to admire in real life!! FAB idea with the foam letters, my goodness Elizabeth, you are SUCH good value for bloggers!

Sue said...

Oh great pages there looks stunning, i don't think i will get all the way round, but it doesnt matter, nice to have a peak n just leave a few comments,sue.x

Karen said...

I am so pleased that you came back to this Elizabeth...I love seeing your workspace! That book is looking AWESOME my lovely XXX

Linby said...

Sewing the book together -doh why didn't I think of that - just got my machine out of the garage where it has lived since I made my last curtains years ago, hoping to use it on some cards and now............a book maybe! thanks for sharing and please do join in when you can.
Linbyx

A Hovel to Home said...

Lovely AB,
Hugs
Kay
Toodles and Binks

Suzanne B aka brookfies said...

So glad you posted today otherwise I may have not got to see your blog (my first time at woyww this week).....i will be back x

Unknown said...

Beautiful work ... it looks fabulous!

Annie said...

Some really lovely artwork on your blog.
A x

Penni said...

Very creative!

Hugs
Penni
X

carole brungar said...

Hey! What an interesting blog post! ...

mmmmm, now must go get rid of my hubby and find one that can make all these HANDY goodies for me!! LOL
Carole :)

Pam said...

Great book, glad you came back this week, I don't always managed to visit everyone either. Hugs Pam x

Healing Woman said...

I really enjoy coming to your posts. Usually I find that I must come back several times since you offer so much information. I just love the hands you created in your tutorial on fabric and tape transfers. I also like the way you used gesso as glue on one of your tutorials. What amazes me is that you are not afraid to show your mistakes so that we all can benefit from them. You made a comment about having to use tape on one of them since it was not holding up as well as others. Thank you so much for all the art lessons.

Tracey said...

Fabulous book, I never make it round everyone, often just do a random clickerty click on the list and try to get to all who comment on my blog. Glad you decided to return.
x

Marlynn said...

Elizabeth - I really love to see your Wednesday's posts and what is on your desk. Love seeing your sewing machine and it really did help me visualize how you put those speads together and answered questions in my head that I didn't know how to ask. You answered all my questions! Love the book.

Unknown said...

wow - a very informative post - glad you came back - i think with all the participants now - its makes sense to stagger the visits... I visit everyone - as far as I can - i don't just visit the ones who visit me - which is why it takes 2-3 days now... still, better than walking the streets LOL. Your AB is a burst of colour - i like the idea of the foam letters to make it super 3d - brill!

Paula x x x

Anonymous said...

Your book and all the ideas in it are completely and utterly stunning and inspiring. Thank you.

Spyder said...

this is fabulous, love the shear (can't think of a word!!!) energy! ... yes, that does it!! great bit of craftiness!

(lyn))

Petunia said...

Thank you so uch for stopping by and giving me a chance to visit you and view your wonderful AB. I'm quite inspired and look forward to seeing your progress. Love your Bleubeard too!

Create With Joy said...

Hi Elizabeth,

I'm so glad to see that you and Bluebeard are back! It's harder and harder to get around to all of the blogs each week as the list grows but most of us do what we can each week - it's so nice to meet friends and get connected thru the list! And, even though most of you gals are in the UK, there are a few of us overseas gals who are delighted to take part as well! It's Legend's birthday today so stop by whenever you get a chance - I know you'll enjoy seeing his kitten pics!

Hugs
Ramona
http://create-with-joy.blogspot.com

peggy gatto said...

What a pleasure to see your art! I wish I could sew even a bit...it adds so much to a project!
Your journal is lovely!!!!

peggy aplSEEDS said...

i have always wanted to start on an altered book! it's inspiring to see yours.

cheryl said...

oh i have done a altered book must remeber to get it onto my blog next time,love seeing what you are making love cheryl x

Andrea - Wales, UK said...

your book is amazing and I love the colours. Glad you are back.

See you next week
xx

Bettythebaglady said...

I can be spendy and I can be frugal too. My ink thing is similar to yours. I've used an old woodblock (no handle)and the velcro and felt thing.It works great. Hugs BettyXXX

Glen said...

Loved the snoop Elizabeth and the tut on making blocks for inking. Great ideas there. *Ü* TFS. ~Glen~

Sue from Oregon said...

Such a lot of work!

Joanne said...

This book looks amazing, just like your gorgeous pusscat. Luv Joanne xx