Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Prep work: book covers

Today is Day 12 of AEDM and I am prepping some book covers.


I keep talking about book covers, so thought I would show the type I'm altering.  These are all heavy board with slick paper covers, not cloth or leather.  They can be sanded to remove the shine, or

they can be gessoed, depending on what you want to do with them afterward.

The backs can be covered with decorative paper, like the ones I've covered using some of my shaving cream papers.

I want to keep all my holes consistent, even though I may not know what width the book cover is.  So I created a template that will ensure I get the right placement every time.

It worked great and I was feeling very satisfied,

then realized I'm a very messy painter.  As a result, I have decided if I am going to paint something on the front of the piece, I won't add anything to the back until after the piece is completed.  At that time, I will add the backing and punch holes.  If I'm making an assemblage, I will add the backing and punch the holes before any assembly to the front.  Sometimes it's good to think things through before jumping in the deep end.

Speaking of jumping in the deep end, I started an abstract I want to create.  The problem is, it takes forever for one layer of paint to dry before I can add the next layer.  I'm using a glaze to lighten and soften the colors, as well as add transparency.  That's why each layer takes forever to dry.  I'm also removing some of the paint using a wet wipe, both for texture and color removal.

I can't believe how different the colors and the texture appear when I took the cover outside to photograph it.  It will take awhile before this one is finished, but I will reference this photo the next time I show how far it's come.

Today is Day 12 of Art Every Day Month or AEDM, and I prepped a few book covers, created a template for punching holes in any size book cover, whether the holes are for vertical or horizontal assembly, and started creating a new abstract that will take several days to complete.

As always, I greatly appreciate your visits, your comments, and your kind advice when I need it.  Thanks again.

20 thoughtful remarks:

Valerie-Jael said...

Lots of lovely work today. Good to see how you do the book covers, and a great idea with the template for getting the holes right I always go guesstimates and that is not always good. Have fun with your painting, too. Hugs, Valerie

Helen said...

your hole template is a great idea! will look forward to seeing the book progress (couldn't you use a heat gun to speed up the drying, or would that buckle the paint/pages?) xx

TwinkleToes2day said...

Loving your shaving foam papers; you achieved a great bright finish :D Your template idea is very good; I really appreciate the practicality you 'bring to the table', making your art is always (mostly), so well thought through. Wishing you a good day and a good weekend ahead :D

By Neymes said...

Muito bom,gostei.beijo.Valéria.

Stacie said...

Very cool! You are a woman of many talents!

Meggymay said...

Looks like you have many happy arty days planned. It was a good idea for the template for when you punch in the holes.
Yvonne xx

Krisha said...

I really like the beginnings of this page.
A good template is worth a thousand hands.

Julie Jordan Scott said...

Love, as always, the process. Your hole making template is one of those simple genius moments.

:-)

Happy Thursday!

voodoo vixen said...

Its all looking very clever to me. I have a chipboard template for my BIA that tells me where the holes are going to end up so that I know where not to put ribbon or chunky embelishments... saves a heap of heartache later down the line!!

Divers and Sundry said...

It's interesting to see how you do the book covers. I've often thought there had to be some use for those old textbooks you can't even hardly give away, and now I see. :)

sheila 77 said...

Great process post, you are so organised. Yes, a template for the holes is essential with left and right clearly marked (and always the chance for some naughty page to get itself the wrong way round).
I am interested in your embryo abstract and looking forward to seeing more. Waiting for the paint to dry? - a real test of patience!

froebelsternchen said...

I love to see your progress Elizabeth and I love your well organized work.. the template is super !

oxo
Susi

Maron said...

You are so organized and methodical!! I envy you for that trait!

Claudia W | ImagesByCW said...

Looks like a great work in progress.

Gill said...

Great book covers - I like your hole template.
What is the punch you are using???

Nigel said...

Love the book covers.

I don't use a template as such; I just clamp everything together and then make the holes in one go with a hammer and punch, or a drill if it's a thick book!

pearshapedcrafting said...

Loved seeing how you prepare your book covers -especially the hole making template! The beginning of your abstract looks great! Paper Artsy have a challenge at the moment on Abstract Art ( see my side bar)Looking forward to seeing how you progress with this! Chrisx

Sherry said...

You've had a lovely, creative day! Can't wait to see the progress on your abstract painting. It's looking great already! :o)

NatureFootstep said...

I´m impressed. My mother and my sister has been painting with oil. So I have seen a little of the struggle it can be. Not sure I would be able to do something like what you are doing.

Thanks for sharing. :)

Dianne said...

a terrific beginning...I might have trouble covering up that marvelous diagram on the background paper!...and between you and me, I get out my hair dryer and put it on high to dry things when I'm impatient! ;)