Quick Concertinas and Homework

Well, if you are a true bookmaker there is never anything like a 'quick' anything, but concertina books can be quickly made for a card or a gift. A more ambitious creation can be turned into a beautiful quote book with decorated letters which is what the Penfriends students have been working on for the past few months.

Of course, making a cover for the books can be tricky, unless (again not if you are a meticulous book-binder) you take it step by step and are not too worried about perfect touching corners. I feel that most times the good pages cover the imperfections and for our needs works well.

Here are a few pointers:

Choose paper that is not shiny and suitable for the quotations chosen taking into account the words and colours used. I find that scrapbooking paper is great. Cut two covers out of mount board or similar firm cardboard, about 1 centimeter larger than the actual book. Cut the cover paper about 2 cms larger than the board.

 Place the board with a 2 cms border of cover paper onto the decorative paper. Score against the edges of board with a bone folder or awl.

 Fold the corners at right angles to the board. Fold.

 Cut the corner a little away from the fold.

 Corner nearly perfect.

 To stick the book together we used double-sided tape. Place the cardboard over the stripped tape. Then use strips of double sided tape for the sides of the paper, folding the paper into the card. Use your bone folder to 'crisp up'.

Place concertina book on covers. Add ribbon between the back cover and book or add after the book is complete. The choice is yours.

And here is Jeannette with here nearly completed concertina book! Note ribbon under left hand. It is secured between the back page and book and will wind around the closed book to finish it off.

Homework for all:
Complete book covers for concertina books.
Bring heavy card for portfolios.

Tin Quotes
Prepare paper for small tin boxes. 7x11 cms size is ideal. Round the corners if you would like to.
Please remember you will need to make sure that nib sizes and quotes fit onto the page. Remember to leave a border around each written piece.
Be aware of ink/gouache colour.
If you draw lines on your paper take care to be light handed.

It is a good idea to do a few layouts [thumb nail sketches] so that you have an idea of how your writing progresses.

Suggested ideas for working the various quotes.
1] Take a quote and find a word to highlight. Use capital letters for this word.
2] Take a quote and use 'Boustrophedonic' style writing.
3] Brush lettering for one or two words.
4] Stacked Roman Capitals [pencils?].
5[ Italic Flourish.
6] Foundational.
7] Compressed.
8] Your own choice.
9] Don't forget a cover.

Please remember Wednesday 10 July: Calligraphy on Canvas
All day workshop: 9h30 - 16h00
R200 which includes tuition and refreshments.
Booking essential.

Until further notice Tuesday morning group will amalgamate with the Thursday morning group.
9h30 - 12h00.

Happy working and remember this quote from Salvador Dali: 'Have no fear of perfection, you'll never reach it', so we are all off the hook!