Hi , welcome to issue #45 of the Tasart newsletter.

Nearly a year ago, I lost my youngest daughter, aged twenty. She lived in New York, and she used to quite often wear a U.S. Bomber Jacket that she picked up somewhere. So, I decided to unstitch it and have a go at making some journals/sketchbooks with the leather, that friends and family could fill with memories. I had only ever attended one weekend book binding workshop, with Terrie Reddish in our Takapuna Studio. So, in addition to picking up some of her scholarly knowledge, I also spent hours watching YouTube videos.

On the weekend of the 12h- 14th of September, The Association of Book Crafts is holding BIND25, a conference on everything Book Binding. Some of the international artisans I watched on YouTube will even be there and I'm looking forward to learning more about this craft... since have three more books to make...

To find out more, please visit The Association of Book Crafts

A PERSONAL PROJECT

My Handmade Sketchooks

Materials Used:

A selection of papers: Mixed Media, Cartridge, Laid Charcoal, Oil, Watercolour and Glassine

Canson Mi-Teintes for the end sheets

Bone Folder

pH Neutral Glue

Bees Wax

Linen Thread

Kraft-Tex (to line the leather)

Make-shift press with Hardboard and C-clamps

Heavy Duty Straight Edge

Self Healing Cutting Mat

Museum Board for the boxes

Calico Fabric

I hope sharing this might inspire some ideas of your own.

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Until next time,
Sandy and Jim,
Takapuna Art Supplies
www.tasart.co.nz