Saturday, July 2, 2011

Afraid to Glue

We are in week three of the Full Tilt Boogie online class.  But before I started the third journal, I wanted to finish the second one. 

I was concerned.  I picked out my cover last week - an old vintage photo album.  This would have a hidden spine, so the cover is used intact.  No problem.  My cover is in good shape (considering the age).  It was no problem to take out the stiff photo pages in the album... they were not even attached anymore.  I cut and tore watercolor paper until I had enough signatures.  I added in some of the old photo pages that came in the album.  I was careful to not overstuff the book, and used less pages than what it looked like I should.  I sewed the signatures together using strips of Tyvek for the tapes.  And it all sat there for a week.  I could not commit to glue.  I was sure it needed more signatures - that spine is pretty wide.  But my signature block was already done, all neat and tidy, sewn together like a Christmas package.  (I also used painted Tyvek to support the spine inside the cover.)
 Today, I made the decision.  I would make four more signatures and sew them to the previously made signature block.  Do or die.  The sewing won't show, so it doesn't matter if it looks sloppy. But it looked fine.  It can be done! 


I glued it in and it worked fine.  The book is resting now, and the glue is drying.  I'm very happy with it.  Now I can move on to the third structure!  Can't wait!

12 comments:

Jan said...

Hi, just found your blog via the FTB group (isn't it great?!) and I love it. Haven't started my own journal yet, waiting for school holidays to start. I really love the 'Before I die' project - an inspiration!

Michelle LaPoint Rydell said...

I LOVE your new journal! The cover is beautiful and I love how chunky it is - great idea to add more signatures!!!

Barbara Hagerty said...

Beautiful book, beautifully done! I've always said that artists are primarily problem solvers. Your signature addition was a brilliant solution!

gaye said...

Really Really love the cover. It looks yummy! You did a great job.

Carol said...

your journal looks great! the cover is amazing. I like your choice of plain creamy white pages for this journal. looking forward to see what you do with the inside.

Jessibel said...

That looks great and looks like just the right number of pages.

gaye said...

You didn't say what glue you used?

primdollie said...

It looks amazing!! I Love the added signatures, you did a great job!! the cover looks wonderful! thnx for sharing! I hope to get started soon had to do a few other things and gather goodies!! :) hugs Linda

Pat said...

Gaye, I used Golden's Soft Gel to glue the pages to the cover. I used Crafter's Pick to glue the Tyvek to the spine and also the Tyvek strips on the pages.

letterlady said...

You are so ambitious! I applaud you! Clap clap clap clap!!!!

JenEve said...

Tyvek is a FAB idea - thanks for sharing the tip!! Love your chunky journal - the antique album I got for the class is huge like this and I've been putting off working in it - but now you've motivated me! It may take the rest of my lifetime to fill it up w journaling ;)

jan b. said...

You won't find me trying to stop you. I think you did a superb job! and am looking forward to seeing more.