9 August 2007
Update on the Current Project with PHOTOS!
Posted by Lady Artisan under: KSProject .
Yep, even got some pics for this one! I’ve actually been working on it sporadically (in between making dolls and handling non-artistic responsibilities, which think should be banned like asbestos).
Right, so I started with making some templates for the covers and spine so I could start getting a feel for how this might work. My first version of the templates was wrong (off to a great start, eh?). Because I’m so used to doing exposed spine binding, I automatically measured the cover templates to be the same size as the text block. The reason the exposed spine book has covers the same size as the text block is because the spine/binding isn’t reinforced or sturdy enough to handle the weight of the whole book on the cords/thread while standing upright (which is how most people store their books). A full cover with spine has the whole spine for support instead of just the sewn thread so supporting the book weight while standing upright isn’t a problem. Anyway, I had to revise the cover templates with that in mind. On the upside, it gives me a little more room to decorate (yay!).
Hinges were next, just to get the clay work started. I used my new extruder adaptors that are designed to make a hole in the clay as you extrude. It worked wonderfully! And I used the correct size so the copper rod fit in perfectly. I’m using red clay as my base because I’ve heard that red makes the gold a bit brighter and richer looking. I read somewhere that they used to use red underneath gold leaf all the time so I figured, why not? I’m not using real gold leaf, this is gold-colored metal leaf. I haven’t yet broken down and spent money on real gold leaf yet. Anyway, the first pic here is of the whole tube of hinges–I made it a little long, marked them off at one inch each enough so the marks could be seen once cured. Then I cured and cut the hinges. I want them to mesh “perfectly” once they’re attached to the covers and spine so I’m trying to be very careful about keeping them together in the proper order. The second pic is a close up of one of the hinges. The copper rod is the actual rod I plan on using for my hinge pins in the book.
Here’s the (current) design idea I have for the front cover. The gold molded designs are gold clay but I’m planning on using the red clay covered in gold leaf, even here. I will add a transferred image of a Medieval picture in the center and all the stones, crystals, and center picture will be surrounded with filigree claywork (covered in gold leaf, of course). The idea is to make this a very Medieval looking book. I know my original plan was the braided handle binding but I’m having second thoughts as I’m not sure it will go with the medieval theme. But I haven’t totally given up on it yet, so, we’ll just have to see as I get the cover done if I still think it will work.
And that’s long enough for now!
