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Sunday, August 26, 2012

Coptic Stitch Art Journal

I am so excited.  Many years ago I saw a coptic bound book and fell in love with that type of binding.  I have made several attempts to make a coptic bound book over time but along the line my stitches went awry somewhere and I would give up disgusted.  Many of my daily blog wanderings are to places where amazing artists show their art journals.  I've wanted to try it, but didn't have a real journal (my excuse as quite frankly it's intimidating for me to delve into "art" when I really do "crafty stuff") so I put it off.  But the other day when  I ran across France's video showing her process (see previous post) I was completely inspired.  I pulled up my Big Girl Panties and went to work creating my own art journal.


I had a pad of watercolor paper that has been sitting on my shelf for years.  I ripped those pages out, folded them in half and used them for the signatures for my book.  Initially the plan for the covers was to use the cardboard base of the watercolor pad - very sturdy bookboard-like pressed board - but I cut it wrong (argh!) so instead used some less-sturdy but still workable cardboard.  The cover is embellished with inks and stamps, old sheet music and pieces of a page protector (the stems).  I brushed Mod Podge over the whole thing to protect the surface and can say that I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out.

For the binding I used bakers twine that I ran across a candle a few times so that it would move smoothly through the holes.  Look ma!  Coptic stich binding...finally!

 
This type of binding is ideal for something like an art journal because when you open it the pages lay completely flat.  So now I have no more excuses for not exercising my creative muscles.  Here we go...

5 comments:

SandeeNC said...

Bravo, just don't let those big girl panties bunch up on you ( I hate that when it happens!!! ) lol Truly, you did an amazing job, I need to do something similar myself...one day! But now, I need your help naming my art wall in a gallery, if you could pop over for a peek, pick a name and leave me a comment, I'm also having a small prize drawing for everyone who helps me out! waving hi from the hills of North Carolina :)

Patti J said...

Wow, Julie! This is incredible! I totally love this art journaling, but am terrified to give it a try! Maybe soon....with inspiration like yours :) Hey sweetie, did you see that you won the Creations by AR drawing on my blog? You get to choose one of Adela's new releases! Congratulations, my new friend! Am following your blog, now - you are a wonderful artist :)

Kira - oopsicraftmypants.com said...

It's gorgeous. I love coptic stitch!

Handmade in Israel said...

Beautiful! You did a great job! I am not actually sure what the binding is but it looks so good. Love the cover.

Chris Scrap said...

I love the cover of your art journal !!!
colors are in perfect harmony
thank you for your visit on my blog