New Artist Book: The Librarian

I have a good friend on campus who is a librarian. Recently, our library was clearing out a bunch of old books, so, knowing I often destroy and recreate old books, she called me to come over and take a peek. What a bounty! So I made the first book out of this bounty for her.

The Librarian - Before
Original 1951 book
This is what I started with. It's a collection of Shakespeare Surveys, 38 whopping volumes worth, written in 1951. I thumbed through them, and even for an English major, it was pretty boring stuff! Out came the text block.

The Librarian - Front Cover
Front cover
From there, I got out the spray paint and stencils and went to town creating the exterior cover and the signature covers. I used a basic pamphelt stitch to sew in three signatures. I used basic Utrecht drawing paper for the spray painting and then used Canson mixed media paper for the actual text blocks.
The Librarian - Inside Front Cover
Inside front cover
The Librarian - Signature Cover
Between first and second signatures
The Librarian - Signature Cover
Between second and third signatures
The Librarian - Inside Back Cover
Inside back cover
After gluing on the outside cover and folding it over into the inside, I covered the inside covers with old writing paper and added the pink washi tape for a little extra bit of Kelly bling.
 
The Librarian - Back Cover
Back cover
I didn't do this all in one session, mind you. With everything else happening in my little world, this was completed over the span of about three weeks.
  The Librarian - Spine

Now that I have the pattern down, 37 more volumes to go! As I work through the rest of the stack, I'll probably vary the stitch pattern up a bit, adding in some long stitch or other variations on long stitch and pamphlet stitch. I definitely have more than enough to keep me busy!

7 comments:

Elysian Studios said...

Wow! What an awesome book! I just love the colors and patterns you chose- this will be treasured by your friend!

Jodene Shaw said...

Amazing! How fun and beautiful! Three weeks! I don't think you have to worry about being bored with all of the volumes you have! {smile}. Love it. Thanks for stopping in on my blog too! It was nice to hear from you ~

Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director said...

this is JAW DROPPING gorgeous!

Stephanie Amos said...

Oh my gosh Kelly! I absolutely am in LOVE with your books! Ever want to trade, you know how to find me! xo

angie fraley said...

Oh my goodness. I love Kelly bling. Nice to see what you've been up to. :)

Baxter's Mom said...

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!!!!!

laura gaffke said...

You make me want to pull out my spray paint! I love all the layering you have done and the great colors! Cheery Smiles your way...Laura