This is probably the oddest book I have ever made...

I mentioned in a previous post that at the exhibition in the ‘Discovery Centre’ I was struck by the ceramics of Tamsin van Essen. I think I have also mentioned that, as part of the preparation for the Creative Textiles course I am starting next month we have to keep a sketchbook – and part of that sketchbook has to be a study of two artists whose work we have seen. [My problem has been sticking to two...]

One of the pots which struck me at the exhibition was this one:

http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/yourgallery/artist_profile/Tamsin+Van%20Essen/30521.html

and scroll down to the white pot. I am often drawn to achromatic pieces, although I usually use colour in my own work. [Preferably lots of colour.]


When I do use an achromatic scheme it tends to be black and silver or gold. [If that counts as achromatic.] The only time I tried a cream piece I got so bored I had to add some blue.

But - I have been exploring different ways of attaching one piece of white paper to another – and the book is the result. [The pliers in the photos are there to hold the pages open.]

This is the front cover - staples. The whole thing is held together with string, and sewing that through 8 layers of watercolour paper wasn't easy, even with prepunched holes. Hence the pliers ...














More staples.

Buttons.

Duck tape. I really like this one.

Decorative brads. I knew I'd find a use for them eventually.

Eyelets. The string is for decoration only.

Cross stitch. Regular readers will know that I loathe and abhor cross stitch, but I can manage four.

French knots. Purists will notice that these are not well made French knots - if I made them properly the paper tore. Hence the little tadpole tails.





I am going to make something similar using fabric. I am not sure if this will lead into anything in embroidery – perhaps something 3D? - but I am having fun.


Although I find it hard to believe, this is my hundredth post – and coincidentally Mary has kindly given me an ‘I love your blog’ award.

The rules of the award are:


Put the logo on your blog.

Link the person you received your award from.

Nominate at least 7 other blogs.

Put links of those blogs on yours.Leave a message on the blogs of those you’ve nominated

Well – Mary’s excellent blog is

http://maryandrews.blogspot.com/

so I’ve managed two of the five. I am still pondering on who else to lumber – er -nominate – so watch this space!