Hand of Light - Thursday Group

Thursday Art group - Session 20

< back |

Folding Books

In this session we made some small folding books.

The idea was to produce small books that folded into their own cases, based on an example that Richard showed the class.

Everyone was asked to bring appropriate materials, as suggested in the weekly bulletin, and a few people were able to share some of their items where others were missing a few things. I provided a bit of card, some coloured paper, and a rota trim cutter (although some bunch cutting was a little too thick, resulting in a few less than crisp edges).

Observations

This week, I am putting my observations at the top by way of explanation for the images shown below. This is the first time I have presented the class with a 'making' project and it was evident from the start that most had not had much experience of using what are often referred to these days [in Craft, Design & Technology] as, resistant materials and their associated tools.

I think it is fair to say, that most of the class enjoyed this session, at the same time deciding that this was a bit of a trial run. Given the short time slot that we have in class each week, I thought everyone did very well to achieve as much as they did.

The original folding book

This original folding book was made by Richard's Dad as a present and memory of their visit to Italy. The main covers of the book are made from stiff card (shown above, bottom right). Paper pages are sewn together and gaffer tape material is used for hinges. The covers and box components are covered with a decorative paper and also lined with another decorative paper inside.

(Click on image to enlarge)

Kathy worked diligently with her usual enthusiasm and made a pretty good job of her first folding booklet. A bit of additional practice and attention to finish would produce the icing on the cake.

(Click on image to enlarge and see it open)

Folding book by Kathy

Lorraine worked quietly and carefully, producing a very good first booklet with a reasonably crisp finish.

(Click on image to enlarge).

Top

Techniques demonstrated and/or mentioned

Best positioning and aligning of paper on the rota trim cutter.

Measuring, marking, and gently scoring card before bending into position to achieve crisp corners.

Using gaffer tape (see below) to create durable hinges.

History

Duck, Duct, Gaffer, or Gass Tape? Wikipedia or Here

Tracy took to this project really well and found a tree pattern paper to go with her decorative owl tape. Edge cutting could be sharper on the pages, but proportional positioning of all component parts is good.

(Click on image to see how it turned out)

Nan's booklet came together well, after a few experiments with her measuring, scoring and folding.

Stan made a small booklet, but his tray component was a little over size in the end, so this was revised - shown below, awaiting recovering.

Folding book by Stan

Mags had a few goes at experimenting with her materials, before gradually creating all the necessary components in the right dimensions. The session ended before she was able to complete the final assembly, but it was close enough to see how it would finally look.

(Click on image to enlarge).

Vee and Rebecca were away this week.

Top