I've done it. I've finally done it! I've been looking at book binding tutorials many times but I never made one. It has always looked too complicated, intimidatingly complicated! And I don't do complicated. I'm such a chicken. *bwaakbaak*
However, while watching a video class by Kiala Givehand, I just knew that I would do it this time. Her class is one of 17 classes in this online course called One BADASS Art Journal, and the way Kiala taught her book binding class made it really easy to understand so that "even I" should be able to do it. So, while watching Kiala bind a book, I got out my watercolour paper and bound them with her! The next day I went to the fabric store to get the canvas I needed for the cover.
Want proof that I really DID IT this time? I've got proof! You can click on the photos below if you want to see bigger versions:
 Canvas cover decorated with acrylic paint and stencils |
 My watercolour paper was glued with some black goo on 4 sides of the pad. I decided to leave it there, 'cause I'm such a badass, remember? ;) |
 I painted the inside of the flap as well. |
 Example of my pretty stitching ... |
 Example of not so pretty stitching ...I didn't really have the kind of thread I needed, but I was too impatient to wait so I used what I had. |
 Not too bad, is it? |
Edited Feb 15th: See my update of how I added more to my cover in this post.
These are the One BADASS Art Journal classes I'm taking:
Full disclosure: I am not sponsored, I'm just sharing because I LOVED the first class! I do know one of the teachers (Susanne Rose), in fact she's a close friend and a colleague, but that has nothing to do with the fact that I LOVE this! I have only taken the first class, the next one will be released on the 13th of Feb., as these are weekly classes going on till June. You can jump in at any time and follow the classes at your own pace.
I will use my very first bound book when I take the rest of these classes, so that by the end of this course I will have filled at least 16 pages of my precious book. So stay tuned for updates as I continue to take these classes, and by June I should be a genuine BADASS. Yooohooooooo! (Be very afraid ...)
One thing's for sure: now that I have bound my first book, I will do it again. And again! I have ordered the thread I want for my next few books - waxed linen 4 ply in vivid red! See, I'm turning into a badass already ;)
Thanks for looking!
(badass wannabe)
