Iron Craft Challenge 8

This week we were told to refurbish, renew, recycle, or repurpose something. After viewing Silvia's Iron Craft #7 challenge I decided to do a paper weaving project.

The front of the book

I receive free paper products every time that I visit Japan to go paper shopping. I have been shopping with some of my vendors for over 25 years so I am always receiving gifts when I go and visit. One of the most common gifts that I receive is a new calendar. I usually come home with several new calendars after every visit. I have always wandered about what to do with these outdated calendars and this was a perfect chance to use one.

The back of the book

 I decided to do a simple pamphlet book with a card stock cover. I then used 1" strips to cover the card stock. There was no rhyme or reason to the placement of the strips but I tried to use parts of the calendar that had some color. I also wanted to make sure that I used some of the lettering and numbers.

For the endsheets, I decided to parts of the calendar header so that it would be a little bit more pleasing to the eye.

Overall, I am very pleased with the way that the booklet turned out. While the paper weaving was a little finicky, I would be willing to do a similar project. I would like to go on the record to say how much I have the new Blogger setup. It really sucks.

Front cover endsheet

Iron Craft 2012--Project 10

This week we were asked to create something with "stitches" in honor of Kat getting "stitched up" in surgery (or something like that). Let me first wish her a speedy and full recovery from her surgery.

I have been toiling with this idea for some time and I didn't quite know how to attempt the project that I wanted to do. I wanted to combine thread into a book project. I first started thinking about embroidered book cloth since there is a historical tradition within bookbinding where this was done beautifully. I also remembered my love of string and nail art.

String and nail art used to be one of my favorite crafts growing up. My dad was a carpenter and loved working with wood. This was a craft that he and I could attempt together and he still has some of the projects that we worked on.

After seeing an exhibit of book arts called "Thread," I was even more convinced that I could do something along these lines.  Here is the prototype of the book that I will be developing fully. Normally, I would never share a rough attempt like this but having seen Kat and Susi share their difficulties this week, I felt more confident in doing so.

This is the cover of the book with the peephole showing one side of the threading. While the circle is centered on the board, I should have realized that it is would not be centered on the cover because of the quarter inch gutter of the text block.

Here is the inside cover of the book which shows the alternate side of the threading. The circle is off center because the endsheet has to pass through the gutter of the text block.

In the future edition, I will sewing the text block onto a hinge to alleviate this problem. In this case, I will be able to center the hole and the endsheet without difficulty.

I will share projects 8 and 9 when I get a free moment. My boss has consented to let me blog at work as long as I do it on my own time after hours. The projects are done, I just need to photograph them and write them up.

Thanks for still reading--russ

Still here

My computer has had a malfunction so I haven't been able to blog. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to blog at work.

Iron Craft 2012--Project 7

For this challenge, we were asked to "refresh" something in honor of the spring season. I had some ideas but I also had several projects in the hopper that I was simultaneously working on. I was very fortunate that this project dovetailed with a prototype that I was making for one of my customers.

The brief that I was given was for a paper project for an 10 year old girl's room. The room was designed in a French Provencal style in black, white and pink. As I was walking through Bed, Bath and Beyond, I can across these plain craft paper lampshades and thought--I could do something with that.

At first, I thought that I would decorate the outside of the lampshade with silhouettes. These patterns are traditional French silhouette style patterns.

Once, I glued the silhouette to the outside, I thought that I could do better. While this was pretty enough to look at while the lamp was off, I wondered how I could make it look even better. I decided to add three more silhouettes. Two of them, I put on the outside of the shade (north and south orientation--when looking at the lampshade) and two of them on the inside of the shade (east and west orientation). The magic occurs when the lamp is turned on and you get the two shadow silhouettes as a surprise.

To add a little bit more girliness to the lampshade, I added a beaded fringe to the bottom of the shade.

In the end, I think that I might look for a white lampshade rather than the craft paper brown but the brown shade give a nice golden glow when lit. Overall, I am very pleased with the final project and I think that the mother will be surprised when I show her. I love it when Iron Craft Challenges help me with work.

Box a Week Challenge--Box #6

This week's box challenge was one of my favorites and one of my most difficult--not in style but in execution. I decided to make an orange (favorite color) square (very difficult) box.

My favorite color has been well documented on this blog. I love and hate making square boxes only because everything has to be precise and it is too easy to get the pieces mixed up because they look to be the same size.

Although the side pieces theoretically need to be the same size, in reality two sides are slightly (1 board thickness) long that the other two sides. This is done so that the pieces fit together. Also, all the pieces must fit perfectly because the lids, inserts, and base all have to be perfect squares so that all the pieces fit together to give you correct reveal on the lid and the base.

Iron Craft 2012--Project 6

For Challenge 6, we were asked to create something with, or based on, Peeps. Unfortunately, after last year's challenge, I have an unnatural aversion to the texture of Peeps. I have never eaten a peep (either bunny or chick) nor do I have a desire to do so.

I knew that we would probably to an Easter based project but when I read that the most requested repeat challenge from last year was the Peeps challenge, I was floored.

After picking myself up from the dust covered floor, I decided that I would do a project based on Peeps. I thought about cooking a cake and decorating it like a Peep. Then, I thought about doing a felt Peep hand puppet but Captain Kangaroo already had a bunny puppet. So, I reached back into my comfortable bag of tricks and took out some pastel colored computer paper.

Here is what came out--a yellow bunny Peep.

One thing led to another and there appeared more Peeps but in different colors:

I had all of these bunny Peeps and they seemed to be multiplying:

So, I had to do something with them--

how about Bunny Peep PostIt notes!

Box a Week Challenge--Box #5

This week was a crazy week because I started my night job at the theater again plus I was trying to finalize my Peeps project for Iron Craft challenge. Also, for some reason, I took on a more ambitious project for the box challenge so I was a little crazed this week.

This week for the box challenge, I wanted to create a non-traditional shaped box. This week, I decided to do a curved box-with a hinged lid--with an interior tray--with a divider. WOW. I just got tired typing that.

The difficulty with making a curved shape is that you have to wet the boards so that they will bend. Also, you have to work very symmetrically.

I decided to use some of the double sided paper that I love for the structure (this paper is purple on one side and white on the other). I also decided to use a tie-dyed mulberry paper for the interior tray.

Here is the outside of the box:

(l) top view of the box

(r) front view of the box

One of the problems with doing such an intricate structure is that rounded shapes are harder to fit and harder to glue. Also, the lid has to match the base, the interior liner has to match the shape and dimension of the opening of the box and the tray, etc. Like sewing, curved surfaces have to be cut in a fringe-like fashion so they will cover the rounded surface.

(l) the opened box with tray

(r) the opened box with tray removed

While the structure isn't perfect, I believe that I am on my way as for a working model. With a few tweeks, I think this might be a keeper.

Box a Week Challenge--Box #4

This week's box challenge is a little bit of a cheat. I used box making techniques but instead of a standard box, I decided to make a slip case. A slip case is a very important model to learn to master because they can be so useful in protecting books or for using as a gift presentation.

The problem with making a GOOD slipcase is that there is a lot of pre-planning that needs to happen. First, you must line the inside of the box before assembling it. In my case, I went with a blue Canson paper. Because the boards can warp while drying, you must also line the outside of the box so that it dries evenly. The outside lining can be any waste paper that you have since it will be covered with the book cloth. In my case, I simply used newsprint. The problem with lining boards is that you must have an idea of how much board to line so that you don't waste board or paper. I usually will line an entire sheet of binder's board and will save the leftovers. The other problem is that it is much easier to cut the board once it is lined rather than line individual pieces.

Once you have your boards lined, you must cut and assemble your slipcase. This leads to another problem--you must be very careful in gluing your joints because excess glue will be seen as it discolors the liner paper.

Once you cover the box with book cloth, you are presented with a final problem--exposed turn-ins. Because your turn-ins will be exposed in the open end of the box, you must be exact in your cutting, gluing, and turning in. If your measurements are off in any direction, your turn-ins won't line up.

Iron Craft 2012--IC5

This week we were challenged to go to the 99 cent store and buy materials to inspire us to make a project. I knew exactly what I wanted to make this week. Last year Thing1 and Thing2 made this project. Rather than recover the front and back covers of the composition book, I decided to make new covers. Rather than use fabric for the covers, I decided to use paper that I would buy at the 99 cent store. The only materials that I used that weren't from the store was the thread (which was allowed) and book cloth (which I cheated and used scraps that cost less than 99 cents).

(above) The before and after shot

To do this project (I will have a step by step tutorial later), you need to cut two boards to cover. You also need two pieces of book cloth. One piece will act as the spine between the two boards and the other will act as the hinge that will connect the text block (the pages from the notebook) to the inside of the book. You also need two end sheets for the interior of the book.

Second, you must separate the pages from the original covers. This is easy to do since the manufacturers use a running stitch to connect everything. I use a big clip to keep the pages together. Using a piece of book cloth for a hinge, you then use a pamphlet stitch (I used a five-hole stitch) to connect the text block to the hinge.

(above) here is the text block sewn to the hinge.

The next step is to cut your coverings for the front and back boards. I used a large gift bag to use as a covering. While the material was a little difficult to work with (cheap materials usually are), I eventually used half of the bag for my purposes.

(above) the deconstruction of the gift bag. There

is still a lot of material that can be used.

Once everything was connected, all I had to do was use scrapbook paper for the end sheets. As luck would have it, there were no duplicates so I had to use coordinating paper. I thought that the juxtaposition of the circles on the interior fit well with the boxes on the exterior.

Box a Week Challenge--Box #3

This week, I decided to make another box for my own use. I was under a time crunch because I procrastinated. First, I didn't know what I wanted to make (I have so many box ideas that I want to make that I have a hard time deciding exactly what to make each week). Secondly, I received news that I was chosen to exhibit a work(s) at the Louis Vuitton exhibit space in Tokyo during the 2012-2013 season. Here is a link to their current exhibit. Because of the good news, I think that I celebrated a little too much and should have concentrated on making this week's box. Having said that--We also lost an hour to Daylight Savings Time.

I know, I know. The box looks a little pedestrian on the outside. A tallish box with a thin spine. What could it be? The answer is that is a variation on a classic clamshell box. The clamshell box is comprised to two trays that are affixed to a hinged case. Here, I used a double sized Unryu paper from Thailand. The beauty of this paper is that it will usually stand the time of opening and closing in the joints so that you don't have to use book cloth for the hinges.

In January, we were challenged to make sleeves for an iPad or electronic reader here . So, I decided to make a box to hold my iPad. I know, you can buy cases to do the same thing but I wanted to be able to make my own. The Unryu paper is the blue/lime green combination. I decided to use the blue for the outside and the top tray so when the box is closed it looks as if the entire structure is blue. When you open the box, you see that the bottom tray and the hinge uses the lime green side. The lining papers are crayon decorated wax paper that was sealed.

(above) The opened box

I wanted the box to seem as if nothing special was inside so that I wouldn't get mugged for my iPad. Also, when carrying my iPad in my bag or backpack, there is even an extra layer of protection which will provide very useful when traveling.

(above) The opened box with the hard case and smart cover.

I might have to color coordinate my smart cover with my new box but orange is my favorite color and I might have a hard time getting rid of it.

(above)--My iPad with the cover in back

One of the beauties of making an item yourself is that you can customize the item to your own tastes and liking. One variation of the clam shell box that I made is that the bottom tray has a cutout to allow the iPad to be charged while in the box. The top tray disguises that cutout when closed.

Iron Craft 2012--Project 3 and Box a Week Challenge #2

This week we were challenged to re-create something from a catalog. The biggest problem for me is that I don't get catalogs. Most junk mail that I get automatically goes into the recycle bin and I have tried to reduce the junk mailings that I get as my contribution to reducing wasted paper. So, I was at a loss for ideas. I thought about going online and looking at items but that seemed too time consuming and daunting. Last weekend, I received a Swiss Colony catalog for a former tenant of the apartment where I now live. Just as a lark, I decided to look through it and came across this item:

I thought--I can make something like that (but without the coin counter). So I decided to make a desk valet to hold my keys and watch etc. The box is made from a double constructed lid that fits on a regular tray bottom. What that means is that you created a regular lid top and then add a second set of walls where the new walls are taller than the original lid. The purpose for this is to add depth to the lid so you can include dividers for the upper tray.

Here is the completed box. I used a German marbled paper for the lid with black velvet liners (like the original box). The original lid fits the bottom tray and has sides that are 1.5 inches in height. The second set of walls is made of sides that are 3 inches in height which then allows for dividers that are 1.5 inches in height. The bottom of the box is covered in book cloth.

Here you can see the velvet liners in the lid. I decided to line the interior of the bottom with the same marbled paper that I used for the top.

Here is the box in use. The coins will actually go in the box bottom and my cell phone will go in the slot where the coins are now. I had to use my phone to take the picture or I would have put it in the photo.

If I do another one of the these, I will cut a whole in the middle slot so that the change can drop into the bottom part of the box.

Box a Week Challenge--Box #1

As if the Iron Craft Bi-monthly challenges weren't enough, I decided that I wanted to do something different in addition to the Iron Craft Challenges. People who know me well know that I am most happiest when I am making boxes (even more so than making paper cuts). Boxes were the medium that brought me to paper arts and subsequently to bookbinding. I started collecting paper so I could make boxes.

So, to return to my love of boxes, I have decided to challenge myself to make one box per week. Here is the result of this week's challenge--a scrap paper box.

We try and recycle paper in our office before we shred paper. Since we regularly print on only one side of the page, we save our waste and use the reverse side for scratch paper before ultimately shredding the paper (which I then use as packing for my mailings).

Here where the instructions that I received from my boss: (1) nothing too fancy, (2) something using Japanese paper, (3) a box that he did not have to continually open, and (4) a zen feeling.

Of course, me and my OCD self also included a lid that prevented dust from getting on the paper when it wasn't in use.

Here is the result--

(above) The closed boxed--peep holes on opposite sides so dust can't get in.

In essence, the box is made up of two separate trays which each contains a peep hole so that paper can be easily reached.

(above) Each tray can hold paper but the peep holes allow for easy access to the paper.

The trays can be used separately, individually or together but more importantly, the bottom tray can fit snugly into the top tray and still allow easy access to the paper.

(above) The bottom tray--black and gold--fits into the top tray, flying cranes.

The choices of paper were very specific for this person. The black and gold paper for the bottom tray is from the "Emperor" series. It is based on a famous kimono of one of the Emperors of Japan. The second paper--the flying crane paper-- is significant because regardless of the direction you turn the box--cranes are flying upward which is a symbol of good luck and good fortune.

More Paper Cut Examples

This is another example of one of my luminaria cards. This was made to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year--Year of the Dragon. What makes this card special is that it includes cutouts on the front and back of the card. As you can see above, the break in the dragon is where the card is folded in half. This is backed with orange vellum which really shines through when using a battery operated tea light.

Iron Craft 2012

For this challenge, we were charged with making something to withstand the cold weather. I knew exactly what project that I wanted to do and I needed a quick and easy project because I was so wrapped up in making Valentine's Day projects.

Unfortunately, the fabric stores weren't cooperating with me for this project so I decided to use fabric that I could find locally. So the project for this week is a No-Sew Fleece Blanket.

You need two types of contrasting polar, no pill, fleece. I wanted to do a Purdue University Blanket with Purdue Fleece on one side and a solid black on the reverse. Unfortunately, JoAnn's was out of stock of the Purdue fleece.

(Purdue Fleece that was out of stock--urgghh)

So, as I hunted the fashion district of NYC, I finally decided on the manly camouflage fleece with the black fleece on the reverse. I bought two yards of each which almost covers me height-wise. If I had to do it all over again, I would have bought 2.5 to 3 yards of each material. What I failed to realize that you will lose 6 to 8 inches on each dimension once you start cutting the ties for the material.

After squaring off the material and pinning the two layers together, you cut off square blocks from each corner (the height and width of the squares should be equal to the length of the ties--in my case, my ties were 3" long so I cut a 3 in by 3 in block from each corner). If I had to do it again, I would have cut ties that were 4 in long and the blocks would have been 4 in by 4 in.

Next you cut ties that are 1.5 in wide and your desired length (3" in my case) along all four sides of the blanket. While keeping the blanket layers pinned, you simply tie square knots for each pair of ties (one top layer to one bottom layer).

Here is the finished project (on left), you can see the black and camo ties of the finished project. The ties are more evident in the close up (on right).

This is a very simply and fast project. It would be a great project for kids to do especially with the fleece materials that feature college and professional sports teams (see below). Plus, boy scouts and girl scouts can practice tying square knots. Here is a YouTube Tutorial. I wish that I had watched this version before making my blanket.

This is a great project because it really is forgiving of errors. The ties cover any cutting issues since they all get bunched tightly together on the edge of the blanket. Also, these blankets are so fast and easy to make, I think that they would make great specialty gifts.

Happy Valentine's Day

This week, we are taking some time off from the Paper Cutting lessons so I can share with you some of my recent work. Hopefully, it will give you some more inspiration into wanting to do Paper Cutting.

Each Valentine's Day, I desire one or two cards for my friends to give their sweethearts. Almost always, they are paper cuttings. Here are this year's designs. This is a continuation of my luminaria cards--silhouettes backed with vellum. The recipient is given the card and a small battery operated tea light.

The card on the left is called "lace heart" and the heart on the right is called "rose heart." The Lace Heart is backed with patterned vellum. The Rose Heart is backed with orange vellum.

Paper Cutting 101: Practice

Here are my results from the More Straight Lines practice session that was posted yesterday. I did the first exercise in two sizes. The windows paper cutting was the fourth attempt. The smaller version is 2" by 2"

Here is my result for the bricks practice exercise. This was the third attempt. The smaller version is 4" by 2"

Overall, this was 2.5 hours of practice spread over both exercises.

Paper Cutting 101--Practice: More Straight Lines

So today, we have more straight cuts and more of them. You have the same goals as yesterday. PDF available for those that want it. NB: Start with the window before attempting the bricks. Also, I would suggest enlarging the patterns.

Diamonds Critique

For reference. This is the paper cut that was critiqued in a previous post. Actual size of this paper cut is 2" by 5"

Diamonds Critique

Submitted without comment.