Floral Book 1

Several years ago a friend and I took a book making class at the Minnesota Center for the Book Arts.  Over the course of the class, we learned each stage of creating a beautiful bound sketch book with top quality Strathmore 500 series mixed media paper.

While I really enjoyed the process AND the product, the final sketch book ran about $80, not including the cost of the class, and took hours and hours to complete.  From time to time I have made additional bound sketchbooks, but I decided to try making another type of book for fun.

The floral book was the first of its kind that I tried.  I made this about the time I discovered the composite style at the photo kiosk at Target.  What a great discovery to be able to print 3, 4, or 5 color prints on one 4" X 6" print.  As you can see on the book cover below, the first print was 2" X 3" and was used on the cover of my first "quick book" attempt!

Cover - Assembled flower book using paper components cut with a Cricut machine, personal photographs, block prints, ribbon, book rings and hand-cut shapes, as needed.

I had seen a large laser paper cutter in action, but knew we didn't have the space or the budget to acquire a great tool like that for cutting book pages.  The technique we used for the bound sketchbooks was tearing.  I'd get large sheets of paper, up to 28" X 40" and calculate double page size, and start tearing.  The process is OK, but that, too, is where the cost comes in.  Then I discovered the Cricut cutting system.

Cricut is a paper cutting system, offering several different machine sizes.  By plugging in cartridges (all sizes of machines accomodate the same cartridges) different shapes can be programmed to be cut on the cutting bed.  Special adhesive mats hold the paper in place during the cutting process.  The blade moves horizontally and the paper moves every direction on the horizontal plane, controlled by the machine.  It is not a laser system, but it is a mechanized cutting system.  The machines come in different bed widths.  Each machine has a dial allowing the "programmer" to select the size of the image - limited only by the size of the cutting bed.  There used to be a Cricut that would cut detailed fondant cake decor - although I have not seen one of those lately.

An example of the intricate work these cutters can do can be seen below in the lacy, floral design.  This design is part of a lace program that includes about 20 patterns.

Large pocket page with floral cut-out on the back.   Cut-out attached with glue stick.

This process can also get into some dollars in a hurry, depending on the number of cartridges purchased.  Of course the initial investment is the machine; a good sale can cut this cost in half.  Since a cartridge can set you back $40, I have worked to only purchase them when they are on sale, as well.  I have also discovered that there is never a time when a coupon can be applied to their cost.  About a month before major holidays I watch for the best sale ads at JoAnn Fabrics.  Although other stores, such as Michael's carry these products, JF usually runs the best sales.

Rounded page - second size in series of four choices in Cricut program.

A second cartridge program I used to create this floral book includes the pages (both rectangular and half-circle)  with holes punched, tag pockets, and tags (also with holes punched).  There are about 6 different book options in this particular program.

What follows for the next several weeks are examples of the mini-books I have created using components cut on the Cricut.  I tend to make colorful background pages with light tag paper (also a great sale item!), then add either watercolor paper inset pages, drawings or paper framed photo pages.  Most will have a way to make notes or lists on a mobile tag or paper component, which can later be re-attached or included in the book.  You can see an example of this on the orange pocket holder at the bottom of the page above.  The top surface of the pocket contains peony information to go with he peony photograph from my garden.  I added lines to the tag by carving a block print just for printing lines for text

I have a couple of books that are exclusively my block prints - adapted, and a couple that are quick paintings and sketches.  While this one has some text, those that follow are more journal-like in design.  Well, think of it this way.....it's different than lots of images and chatter about glass - right?  As always, feedback and your comments are welcome - just add them below!