Tuesday 18 November 2014

GD: Anneke De Clerck Project #2 Holiday Memories

Hello, Anneke here.Tonight I have another recycling project to share with you. I altered an old book into a "Christmas Book". It could be filled with Christmas photos, text..... or it could be used as a December Daily. Documenting big and small Christmas memories is so important, so fun to do. Why not doing it in a handmade book.


This is the book I started with. Look for old books in a thrift store and try to score one with a linen cover. Books with linen covers are great to alter.


First I removed the cover from the text block.

Next I applied a few coats of gesso to the cover.

I covered the book cloth at the inside with gesso too.

This is how it looked like after three coats of gesso.

I cut a piece of handmade paper slightly smaller than the cover.
 I glued it on the inside with PVA glue and I removed air bubbles with a bone folder.

I put 4 eyelets into the spine of the book, approximately 1" from the head and tail.

For the inside pages I made gelli prints. If you are not familiar with gelli printing there are lots of videos on this technique on the internet. 

To achieve coherent pages I used mainly circle templates (by Prima and The Crafter's Workshop) and one text template (Tim Holtz Layering Stencil Christmas).

I made the gelli prints with Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylics. These paints work well on the gelli plate! I've chosen a red/orange/white/blue colour combo.

I had to cut the gelli prints to size and I used the scraps to make a tree on the front cover.
I glued the scraps of paper to the book with double sided tape. I did some stamping with stamps from the ELB10 stamp set and Archival Ink Jet Black.

ELB10

I love playing with text stamps. The words 'peace, love, joy' come from a quote out of the ELB12 set.

ELB12

I added a bird, some mini pompons and a piece of ribbon to finish it off.

I gesso-ed wooden numbers and glued them to the spine of the book.

The pages of the book have the same size as the removed text pages. I punched 2 eyelets in each page on a distance of 2/5" from the edge.

To bind the book I pulled some ribbon through the eyelets of the pages and through the eyelets of the cover. 

I tied the ends of the ribbon together at the outside and made a bow.
As you see there is enough room to fill the book with all kinds of keepsakes.
This book could be used as a Christmas card saver too. The possibilities are endless :)

I hope this post inspired you to create your own "Christmas Book" this year.
Thanks for watching! Have a nice evening!



Anneke

A huge thankyou to Anneke from PaperArtsy HQ. This is not just a visually stunning book but so useful too. The linen texture of the original book will make it feel slightly vintage which contrasts perfectly with the modern funky colours of paint. Brilliant gelli pages too!

We would love you to join in with our monthly challenge. If you are inspired by any of this month's guests who have blogged between Nov 1st 2014 and Nov 30th 2014 then join in and link up your creativity HERE. You will go in the draw to win a voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. You need to add your link by 19:00 (London time) Nov 30th 2014

26 comments:

Hazel Agnew said...

I am so in love with this project that I need to own it! It is juicy and exciting and holds so much promise for the inside. The colours are zingy and the design is amazing. Love, love, love and want it now! Xx

Deborah Wainwright said...

Wow love this book. Your pages are lovely beautiful creation xxx

Ruth said...

What a fabulous idea! Love the cover and the pages...well love it all! x

Helen said...

What a great transformation - I love your gelli print pages! and just think, you have all those book pages of French Grammar to use on something else!

Words and Pictures said...

So cool and funky! Absolutely love this transformation, and the gelli prints are fabulous - such great colour combinations.
Alison x

Craftyfield said...

Anneke how could you take apart a French grammar book?! Having said that, the finished project is aesthetically far superior! The Gelli prints look yummy and I love the clean look of the cover.

Carol said...

Love this transformation...must go out and find an old book! Carol x

Kirsten said...

That is so gorgeous! I love all the different pages & the cover is fantastic.

Unknown said...

Fabulous x

Lucy Edmondson said...

This is gorgeous, anneke, I love how the linen texture comes through. Such wonderful ideas for recycling a book although I really should learn some French grammar!

Lucy x

By Neymes said...

Super inspiração amiga,pensei em fazer uma capa como essa,para arquivar os cartões de natal recebidos em 2014,pode me mandar um que guardarei com todo carinho :)) Beijo.Valéria.(Brasil).

massofhair said...

Stunning and very trendy:-) xxx

sally said...

Lovely project....I need one of these books! Saving it for a creative session as soon as possible to fit it in :-)

Sally

craftytrog said...

Brilliant!!!

Dawn C. said...

This is a great idea, could be used for many different themes and purposes. Thanks for the fantastic instructions!

Kezzy said...

Wow wow wow truly awesome folder. I really love the gelli prints and cutting them up for the Christmas tree is amazing. Love it. Happy Creating :-) Kezzy xxx

Julie Lee said...

So fresh and colourful! This is a beautiful, altered book! Who wouldn't want to record their Christmas memories in something so pretty! xxx

mamablitger said...

Fantastic book. Looks so elegant and nice. Love your book project. Thank you for a great tutorial.
Hugs from Monica... Spain

Etsuko said...

Brilliant Christmas Book! Fantastic christmas tree and lovely design xx

Sarah B said...

wow - I want one ! must add this to my need to try it list ...xx

craftimamma said...

Wonderful project Anneke! Beautiful bright alternative Christmas colours and I adore the tree from the Gelli off cuts. ~Absolutely fabulous in every way!

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Siobhan Brignull said...

this is wonderful, the reuse of the old book cover and the gellie print scrap tree, just fabulous

Victoria said...

I LOVE this post! You inspired to finally jump in and make an altered book. Your instructions make it look easy, thanks!

Win Dinn, Artist said...

Fabulous book - drooooooooling here.

Art By Wanda said...

LOVE this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lindeke said...

Dit is echt een prachtig werk!! Zeer mooie frisse kleuren en wat een leuke manier om zo'n oud boek een nieuw leven te geven. De gelliprints en het kerstboompje zijn ook supermooi!! Groetjes, Linda