Much of a muchness

Things that make you go 'hmm'…

Birthday book

I was in London earlier in the week with Ludwig. I spent a very happy hour in Falkiner’s, my favourite paper shop. (see Dennis Yuen’s latest post). Ended up spending a relatively huge amount of money on gorgeous Japanese and French papers and a beautiful off cut of leather. It is my lovely boyfriend Ludwig’s birthday on Saturday and I wanted to make him a special book as part of his birthday present, so I decided to use the leather, which was a gorgeous shade of lime green and a Japanese Chiyogami paper for the lining which is lime green, black and brown. I have to say, it looks fab. It was very stressful making this book as it was a gift, used expensive materials and I wanted it to be perfect. I also wanted it to look more masculine as I think the ribbon mount books are quite ‘girlie’ books, so by tucking the ribbon back into the cover, I got rid of some of the bows and I thought this got round the problem. The leather and dark interior also helped. Just to be safe, I made another book using the remains of the leather and paper using coptic stitching and I shall decide tomorrow which to give him. I might even give him both. Just realise I can’t post this just yet as he might see the book! It will have to wait until tomorrow….

ludwigs_standing.jpg
ludwigs_inside.jpgludwigs_spine.jpgludwigs_book.jpg

It’s now Saturday and I am off up to London to meet L so I will post this before I go! I finished second book and the two make a nice complementary pair (one has cartridge paper and the other, watercolour paper) so I shall give them both to him. Now, off to pack…

twoleatherbooks.jpg

7 responses to “Birthday book

  1. balm August 4, 2007 at 8:41 pm

    beautiful work! – balm

  2. coco8199 August 5, 2007 at 4:22 am

    Very Nice! I really love that color of green.

    Cassie

  3. tulibri August 5, 2007 at 9:25 am

    Diane, these are absolutely gorgeous books. I especially adore the ribbon-hinged one, and the way you worked in the ribbons. The colours are beautiful. It seems that boyfriends and alike inspire a lot! – I’ve recently made a notebook for mine tailored to his needs (in case you’re interested, sneak a peek here: http://www.bookartsforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=136).

  4. Clara August 5, 2007 at 11:31 am

    Hi Diane!
    Hope i have one of these on my birthday!
    Another one and he is beautifull!

  5. Diane August 5, 2007 at 3:20 pm

    Thank you so much for your kind comments. My boyfriend is a total inspiration and he liked the books!

  6. BookGirl August 18, 2007 at 11:06 pm

    Lovely work! The colors are stunning.

  7. Diane August 18, 2007 at 11:13 pm

    Thank you! I liked it too.

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