Add Style To Your Tape Bound Books -An Inside Peek

These handmade books are all in a sewn onto tapes style. You can see that a sewn onto tapes book is a typical hardbound book which can have a rounded spine or a straight hardback spine. The tape is a long strip of material that is sewn across the spine of a text block. The material, which is typically linen tape, is then glued to the cover of the book before the endpapers are placed on. Traditionally, these tapes can either be seen on the inside of the book, or more often, are hidden with built up paper on the inside cover so you can not see the tapes on the inside of the cover. Instead of hiding the tapes, I created designs in the front covers of these books below. I also didn't use traditional linen tape, I used linen book cloth because I can cut it to various widths and the book cloth I used was a bit thicker which allowed for the design to really stand out.

Tying Scarfs

This is me and Kacie during our first photo shoot for Pearl Jane, our clothing and accessories shop on Etsy.  We took turns tying the scarves on each other and after half a dozen scarves, we were pros at tying them on (almost). I can't wait until spring. I'll wear these little scarflettes all the time. They aren't the best for outside wear during freezing cold February though. We have other scarves for that, as you can see below.

The universal sign for cool

This is my friend Tiffany and I on top of Mt. Timpanogos giving the Universal Sign for Cool.

I hope she's having a Happy Birthday today!

Raised and Inset Book Hinges

These book hinges were done a few years ago but I still love them. I believe this book ended up being a sign in book at an art show out in PA. The hinges are raised and the fleur de lis is inset into the hinges. It took quite a bit of time to tool those tiny designs but I was pleased with the end result.

Focus on Book Arts Conference

The Focus on Book Arts Conference is held every two years in Forest Grove, Oregon (just outside Portland).

I'll be teaching a class this year. You can find more information on their website. I can also send you a catalog if you'd like one as I have a few left.

I'll be teaching a class on creating raised and inset designs in Paper, Fabric and Leather.


The description:


In this class, we will create three samples that can be used as covers for books, one each of leather, fabric and paper. Tips and techniques will be explored as well as design layout instruction. Many samples will be shown and techniques discussed. Embossed hinge designs will also be demonstrated. We will discuss different glue options for each type of material and technique as well.

Chinese New Year's Resolutions

For those of us who missed January's New Year Resolutions, it's sometimes best to just start on the Chinese New Year. My new year's resolution is to get organized and post more often on this blog. My goals are more detailed but I won't go into that right now.

I had a wonderful Valentine's Day. 

Breakfast made by Daniel. 

So sweet! 

Book Arts Class in Ephraim, UT starts in one month!

The book arts class at Snow College starts on March 17th (St. Patty's Day). You can read the above flyer for details. Students who sign up need to bring a few things to class:

• pencil
• metal edged ruler
• cutting mat or a thick magazine to cut on
• scissors
• an exacto type knife with extra blades
• a magazine to be thrown away (this will be used as a glue station)
• paper or notebook to take notes if you wish