Monday, June 2, 2008

Large Fabric Board Book








This is a large, thirteen by nine, children's board book. I have worked on this over a period of time. I have used scrap fabric from other projects, left over images printed on fabric, found objects, etc. The outside cover and back are a yummy aqua velvet, found at a yard sale for a dollar. For the inside I stuck with cottons, drapery samples, etc. It is put together but not finished. The bones are there.
Do you ever have projects like that? They look okay but there is just something you need to do to make it really outstanding. I think it needs some acrylic paint and maybe some fabric dye. or maybe it is one of those situations that Robert Browning spoke of. "Less is more". So now I am putting it out there - see what you think. When I finish I will post some of the pages. So here is the rough draft.
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20 comments:

  1. cindyJune 2, 2008 at 7:26 AM

    Elizabeth,
    I really like your fabric board book. I don't think it needs anything more. I love your vintage images and think you have showcased them well.
    I wondered if you'd share how you created this wonderful book. I am really interested in branching out using fabric in my books. Did you just glue down your fabric to the board book? Or is there a batting underneath? Is the fabric sewn like a slip cover and then slipped over the pages?
    If you might share your technique I'd appreciate it. Many thanks and wonderful job! ~ Cindy

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  2. cindyJune 2, 2008 at 7:34 AM

    P.S.
    Your blog is wonderful. I have enjoyed reading all the posts!
    I have you bookmarked and will check back often! ~ Cindy

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  3. jackieJune 2, 2008 at 8:47 AM

    Your fabric board book is delicious! I can tell that much love and work have gone into its creation!
    Also, I really appreciate all of the free images that you so generously share! Thank you!
    jackie

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  4. ChristyJune 2, 2008 at 10:11 AM

    This book is incredible. I love it and I totally agree that aqua velvet is yummy. If it needs anything maybe a bit of gold or bronze or even white dry brushed at the edges of some of the pages, and in some of the little blocks of fabric that are not embellished. Just that little something that brings each page together. But it is lovely just as it is.

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  5. AnonymousJune 2, 2008 at 11:05 AM

    Once again...I am impressed. Aren't board books the greatest ? Your blog is my favorite !

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  6. Crazy Art GirlJune 2, 2008 at 12:20 PM

    Very cool
    Belinda

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  7. Zeborah LorayJune 2, 2008 at 2:57 PM

    Love it. This is the sort of thing I've been considering doing with family photogrpahs for a while now.
    I like the ways you have incorporated different types of fabric and trims. Love the doily with the puffy center piece. :)

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  8. BarbJune 2, 2008 at 4:27 PM

    Great job and I love the book--love the yummy velvet.
    The only thing would be to either do some white paint along some edges and/or grunge up some of the lighter fabrics with distress inks or similar colors

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  9. ~*~Patty SJune 3, 2008 at 12:16 AM

    I think your book is over the top amazing! I am on the verge of doing a second altered fabric book. I am so inspired after seeing yours :)

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  10. KatrinaJune 3, 2008 at 7:04 AM

    Stunning book ! I just like it as it is

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  11. LindartJune 3, 2008 at 7:13 AM

    i think your book is fabulous just the way it is!! You have done a wonderful job!

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  12. RosieJune 3, 2008 at 10:03 AM

    Elizabeth - first - thanks for the freebie images! Your board book is really beautiful... and inspirational. I think it will be finished when you feel it is enough! Gorgeous - I want to reach out and touch the photos!!

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  13. KimJune 3, 2008 at 11:17 AM

    Your book is such a treat and really looks like a labor of love. Well done!

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  14. Mary LynnJune 3, 2008 at 12:57 PM

    I love your fabric book. You have made a beautiful work of art. The transfers and the crocheted doilies are awesome. It is so wonderful when we can rescue some of our vintage history from the landfills.

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  15. dewatobayJune 3, 2008 at 1:07 PM

    Elizabeth, learned about your book and blog via the Yahoo transfer group. So glad I visited your blog . Your generous spirit shines through all your ideas! I look forward to seeing your blog in the future. maria

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  16. sandeeJune 3, 2008 at 4:25 PM

    This is absolutely spectacular!!!

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  17. Marianne McCamentJune 3, 2008 at 9:20 PM

    I love your fabric book! It is wonderful and I know you put lots of time into it. I do a lot with vintage photos and sewing and fabric, but have never tried covering a board book. I'll have to give it a try!

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  18. AnonymousJune 3, 2008 at 10:17 PM

    What an awesome book thanks for sharing it and the photos!!!

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  19. JillJune 4, 2008 at 1:33 PM

    WOW!! Your fabric book is stunning! I can just image how it feels to hold it in your hands and feel the different textures of the fabrics.

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  20. Marva Plummer-BrunoJune 12, 2008 at 12:51 PM

    Elizabeth - this is gorgeous! I wouldn't change a thing except maybe to add some buttons here and there. Marva

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