paper craft

I’m Back

by CZeitler

I am sorry that I have gone over a month without updating this blog.  The time off began with my ligament repair surgery, this surgery was successful however it did take almost a week for me to get back to normal.  Immediately after that my public library began to open back up to the public, changing my work environment radically. I have still been able to post my crafting videos, fortunately I had recorded all of the spinning and plying videos before my surgery. Since the surgery I have gained some more mobility, along with a better understanding of how badly my range of motion had gotten. I am still two weeks away from my first of three cast changes, I will have some questions for the doctor about the sharp pains as well as some of the warmth I feel running up and down my hand and arm at times. This has caused me to slow down my crafting, a row on my sock is a big accomplishment. My amazing sibling helped me by putting together a couple of bookcases so that I could work on my organization.

This image shows a five shelf bookshelf with a rigid heddle loom on the top, a mirrix tapestry loom on the next shelf down with a box containing the tapestry loom supplies. The next shelf down holds spinning supplies, several bobbins are showing. The next shelf down contains two bags of purple spinning fiber, a mini cowl kit, a box containing an afghan kit. The last two shelves contain fabric boxes with fiber and yarn in them. In front of that shelf are weaving tools, heddles, bobbins, shuttles, etc. The three shelf bookcase on the right side of the photo contains two shelves of spinning fiber, with two empty fabric boxes on the bottom shelf. The top shelf contains six plastic boxes with spinning fiber and a magazine holder.

Along with my organization I have been working on discovering something called book nooks. These are amazing mini diorama’s that take up about the space of a hardcover book. This is taking me many places, from looking at painting miniatures, some woodworking, clay work, paper work and so much more. I am also working on learning to paint scenery. This has, of course, led me to a desire for a resin 3d printer (I hope I can save up for that). The 3d printer will be a great addition to my resume and skillset.

Okay, I’m going to keep this post just this short, however I wanted to share photos of a visitor I had while feeling down.

A red or brown fox sitting in a clear patch of grass looking over their right shoulder.

Remember to live life A Little More Abstract.

Japanese Stab Binding 2

by CZeitler

Various BindingsI have been working on various forms of Japanese Stab Binding.  Specifically I have been working on different patterns and how to create the most interesting forms with the least effort.  As of February 2016 I have learned that I can break an Awl trying to go through paper, and if I just use a stabbing motion I tends to result in weird looking paper on one side or the other.  Also, if you do not tie the knot on the inside, where they recommend it, it tends to come loose causing trouble.  I am very proud of my results so far, since they are all made with scrap paper and thread I had lying around it isn’t too bad really.

I look forward to seeing where this craft will take me.

Japanese Stab Binding

by CZeitler

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There are all sorts of interesting crafts out there.  Since I am a librarian book binding has fascinated me for years.  The intricate work and skills that can go into creating the text blocks of a book, sets of pages, then sewing them together creating the covers and spine, covering the cover and spine…the list does go on.  This process also takes several days depending on how intricate you are getting.  If you are stretching leather over the cover then there are presses, glues, and a few other things to take into consideration.  If this is something that interests you I have gotten supplies from Hollanders and Dick Blick Supplies, also Demco and Gaylord have interesting and fun supplies.  The only other thing that they all have in common, it is an expensive hobby to get into.  If you are into making paper, art, journaling, writing, or anything like that then creating your own books can be a very worthwhile hobby.  I did create my own book at one point, but I cannot find any of the pictures for the life of me.

Japanese Stab Binding, pictured at top, has just a few things in common with traditional binding and a much shorter supplies list.  Paper, scrapbooking paper if you want something pretty, awl (or screw punch), ruler, tapestry needle and some kind of thread or yarn.  With these few supplies you can easily create a very pretty book.  I recommend checking out some of the Stab Binding Videos on YouTube or searching for Japanese Stab Binding on Pinterest.