Coptic-stitched Book with Vintage Covers

A couple weeks ago, the Inland Empire/Pomona Valley chapter of SfC sponsored a program at the Riverside Main Library, to make these coptic-stitched books, using the covers from discarded books. Amy Spencer did a wonderful job of teaching--I learned tips I don't remember ever hearing before. And, she had great tools I had never seen, such as a tearing bar (heavy weight to ease tearing of the paper to size for the pages).  While I was familiar with curved needles for other purposes, she had bent needles available, which made it so much easier to maneuver the needle between the signatures. Thanks, Amy!!!

While at the workshop, I decided to vary the design, so I waited until I got home to finish the book. My motto is Use what I have!, so I rummaged in the armoire in my art room and gathered muted colors of patterned scrapbook paper, chosen because they coordinated with the cover. I cut the paper to fit and wrapped each signature with a coordinating paper.  

Nothing from the old book will go to waste--the spine is tucked inside to serve as the bookmark and the pages of text will be fodder for collage.

Next, I want to make books with covers cut from Davey board and covered in a collage of favorite papers. So much fun!


My work can also be seen on instagram: @KADmiumDesigns