Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Altered Books • Folding • Part II

Yesterday, I started sharing some of my experiments in folded book creations. After several weeks of creating folded forms using books I decided to start altering the book shape before I started folding. I found that books came in similar sizes and shapes, and even a large book and a small book, once folded created a form that was very similar in size. I wanted more variations for my tablescapes.


Experiment one had me slicing a book into a 1 1/2" strip on the bandsaw and folding its long skinny pages. That created the wheel like form below. It is a great shape in the arrangements but it doesn't hold as even a texture as the other shapes did. The end view shows the gaps.


I took another paperback and sliced it the long way again using the band saw.


I then curled its pages in. This techniques made a long cylinder and, because of the reduced diameter, worked well in 360 degrees.


Next, I sliced a split into a book right at its midpoint but I did not cut all the way to the binding.

On this one I did a diagonal fold and crease from the center cut out. It created a wonderful double cone shape. This book had over 600 pages so it made a much denser form when done.


The finished shape is visually dynamic and very photogenic!



I now have a collection of folded books to place, rearrange, and interact with. Guests can play with them. They are another type of artistic building block.


Consider making a set for yourself and then send pictures!

Previous Posts of Interest:


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©2012 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy

10 comments:

  1. I don't even know what to say about these except they are so awesome! You are one clever girl! I couldn't have come up with that in a million years! Great job!

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    1. Creativity breeds creativity. Danni just keep watching the world around you and ideas come your way! Pinterest has broadened my exposure these past few months but I also love to go on creative wanderings looking for inspiration. Marji

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  2. I'm VERY IMPRESSED! How long did it take to fold one book? It seems like it would take a while...HOWEVER...the end result is VERY NICE! I am currently in love with book page projects, so I really like...great job!

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    1. I was surprised- it didn't take as long as I thought. If I was curling the pages it took under 20 minutes per book. Folding and creasing took longer. I just always kept one in the kitchen and folded while waiting for the coffee to brew, or the water to boil.

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  3. These are so beautiful! I would have never thought to alter them like this! You are so talented!

    Take care,

    Trish

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    1. Thanks for the comments and for your link party. I try to link up at Uncommon whenever I have a project.

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  4. Replies
    1. Thanks for the feature. This site is a regular stop for me to see and share.

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  5. No band saw here but I do have a dremel tool. Wonder how that would work. I love book art and yours is delightful.

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    1. Send an update if you find out that it works. And pictures! Have fun creating and thanks for stopping by.

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