Book-in-a-Day 38: Embark

Title: Embark
Structure: Flag Book
Dimensions: 5 x 3 1/2 closed / 5 x 

I'm beginning to realize that I really like using previous art pieces in my books. As a mixed media artist I am usually working on multiple projects at once so there are always pieces of paper and fabric that don't make it into a project or that get paint and materials on them as I'm creating. I love finding a place for them. So this 38th book is one that allowed me to do that. 

Again, I used a piece of artwork from my time in Traci Bautista's workshop and repurposed it to make the flags. Then I used another recycled piece for the spine. The outside cover paper is a beautiful piece of mulberry paper that I've used before in another BIAD project. 

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The nature of this flag book structure allows the book to be read and experienced in at least two ways: as a traditional codex book or as a flag book where you open it from end to end and allow the flags to "fly". The seven center flags are flipped on the reverse side to help them stand out in the process of viewing, so I figured this was the best place to include the text. 

Again, I used stickers for my text because it really is an easy way to get text into a book without typing, using a printer, or employing a letterpress machine. My first thought was to leave the flags blank and not include any image on them, but when I looked at the structure and extended the the book, I realized that content was warranted.

Tidbits about the process of this book:

• I used double sided tape instead of glue to adhere the flags -- this was by far the best decision I made about this book. The difference between using glue and using tape is the drying time and possibility of warping that you get with glue. The tape reduces both concerns. 
  

• I used a template for placement of the first set of flags (mostly to make sure I got the center flag in the right place), but after that, it was easy to place the top and bottom flags using the top and bottom edge of the spine and place the center flag on top of the previous center flag to make sure they lined up.
  

• There was one moment when I was burnishing a center piece where I ended up putting a hole in the spine. In order to fix it, I used the waste piece from the left over spine section to cover it up and create a banded effect. Thank goodness I really liked that look in the end. 
  

If I were going to change one thing about this book, I think I would have distressed the stickers before putting them on the flags. The stark white really does stand out and kinda bugs me. But of course, all in all, I'm loving the book just like I end up loving all of the books. 

I'm excited about what next week will bring. Please stay tuned!

If you're watching the videos, I'm honored! If you're making the books, I'm intrigued, so please share here or on the Giving Hands Creative Community site. Also, make sure you visit the new online store for amazing and wonderful inspiration.