Wow! What a relief to have finally finished this commission yesterday. It is at once a relief and a letdown. Over the Thanksgiving holidays my good friend and most excellent American poet, Brian Felder, commissioned me to create two journals out of his 'retired' Marine dress uniform, one to go to him, and one to a good friend he made while in 'Nam.
The parameters i had to work with were, the material itself. We decided to use the lining of the 'blouse' for the front and end papers. His shoulder insignia would be the decorative element on the front cover, and the binding had to replicate the background colors of the Vietnam service medal, which is also the colors of the ARVN(army of South Vietnam) flag.
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| Brian's second book, spine view |
The original idea was to find a paper of the correct yellow, and of a sufficient weight to stand up to 'field work'. No such paper seemed to exist, so we comprised on a ribbon 'binding' on the spine of each signature. This actually worked quite well, providing a substantial degree of protection for the paper along the binding edge. As an FYI, it also makes it much, much more difficult to bind. I will do it again, if someone asks, nicely, and of course agrees to pay a significant premium for this service.
This is first time i have done a multiple color binding up and down the spine of the book. I was resistant to the idea as i knew that there would be technical issues that would annoy me. But like a good little artist working on a paying commission i did do what the customer asked for. If any of you out there have done any book binding using the Coptic or Saddle stitch you will immediately realize why i did not wish to go this route. I will admit however, that it did work, and although the additional tie offs in each signature added bulk, it was not as bad as i feared. Yes, i would do it again. Yes, for an additional $$….
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| Inside front cover, what fun to cut out! |
The idea was to use these lovely silk paintings for a decorative element, as a front piece. The paintings come from 'Tourist' Christmas Cards sold to the American GI's, usually at the PXs. It wasn't until i actually was about halfway through the second book that i realized that i could easily cut up, down actually, the frame around the silk painting. I couldn't see using the card as is, as they were too large for the space. So i rather laboriously cut out the dragon and inner frame. It is really pretty amazing what you can do with a little patience and an exacto knife.
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| Inside back cover, functional pocket |
Altogether i am pleased with the result. The back inside cover has a 'breast' pocket attached. I sure that it will useful element of the book. Any how, another commission done, i took the day off yesterday. I lounged about, read, allowed Mungo to make supper for us, and finished the day off with a sunset cruise in the Dharma Duck. Magellan, the most magnificent ship's cat went with us for the first time. I am please to report that he had a lovely time, didn't freak out. We are looking forward to many more cat accompanied sails in the future.
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| Magellan, as figurehead, yes i know it's usually a woman! |
If you are interested in seeing some of the other books i have made please visit LAW's 49 through 55, where you will find most of them. Or if it rocks your boat you could always talk to me about making a special book, just for you.
more later,
Morgainne
Now that is one handsome cat.
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