ragtags studio central: sarah's random this & that

random means "having no definite aim or purpose," (1655), taken from "at random" (1565), "at great speed" (thus, "carelessly, haphazardly"). In 1980s college student slang, it somehow, and sadly, acquired a distinct sense of "inferior, undesirable." (Online Etymology Dictionary, Douglas Harper) Well, okay, fine, Mr. Online Etymology Dictionary person, but THIS is the 21st Century. It's a whole new ball of wax.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Re-Bound Rocks Repurposing!

Have you all seen re-bound yet?
"Re-Bound shows you how to take everyday materials from around the house, flea markets, thrift stores, and hardware stores, and turn them into clever and eye-catching hardbound books. Instead of asking, "What can I make a book out of, you'll be thinking, "What can't I make a book out of?" (Excerpted from the back cover!)

This book joins a growing list of swell DIY and how-to books on using what we already have to aid us in our creative pursuits. Many artists - especially in mixed-media have been repurposing and recycling elements gleaned from EVERYwhere for years. Re-Bound adds more clever and practical ideas to the mix, and directs them specifically to the creation of handmade books. If you are new to the bookarts community, Re-Bound will serve as as inspirational primer, and if you already have some bookmaking skills under your hat, it will direct you to some new cliffs from which you will definitely want to dive headfirst! There are 16 pages of patterns and templates, excellent step-by-steps with darling little line drawings to illustrate each how-to, and so many suggestions for repurposing your head may spin. I was especially intrigued with Jeannine's felted sweater journal, and the gallery rocks.INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR (that's Jeannine you see pictured above)
Tell us a little about your book!
Re-Bound: Creating Handmade Books From Recycled and Repurposed Materials This is a how-to book on making books from new and vintage recycled and repurposed materials such as potato chip bags, sweaters, cabinet cards, record albums, hot water bottles and gift cards. There are 16 projects in the book that all have step-by-step instructions with illustrations, and 14 more books by other artists in the gallery. Each project features a different binding that even beginners can do. Re-Bound also includes tips and variations for each project.

How long have you been doing this type of craft or art?
I've been making books for more than 15 years, including photo albums, journals, sketch books, guest books, and notebooks. I've been crafting all my life, ever since I could hold a pair of scissors.

What inspired you to write this book?
I love to do fine bindings and work in traditional leather and bookboard, but while doing that I began to discover that exploring other materials offered a different challenge and satisfaction. I became inspired by flea market finds such as vintage textiles and photographs, and started making books with them several years ago - it took my work to an entirely new level. I also love modern graphics on things like food and product packaging, and found they're great for making books as well. At the same time I was doing this, I began to see fantastic work being done by other designers and artists who were turning existing items into furniture, clothes, accessories and lighting. I knew I wasn't the only one who was crazy about working with recyclables.

What makes your book different?
All of the projects use recycled materials, which hasn't been done before in a book on bookbinding. Although the projects are easy enough for a beginner to do, experienced binders and book artists will definitely find some challenges. Also, the text offers a lot of information on how and where to find materials, plus tips on how to work with them.

Who will enjoy or benefit most from this book?
Bookbinders and artists for sure, but also people who like working with recycled materials and found objects. Scrapbookers will really enjoy the projects, many of which can be used as albums. Photographers and artists are always looking for places to feature their work, and there are several books that are perfect for that.

When and where will your book be available?

It was published in July of 2009. Find it at Barnes and Noble, Borders, Amazon, and any number of craft stores.

Were there contributors to this book? If so, who were they?
The gallery contributors are: Norman Dixon, Charlene Matthews, Richard Troncone, Bee Shay, Dennis Yuen, Jennifer Kaiser, Susan Reardon, Holly Sar Dye, Andrew Borloz, Judi Delgado, Elaine Nishizu, Leslie C. Herger, Rhonda Miller, and Marcia Moore


Labels: , , , , , ,