I have an unusual fascination with the security patterns on the inside of envelopes. I actually have a notebook where I stick bits clipped from envelopes... so yes, it's a quirky little collection of envelope security pattern clippings. But some of them ARE really neat. This is one reason that I save all the old envelopes. The other reason is that I like making books out of them. In fact, sometimes I am so eager to save the envelopes that come in the mail, that I misplace the contents. I once misplaced a cheque only to find that it was still in the original envelope, tucked safely in my box of saved envelopes!
I've done some books like this before and they were a lot of fun to make. It takes a while to accumulate enough materials to do them so I haven't made any since last fall. Here are my newest ones, see how many security patterns you can find :-)
19 comments:
what a unique idea! these are so cool!
These are great Rhonda! I especially like the red one--very cool!
that red pattern is awesome...i've never seen one like that before! and, i'm so glad to hear that i'm not the only one who's crazy for security envelope patterns...maybe it's part of the bookbinding gene? :)
The osprey stamp isn't Norwegian, its Swedish.
thanks crafty, prairie, and lori!
Ah, thank you for correcting me about that stamp! I truly was unsure, but I like to pretend that I know what I'm talking about :)
What fantastic books....
thank you, Merry!
what a fun idea. I, too, make books and enjoy the creating of fun and new things. Way to go!
I thought I was the only weird one that was attracted to these. That said I have not kept any.
Yet
Someone else who saves those envelopes! I love the suckers & use them in all kinds of ways but hadn't thought to actually use them for a book cover. Now I'm going to have to try that too.
Sure enjoy your blog!
thank you Muffin, Paige, and Annonymous :)
If any of you start making things with security patterns, I'd love to see photos!
Delightful books Rhonda. I did save envelopes for a while, for the security patterns, but they were one of the things I jettisoned before I moved. I'm sorry now, especially as it's very unlike me to throw anything away. However, my collection of paper shopping bags, which is enormous, has moved with me and if I ever get to the point of unpacking everything (which draws ever closer thank goodness)then I'll be making some bag books. Then I'll blog, show pics, and life will get back to normal.
Thanks, Carol. Good to hear that you are gradually settling in to your new home! I too have a collection of paper bags - not a very big collection since paper shopping bags are not very common here - but one of these days I shall be inspired to do something with them :)
It's great to find someone else who likes the inside of envelopes. The people who know me well have worried for me. I'v got as far as sticking mine in a sketchbook but am amazed by your handmade books and you have a much greater and more interesting selection than I can gather here in the UK!
compliments... I just love your work..!!!!!
envelopes...i love um. you gotta do a tutorial on the kind of stitching that you used to make these books. i love it!
thank you countrymummy, El taller, and Audree!
Audree, these books are sewn using a multi-needle "coptic" binding - or chain stitch. There is a good tutorial on the VolcanoArts.biz website.
I'm fascinated by your books and how you make them.
You are talented, clever and an upcycler (is that even a word?)
thanks anna maria :)
Post a Comment