Blocks Reborn as Pages
An artist book stitched from rocks, fabric, and memory
You may have noticed – if you’ve been following along – that I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the FibreArts Take Two workshop Unbound with Toni Hill from New Zealand on making artist books.
Because I work in textiles, everything seems to take a little longer to resolve. I start with paper tests and then set out to translate the ideas into cloth and stitch. That means lots of experimenting, reworking, and trial runs—all of which take both time and materials.
My latest book, finished just this past week, celebrates my love of rocks, pebbles, and stones. Do you remember those blocks I made during the pandemic, while working through trauma and loss? They’ve finally found new life – blocks reborn as pages. I only have a few left now, and I loved bringing them into this project.
For the structure, I used Kraft-tex for the spine and transferred both text and images. (Beware of dirty irons – I managed to smudge one image and a section of the spine, which meant starting over again. Lesson learned!) The pages were built from two blocks sewn together, fused with Wonder Under and a backing. Another lesson: trim after fusing. I made a mix of single and double signature pages, using blocks of different sizes to keep the book visually engaging. Seeing those pandemic blocks transformed gave the project a special kind of satisfaction.
The covers came together with Pellon Peltex, extra blocks, and fabric scraps. In my enthusiasm, I forgot to add ties – so I improvised a closure with a strip of fabric, a ribbon loop, and a rock button. I have to confess that I am kind of happy that I forgot to add the loops to the covers, as I really like that closure now. Those rock buttons had been waiting patiently in a jar for years, bought long ago at the International Quilt Market in Houston. It felt wonderful to finally use one.
Now that this book is finished, I’m already on to the next—something a little different this time. I’m excited to be using some of the vintage linens I’ve been gathering, including a large napkin – 27″ x 34″ – from Paris that my grandfather bought for my grandmother and she never used. It passed on to my mother who saved it without even unwrapping it, and then it came to me. I haven’t used the main tablecloth yet, but I have been using the napkins which are very large and beautiful. While I gather materials, my workbook is filling up with notes, sketches, and details as ideas keep tumbling out.
Today, I’m tempted to try some flour-paste printing (maybe with the help of my grandson—it’s just flour and water, after all). Afterwards, I might do some fabric painting. I haven’t decided yet whether to use highly diluted acrylics or Procion dyes. I want to achieve a watercolour effect, very light and soft. The advantage of acrylics, of course, is that once they’re dry the fabric is ready to use, no batching required.
Thanks for reading—I’m off to make rather than just plan. I’ll keep you posted on what comes next.
Until I write again,
Ana
