Little Fat Books

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Joy Bathie continues to share her passion for handmade books, with these stunning Little Fat Books (LFB).

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I have always loved books and my interest was expanded after attending a workshop at the State Library of NSW in Sydney some years ago, where I learned how to construct a basic hard cover codex book.  Since then I have experimented further and my repertoire now covers “handmade artist’s books” of various types and sizes, filled with colour and texture.  I’m now creating smaller books and enjoy making ‘LFB’s” (Little Fat Books) which are generally 10.5cm x 10.5cm (4” x 4”) square; I love this size, which sits so nicely in the hand.

LFB in greens

This page from an LFB looks through the central circular  cut-out to the following page

Little Fat Books in greens

Here is a the page beneath

LFB in greens with found objects featured

and the close-up view.

Altogether there are five layers of colour and texture, plus clear and printed acrylic windows. Amongst other recycled materials these pages incorporate painted curtain rings and other circular metallic pieces, soft drink bottle caps cut, rusted, and patinaed, and also pulcinella (sequin waste).

This lovely Little Fat Book has a textured cover with nature elements

Here is another LFB, called “Twigs”, with two of its pages.  Again, each page in this book has a central cut-out section to view adjacent pages. 

This lovely Little Fat Book has a textured cover with nature elements

This lovely Little Fat Book in greens and blues

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 Joy Bathie lives in Port Stephens, NSW, Australia. You can see what Joy is up to over on her Facebook page.

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MMAT07 ~ Simple Bound Book

This month’s techniques highlights a simple binding method, allowing you to easily create your own books, journals and gifts. Adding to the simplicity of the technique is that it uses materials you already have around the home. Here are a few others we have made.

Happy Creating!

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If you are looking for further book binding ideas, here are a few books you can try:

I got this book for Mothers’ Day and have read it cover to cover; great ideas and stunning photos. Lots of examples. Includes all types of “books”, whatever your definition. I would have liked a few more step-by-step pictures for some of the techniques but other than that, a very informative and inspiring book about books.

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Mixed Media Artist – Jenny Crossley

Jenny Crossley is one of Australia’s finest Mixed Media Artists. Based in rural Victoria, her take on Mixed Media art is all about finding unlikely treasures and everyday objects and turning them into brilliant pieces of artwork or jewelry.

A variety of metals and metal objects are the basis for many of Jenny’s creations. A washer or a piece of pipe can have a back piece soldered to it then add an image and other found objects, add ICE resin, and you have the most exquisite necklace.

This tiny book made by Jenny features a metal cover that has been etched, using a rubber stamp design. The amount of detail that can be seen is incredible. The pencil shown beside the book indicates how small it is.

As well as delicate pieces of jewelry, Jenny also creates larger handmade books. This work of art was made by Michelle, from the Mixed Media arts team, under Jenny’s tutelage. The pages are based around pre-cut frames that Jenny has designed. After lots of gluing, aging, antiquing, cutting and sanding, these pages were ready to be embellished and decorated with vintage images and an assortment of found objects. As with most artwork, these photos don’t really show the details in the pages or the cover.

To learn more about Jenny, her art and her online store, her website A Mark in Time can provide more information.

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Handmade Books – How to Make Covers

Creating your own handmade book is one of the most exciting mixed media art techniques. This is a simple process once you have mastered the basics. When you can make your own book covers, you then have the option to create anything from little booklets to full size books.

Step 1. Determine the sizes
When creating a book, the cover is usually a little larger that the pages, but the spine needs to align. I use my art sketchbook to draw a sketch and write down the size of the pages, the size of the covers and any notes as to colours, layout thoughts or items to use.

Step 2. Cut the covers
Using a medium weight board (or chipboard) cut out two covers the same size. Lightly sand the outer edges with an emery board or scotchbrite. This removed the sharp edge off the cover giving it better durability once it is covered.

Step 3. Cut the covering paper
The paper used to cover the covers needs to be a sturdy paper. If it is too thin, it will tear when glue and pressure is applied. If it is too thick, it makes it harder to fold over the edges and makes the covers too thick.
Cut this paper 10mm larger than the board cover on each side – this makes it 20mm bigger in length and 20mm bigger in width.

Step 4. Cover the cover with the covering paper
Do each cover separately. Cover the covering paper with glue. Most times a glue stick is adequate. Make sure you have an even layer, right up to the edges. Place the cover board in the middle and press out any bubbles. Cut each corner at a 45 degree angle, leaving enough to completely cover the board.

Fold one side up and over the back of the board. Use your finger nail to press it firmly and to fold in the little corner that will fold under other edge. Fold up the opposite edge. Then fold in the two ends.

Repeat this process with the second cover.

Check there is no excess glue oozing out. Sit them under a heavy book and leave overnight to dry.

Step 5. Attach covers to book pages
As the covers are slightly bigger that the inner pages, apply the glue to the pages then carefully attach the first cover. To ensure the two covers are lined up, close the book, apply the glue to the back page stick down the back cover, then carefully align the cover, checking that they two covers with sit neatly when closed.


Once you have mastered making your own handmade book covers, you can easily make your own books, ready to decorate into any style. They are easily personalised to make the perfect gift.

Happy creating!

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There is always more to learn when it comes to handmade books. For further reading:

Creating Handmade Books

Creating Handmade Books

Everyone has a story to tell–so make your own book to tell it with! From the scissors that snip the pages to the glues and stitches and ties that bind them; from elaborate compound structures with pockets to multiple signatures in a thick, sewn volume, here are the techniques you need and the styles you want. Cut and fold pages in a simple accordion, or hide a second book inside. Create pop-ups, fan, and slot-and-tab books. Construct handscrolls and hanging ones, soft- and hardcovers, even portfolios and boxes. Hundreds of illustrations and diagrams will guide you, and dozens of striking pictures will seize your imagination!

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Handmade Books and Albums: An Introduction to Creative Bookbinding

Handmade Books and Albums: An Introduction to Creative Bookbinding

Making notebooks, sketchbooks, albums, and artists’ books by hand is an art in itself. For those who write, draw, sketch, paint, or collect materials in albums and portfolios, and want to do so in one-of-a-kind bindings, or for those who wish to craft exquisite books for any reason, this beautifully illustrated guide explains the main techniques of simple bookmaking and offers step-by-step instruction for numerous projects. Also included are a brief history of handmade books, the vocabulary of bookmaking, the tools and materials used, and the procedures for making adhesive-bound, tied, folded, sewn, and hinged books.
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