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Let's talked about a "use what's already there" technique when additions to altered books are made with the need for only a few materials.
Materials needed:
altered book or art journalgel medium or glue sticks
small sponge brush, if gel medium is chosensmall container of water, if gel medium is chosen
straight-edge rulerbone folder
brads or eyeletseyelet setter, if they're chosen for this project
pieces of waxed paperStep one:There are many ways to approach the simple techniques expressed in this project. First, choose the page where the pocket will be created. Choose a page that doesn't have a lot of weighty embellishments or collage. If the page has been painted, chalked, distressed or drawn on, it'll work just fine for this project. Be prepared for the book to start bulking out with each pocket that's added.Step two:Once the page has been chosen, determine if a straight fold (down the side of the page) or an angled fold (from the corner of the page) is desired. This will depend on what's planned for the page or page spread, and what's planned as the insert for the pocket. These folds can be made with a strong crease by placing the straight-edge ruler inside the fold and then burnishing the edge using the bone folder.Step three:After creating the crease, reopen the page and add adhesive along the edge of the portion of the page that will touch when refolded. A quarter-inch glued section will create a sturdy pocket. Burnish the edges down with the bone folder when attaching the folded area back on to the page. Because glue will be running off the edge, place a piece of waxed paper under the page being worked on to prevent leaking on to clean pages beneath. Set the book aside, closed, to dry completely before moving on with the project. If the pocket isn't completely dry before working on the next step, tears and slipping will occur.Step four:When the pocket is completely dry, embellish the edges by evenly spacing and attaching brads or eyelets. This will give the pocket even more sturdiness if the elements placed within the pocket will be added and removed frequently. This addition will also cause the book to bulk out more, so be prepared for that. Repeat this process throughout the book as often as desired.Additional embellishment ideas:thread fibers, cording, twine or wire through the eyelets to add further interest to the pocket
add small charms to pockets by weaving them through the eyelets or hanging them off bradsthread tags off the eyelets or brads using floss
The copyright of the article Add Pocketsto Art Projects in Altered Books is owned by Jenn Greenleaf. Permission to republish Add Pocketsto Art Projects in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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