Square Watercolor Journals
I never thought that I would LOVE a square watercolor journal, but Roz and Kate both talk about them regularly. When Fabriano Artistico changed their watercolor paper from "grain long" to "grain short, " I made a square book that is approximately 7.5" square. It takes 2 sheets (22 x 30") -without any waste - and it JUST fits in my mini-backpack
I just made my second square journal. The cover was made with cloth that I dye-painted with Procion MX dyes and fused toThai mulberry paper with Wonder Under. The paper is FA 140 lb soft press extra white - 6 signatures with two folios per signature.
FRONT COVER:
BACK COVER:
Since the book cloth is so "busy" I used Canson Mi Tientes for the end papers.
I started making my own watercolor journals because I couldn't find any that I liked. I took a 1 1/2 day workshop on making cased - in journals and now love making and using the journals. There is lots of information and photos of many journals in the Bookbinding category on the right.
Comments
GORGEOUS, Shirley! Can't wait to see what you put in it...
Posted by: Cathy Johnson (Kate) | August 29, 2010 9:55 PM
I like the colors you choose to use ..
Posted by: E J Mordasky | August 29, 2010 10:23 PM
Very pretty journal. The MiTientes looks really nice on the inside and the cover is super. Nice job on the book making too. It's so much more fun to use a journal you've made yourself, isn't it?
Posted by: Timaree (freebird) | August 30, 2010 12:20 AM
Beautiful!!! I've been dyeing with Procion MX, too....great way to combine those interests! I'm checking your bookbinding reference.
Posted by: Carol C. | August 30, 2010 12:21 AM
I love your journal! I have a question though... what is the difference between "grain short" and "grain long" watercolor paper? I didn't realize these were things I should be looking at when buying paper!
Posted by: Elizabeth | August 30, 2010 12:51 AM
Beautiful journal!
Posted by: Barbara Weeks | August 30, 2010 8:02 AM
It's beautiful, Shirley! I haven't even used the one I made first and now I've just completed a second! This time it turned out great with no problems! I love it so much that I'll probably use it first.
Posted by: Raena | August 30, 2010 11:30 AM
Your books are so professional looking, and beautiful. Very tempting to try.
Posted by: Benedicte | August 30, 2010 1:09 PM
I made one in this format also but haven't used it yet. I think the fabric dyeing is very clever. I don't have those products but have heard of them of course. The cover is wonderful.
Posted by: Wendy | August 30, 2010 6:54 PM