Back to school

A few months ago I was asked to lead a workshop in a local high school for a class of Btec students. The full day session involved each student making their own accordion book.
Last week the session took place. Usually my books are themed around vintage ephemera but the students were studying pop art, so we went with that. They had to demonstrate their awareness and understanding of pop art through the images they created in their book. The finished result would be part of their coursework.

Everyone worked very hard and they had some great ideas. I'll be visiting again in a week or so to see the finished pieces. I'll post pics when I have them. I really enjoyed my day in class. It's funny how out of touch I felt at times though! Here's one conversation that proves it:

Student: Miss?

Me: Please, call me Leigh

Student: Yeah Miss ok, I will Leigh. Miss have you seen *****'s book? Its well sick!

Me: Lets remember to treat each other with respect please.

Student: Eh Miss? No miss, 'sick' means good, her book is well sick, I like it!

And I feel 95. But all in all the whole day was - well - well sick :)

Haworth 1940s weekend

Here in Haworth preparations are under way for the 1940s weekend. This year it will be held on the 16th and 17th of May. It really takes over the whole village! You can see lots of photos by clicking here There is so much to see, hundreds of people visit over the two days many wearing 1940s clothes. Vintage vehicles are all around the village, there will be a fly over, the home guard set up road blocks, and soldiers march the streets. There are dance events in the evenings which are selling out fast!
The shop owners wear 1940s dress and there will be lots of vintage clothing and memorabilia on sale.

This year I have been asked to make a series of 1940s Art-ccordion Picture Books.

Each book contains original 1940s imagery including advertisments, pictures, buttons, coins and music

Blue Birds

This pic shows a close up of the locket set in the cover of the book. The locket is half open and contains a photo of a young man.

40s Fashion

Set in the cover of this book are vintage buttons, pins and original hook and eye fastenings. The photo below, one of my favourites, shows a page from the book. It is from a film showing a man drawing a seam line on the woman's leg - stockings were hard to come by!

Glamour

All of the images in here are from 1940s magazine ads. You know how we complain about the nonsense that is touted to young women today? It seems it was no different then! Try 'SLIM on the famous BREAD AND BUTTER DIET with the National Slimming Campaign (?!) I had great fun putting this together!

Glamour (cover)

All of the books pictured here are for sale at Oh La La vintage boutique.

Moulin Rouge Art-ccordion Picture Book

Here's my new Art-ccordion Picture Book 'Moulin Rouge'. I love the cover of this one! It is covered with a beautiful Japanese paper and coated with a glossy resin finish. Set in the resin are coral pink vintage flowers.
We honeymooned in Paris so it is an extra special place for us. This book harks back to the hay days for the Moulin Rouge.




Inside the back cover hangs a tiny silver coloured key.

Have a lovely weekend!

Paper Cut Book Art

While making my own little 'Art-ccordion Picture Books' I have become quite fascinated by other book creators. I first came across the work of Su Blackwell in Crafts Magaine back in July '08. Her pieces are truly spectacular.

I think you will agree that Su is in a league all of her own. Her pieces are cut and sculpted from single books. While I love the piece above it is Su's journeys into the world of fairy tales that I love the most...

The Wild Swans

The Lake and the Boat

I have my fingers crossed that there will be an exhibition I can visit in the not too distant future.

New Art-ccordion Picture Book

Here is my latest little book,

Showgirl Art-ccordion Picture Book (£28)

Inside you will find vintage photos and magazine images, japanese papers, peacock feathers from dancer's headwear amongst other things, all evocotive of glamorous days gone by.

detail

I'm enjoying making these so much. Please let me know what you think:)

My latest vintage find

I really wanted to show this off! It's a 1930's / 40's flower press. I've been looking around for one for a while. I especially wanted one that was small enough to carry with me when we go walking. I will use the pressed flowers and leaves in my Art-ccordion Books This press unfastens quickly with no loose parts, very handy. I love the chinese style art work on the cover. And all for the princely sum of £4!

Happy Days - Art-ccordion Book

This is my second Art-ccordion book. It's about holiday memories with images of camping in misty fields, silvery photos of streams and pictures of the flora and fauna this evokes happy times from my past.
It's my hope that these little picture books will be displayed open on a shelf. I did wonder about putting them in box frames but perhaps they are more tactile, I imagine them being held.




Please let me know what you think:)

Introducing my new 'Art-ccordion Books'

Finally I have one of my new books ready to show to you.

I have been dreaming, planning and collecting images for these for so long and now here we are.

I intend each book to have a theme and will be made up of all kinds of images linked to this.
I have lots of ideas for more of these and I really enjoy playing around with them.

It is intended that the books will be displayed open on a shelf or mantle. They are designed to be free standing. When closed they are fastened with ribbon.

So...

Starlet

the cover of this book has a glossy resin finish

which shines beautifully

Untie the ribbon and open the book to reveal,

(view of the inside of the whole book)

(view of the back of the book)

(a note explaining the 'ingredients')
I intend to produce a whole series of 'Art-ccordion' books. But I would really appreciate your feedback. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think:)