"Vector Analysis" Altered Book: part 2

After consulting with a couple of artist friends (Thanks Mom and Bhavna for the advice.) I decided the altered book I blogged about two weeks ago needed something more to make it complete. First, I added paper from one of the original book pages to the spine area to cover up the dark brown. Then I had an epiphany one night and realized I could make a spiral to fit into the spine. I worked on a prototype and it fit! So I made a few more using strips from the book's pages. In the end I needed 7 pages or 56 inches of length to make a spiral that measured 9 inches long. Below are pictures of the strips being folded with before and after pictures of the altered book.

Enjoy!

-Gina

The strip on the left was the prototype. I unfolded it so I could repeat all the measurements and scoring in the correct orientation.

Here are the first 5 strips creased.

Before the spine was decorated.

How the spine looks now. The center spiral is really 7 small spirals joined together.

Before the spiral.

After the spiral was added.

More views showing how all the spirals interact.

Before the spiral.

After the spiral was added.

Piano Hinge Book Workshop

I am excited to be teaching another Basic Book Arts workshop through San Diego Book Arts in May. It isn't up on the website yet, but I have been making samples this week and want to give you a sneak peek. I will be teaching two books; Moon Phases and Blue Kingfisher. The kingfisher book took a bit of work to get just right, but I love the colors and think it works well with the binding structure. I hope some of you can attend the class.

Enjoy!

-Gina

Blue Kingfisher

Moon Phases - closed.

Moon Phases - open.

Scraps from cutting the pages of the kingfisher book.

Templates for the kingfisher book.

Altered in 2017

I am starting the new year with an altered book. I removed the pages from a 1957 textbook called Vector Analysis and turned some of the pages (with good illustrations) into spiral origami delights. I was guided by Tomoko Fuse's book Spiral and thought the shape of these objects worked well with the title and content of the original book. What do you think?

Enjoy.

-Gina

Altered Vector Analysis by Gina Pisello.

Top view of spirals.

Front view of the book. I used 3 different sizes of paper to create the spirals.

Book partially closed.

Tomoko Fuse's excellent book.

Samples of the helices I used in the altered book.

Crane Card Origami

Just when I think all the ways to use the half-crane origami structure are explored, a new idea strikes. Here it is; a one sheet card with interlocking cranes. It works best with paper that is different colors on each side so that there is nice contrast. I have this lovely origami paper in gold/silver on one side and colored paper on the other. Below are step by step images as well as a folding guide. I hope you will try it.

Enjoy!

-Gina

Fold paper in half and cut a slit in one side to make two square areas. Cut out edges on the right to leave a square behind as shown. For this 3 x 5.5 inch paper I cut a slit 1.5 inches long and 1.5 inches down from the top. I cut out rectangles on the right that measured 1.5 x .75.

Fold the single crane as with the paper oriented as shown.

Turn the paper over and fold the two cranes as shown. 

Fold the card down the middle fold and place the center crane's wing over the top crane to lock it in place.

Starting paper sizes: 3 x 5.5 (left), 3.5 x 6 (middle), 4 x 7 (right)

An Abundance of Paper Goodness

I have been swamped with paper activities the past few weeks. Today I would like to take some time to write about all the goings on in my studio and at workshops.

1. I am in the middle of an online workshop called Paper Love helmed by Rachel Hazell, a feisty british woman who calls herself the traveling bookbinder. It is a 5 week course with lessons 6 days a week. 50+ participants are traveling together on this paper journey communicating via Facebook and Instagram. I have found my tribe and we live everywhere.

Paper tape made with any paper and double sided tape.

Collage employing the Golden Spiral.

Another collage with a cut map and torn papers.

My Alice in Wonderland collaged box to hold paper goodies.

Boxes made from watercolor paper and a map stencil.

2. I took an amazing workshop last weekend with Helen Hiebert through San Diego Book Arts and made the projects you see below with my fellow participants. What fun to light up paper!

Luminary screen from Helen's class.

Woven paper luminaries before we hinged and wrapped them.

Paper blow up ball.

3. I will be teaching a new class next Friday (November 18) from 1-3 PM at Art Lounge on 101. Sign up on the website and I hope to see you there.

Fall colored crane book class at Art Lounge on 101

Sample books for the crane class: Taking Flight.

4. Somehow I have also found time in this flurry of paper goodness to attend two artist's opening receptions this week. The first one is the San Diego Book Arts annual member show at Francis Parker School's Rose Art Gallery. The second is Bhavna Mehta's cut paper extravaganza "Nightfall" at Bread and Cie on University Ave. in Hillcrest. There is plenty of time to check out both shows and they are worth the drive (also Bread and Cie has wonderful bakery items).

Closeup of Nightfall by Bhavna Mehta.

Part of the 12 panel, 30 foot cut paper and embrodery work by Bhavna at Bread and Cie.

I hope this will inspired you to try some new paper ideas and get out and see some amazing paper/book art in San Diego.

Enjoy!

-Gina

Four Corner Map Fold

I was reviewing my folder of prototypes the other day and came across a structure I created a few months ago and forgot about. I am making some samples for a friend and thought this one would be interesting to share. Instead of just sharing with her I decided to share it with all of you as well.
Below are pictures of the structure being folded as well as the crease pattern for folding it yourself. One piece of advice, fold before making the 8 cuts. It is easier that way.

Enjoy!

Diagonal and linear folds completed.

Collapsed model ready to fold in the corners.

Folding the corners to prepare to inside reverse fold them.

Beginning to collapse the model with all the folds present.

(Outside of model)

Inside of model with all the folds properly creased.

One way of displaying the piece.

 I like the way the four inside corners form the star in the center.

Folding the model closed.

Crease pattern for this structure.