Columbus Cube

 

At our March meeting Jac led us though the making of a Columbus Cube,  a mathematical concept using origami folds to make stacking cubes. The design seems to have come via David Mitchell and Paul Jackson as far as we can tell, and Jac needed all her reserves of patience to get us through!

 

The actual folds are not difficult, but the putting together was challenging for many of us.  A great structure, with possibilities if made using papers with words or word designs.

Julie took us through the John Moore’s Library Day on Book Art at which we were represented and took a session on structures. The librarian expressed interest in knowing more about the group. 
 

June told us she  had attended a session at the Liverpool Tate, supposedly on Book Art but disappointingly was actualy about Artists Book.

We also shared several books on the theme of ‘Borders’ and ‘Openings’,   including some very clever concept books. 

‘Openings’ continues as a theme for the next month.

Despite the next meeting being Easter Saturday, we have agreed to meet anyway when Marilyn will lead us on a no sew, no glue tabbed book.

After nearly 10 years it is with regret we have decided to discontinue this blog because of technical issues with new technology not speaking to each other. 

We will continue to issue information through the  NWBA Website and Instagram account.

Double Accordion Fold

Frances led us this month in making a  'Double Accordian Fold'  suitable for all sorts of books and sturdy enough if made with a medium weight card rather than anything to thin. After the making, we had time to think of decorative schemes or words to insert.

 

Several books on our current theme of ‘Borders' were shown, along with other works in progress. Our theme for March and April is Openings
 

Julie volunteered to join Marilyn at the John Moore’s Book Art Exhibition for a lunchtime session which will be open to the public.   We will aim to take a long look at some  book art examples and talk about a variety of different constructions.


Anyone interested in making some Chinese thread books as shown in the meeting would be well advised to look up Paula B Krieg’s videos on YouTube, under Zhen Xian Bao, or Chinese thread books. She is also at bookzoompa.wordpress.com
 

Our next meeting will be led by Jac, details to follow nearer the March meeting.

 

Get together for conversation and tips

We had an unusual meeting for the group this month in that we were not making anything, but simply sharing some of our work and best tips. 

Members brought along their favourite book, mostly made in 2025, and we were able to have a more in depth discussion about what we liked about the books, why they were a  particular favourite and what we had learned.  It made for an interesting session, and was followed by a round up of useful tips, which included the following:

Nuovo deluxe glue. Very precise nozzle, good flow and some slippage

Crease paper or card both backwards and forwards if the paper will allow, especially when using origami techniques

For card with colour all the way through for tearing and cutting  try Florence card on Amazon

Using poetry
Try poems in the public domain for copywrite-free poetry

Liquitex satin finish for varnishing, especially useful for collage. Matt also useful

Maquettes are worth making, especially if your book will use expensive or scarce paper

 ‘Mr Sheen’ polish sprayed on top of varnished collage, then wiped off will help avoid pages sticking together

File book edges with sturdy emery board to smooth

Use a bread knife, or butter knife, for cutting paper to achieve rough/ lightly deckled edging of pages. Bread knives give a rougher edge

Nori paste is good for precision glueing (available online or in good art shops). Can be let down with water, and if dampened can be lifted.

To transfer  text into made  books, you can use a gelli plate. Type or write or print onto copy paper. Trace,  then put tracing onto gelli plate face down.. No need to reverse text. Burnish. Put a thin layer of paint onto a roller, remove tracing paper, and roll onto the plate. Add the final page . Burnish. Leave 10 minutes or so before removing paper.

Our bring and buy table added some useful funds to our ‘pot’.

Frances will be leading the February meeting, template  to follow. We will be making:

 

 

 

 

Crackers

We had a great December meeting, very celebratory as we made crackers-shaped books courtesy of Chris’ die cuts and her guidance. Very effective and will be a real pleasure to complete.

 

Seasonal nibbles accompanied by wonderfully concoqueted mulled apple juice whilst we enjoyed seeing everyone’s current work.

We have decided on our themes for 2026, and begin with ’Borders' for the next two months.

There is an opportunity through Liverpool Book Fair to submit books for an upcoming event. follow lpoolbookart on Instagram for more information .

Our next meeting will be on January 10th as the centre is closed on the 3rd January.

 

 

Flip flop hinge concertina book

We had an enjoyable meeting trying out a new hinge method for concertina-type books, as discovered by Frances  from Automata making.  She  carefully led us  through the making of the flexible method so we all created an interesting collaged piece of work.

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Everyone ended up with a complete 4 page book.   After the making, we discussed how flexible the method  could be in making more complicated structures   and Jac has gone away to play and see what she can come up with. 

Our table , which ended up being two, at the Liverpool Book Fair was very successful, and good sales were made, plus the usual conversations with people interested in techniques. Lots of flyers were given out.

We discussed the possibility of a May event next year, and members were asked to think about whether we wish to exhibit at The Atkinson in Southport  next year.   More to follow once details are received

Our theme for the next two months will be ‘light’; this is an optional theme for anyone interested as there is no compulsion to make a book to this or any other theme.

Our last meeting of the year will be on December 6th, when we will be going Christmas Crackers!   We will enjoy our usual bring and share nibbles with mulled apple juice to drink.