Yay! I finally made some books. Last year, Muff did an awesome post on some easy handmade books using the Easy Cutter. I was so impressed, I immediately wanted to make some Muff style books. As you can see, immediately has turned into ten months later. My time sure flies! So I started off trying to make books the lazy way, but they weren't so great. Soooo, I decided to take the time and make some a little closer to how Muff made them. They turned out a lot better. They still don't look as nice as Muff's, because for some reason I'm challenged when it comes to making things straight. That's okay. I'm sharing them with all their flaws. They will get better as time goes on and I take a little more time and patience with them.
This was my lazy way. I printed book jackets from the internet. I will still use these because you can never have enough books.
In Muff's post, she uses the Barbie Collector magazine for a number of her books. These four books were made using a Barbie Collector magazine. As you can see, my edges are not great. Something to work on the next time.
These are the backs of those books.
These are the spines. I was encouraged with my results to keep going.
With this set I just used regular old magazines. Good Housekeeping, Family Circle, Better Homes and Gardens, etc. Same trouble with my edges.
This is the back side of the same books.
Three of the books have separate spines. The smaller one does not. Oops, the Beauty and Skin Care spine is a little off. I took that wording from the Table of Contents of one of the magazines.
It starts to get a little addictive once you get the hang of it. These pictures were also taken from the aforementioned magazines, but I got a little more creative and was able to see more possibilities I hadn't seen before.
Here are the backs. Again with the bad edges.
The spines are better. I put an 'M and M' spine on the Joy book and peppermint sticks on the back.
I saved my favorite for last. This came from a JoAnn Fabric sales flyer.
On the back I put part of the garden gate from the same page. Yes, I know it's not cut straight on the left side. I'll fix it later.
The spine came from a regular magazine.
So I am pleased with my less than perfect results. The possibilities really are endless. I encourage you all to give it a try. Thanks so much, Muff! You rock! Tori was less than complimentary. Now she has to work on the "stupid bookcase". Her words, not mine.
Now on to the handbag!
This is the La Boutique POM, Purse of the Month. I couldn't resist the minute I saw it.
Such great details.
Enough room on the inside for a wallet, some lipstick, and sunglasses.
Wow!!!! I have to try to make some books too, but I'm afraid I don't have the necessary tool to do it... Yours look great, even those you say are faulty (I don't see their faults anyway)... And what can I say about the bag? O, yes... my girls are all in love with it, and so am I!
ReplyDeleteRossetti - You can make them with an exacto knife, too. The Easy Cutter just makes it quicker. I want that bag in my size.
DeleteVanessa, I don't think I would have seen the few things wrong if you hadn't pointed them out...I guess! I tend to stay away from this...some folks are sensitive this way! However, I think you did a good job, especially your first time. I have no doubt they will be perfected next time!
ReplyDeleteLoretta - I point out the flaws, so people who are afraid to show their not-so-perfect things will see that it's okay not to be perfect. My bboks won't be perfect next time, either, but they will be better. I'm too busy for perfect. LOL!
DeleteAwww I wanted to see a doll by the books so I could see how teeny weeny they are. They look great. KEY-UTE handbag!
ReplyDeleteKenya - You will get to see a doll with the books real soon. Some of the books will be in the next story. That orange handbag sucked me right in. The leather is so soft.
DeleteYou slowpoke! It's about time, LOL. I think you did a great job. A good grip is key when it comes to the easy cutter so working your hand more makes it better, but it sure gives you a sore hand.
ReplyDeleteThat bag is the business. Your dolls sure are swanky.
Muff - Hard to believe it's been 10 months since you did that post. Why does time go so quickly as we get older? I will remember that tip for next time. My biggest problem was keeping the tape smooth.
DeleteAdele went and purchased that handbag after Mike's nonsense about the kitchen. She needed a little pick me up.
Your books are great ! and Muff did a nice tuto to do them. The bag is so beautiful ! I understand why you could not resist to buy it !
ReplyDeleteClaude - Thanks! The tutorial was wonderful. If I could afford that bag in my size, I would definitely have it.
DeleteThanks, Muff, for that tutorial! Way to go, Vanessa! The books look good to me. Perfect can be "never done" so better imperfect but nice than "perfect" in your mind's eye only. (Alas, I go for that sometimes ... perfect in theory. Poo!)
ReplyDeleteWell, Ms. Adele will rock the handbag world. Great bag! Thanks for sharing.
D7ana - I agree that perfect is not attainable. It's not something I even strive for unless it's something I'm selling. Adele and her expensive taste in handbags is going to keep me in the po' house.
DeleteGreat job on the books, Vanessa. I especially like the spines on the last set.
ReplyDeleteI love that handbag, too. Was it purchased for anyone in particular or will the ladies have to share it?
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DBG - Thanks. I got the hang of the spine thing after a little practice. It didn't help that I did this project in my lap. Hard to get straight lines that way. Taking time to clean off the desk was not high on my to do list. The ladies will share the bag, but it will reside in Adele's closet. She gets all the expensive handbags.
DeleteYour books look good to me, Vanessa! And thanks Muff for the tutorial. I don't always have the patience for little projects like this. My dolls' books came from Hobby Lobby! LOL Great handbag also! Love it! :-)
ReplyDeleteCindi - Thanks. I don't have too much patience for any project that isn't going into my store. So usually my dolls suffer, but I'm glad I took the time to do this one. It's so much fun and so rewarding to see those little works of art.
DeleteVanessa, you did a fantastic job on the books! I especially love the spines of the books. I made some a while back when Muff first did the tutorial and yours put mine to shame. Lol! I need to revisit Muff's tutorial and try it again. I agree once you get started, it is easy to make a ton of them. Looking forward to seeing them in your stories.
ReplyDeleteGeorgia Girl - Thanks. At least you can say you gave it a try and that's what it's all about. Your next ones will be even better. Now when I sit down at my desk, I feel the urge to make more books. I guess it's an okay addiction to have. Glad you like the purse. Your divas over there would love it.
DeleteOh and I LOVE your...I mean your doll's handbag! ; )
ReplyDeleteello from Spain: I like those mini books. They are very real. For me it is very difficult to make. The bag also really like. Great job, as always. We keep in touch.
ReplyDeleteMarta - You are so good at displaying all the little things like books and magazines. So I say, have another go at trying to make some. I'll see you soon.
DeleteOh, wow, I love your books. You say one is a little off but I think that is what gives it that realistic look. You just never cease to amaze me with your amazing talent.
ReplyDeleteDebbie - Thanks. I can only take credit for executing a great tutorial. Muff is the brains behind this one.
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ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I am going to try the book idea. Great pocketbook.
Male Doll World - I think you will really enjoy it after getting the first few out the way. You have such gorgeous dolls on your site, I'm sure they would love to have some unique books.
DeleteNice books Vanessa! I am going to try this tut I saw a few days ago. ut oh, I am straight-line challenged too.
ReplyDeleteOk, that purse is too too nice! Whoa....
Grandmommy - Thanks! I can't wait to see what you create. I just made more books today. It's so addictive, I tell you. They better cherish that purse. Those don't come around too often.
DeleteFélicitation Vanessa ! C'est magnifique.
ReplyDeleteje vais essayer de faire des livres aussi.
Shasarignis - Merci! Bien. C'est tres facile.
DeleteWooww! Incredible job with all the books! Congatulations! And about the handbag?? I want it for me!!!
ReplyDeleteFarbield - Thanks! There are some better ones in today's post. I can't seem to stop, now that I've started. I've been trying to squeeze my own stuff in that handbag. No such luck.
DeleteVery nice books collection! I'm usually printing covers, choosing mostly those books I've read myself, so often have them two sizes, 1:1, and 1:6.
ReplyDeleteI totaly agree with this sentence "you can never have enough books." :)
jewel snake - Thanks. I used to print off children's books mostly. "Goodnight Moon" was one of my faves. If you get a chance, check out the ones I posted today.
DeleteI'm glad you got your books made and didn't get sidetracked - they look good for your first go. And as you say, every time you make them you will find little things that will make them better. The handbag is gorgeous - aren't your dolls lucky?
ReplyDeleteWow! Love the books! I have collected things to turn into books and magazines, maybe this will inspire me to give it a shot! P.S I posted some new posts to my until recently silent blog - already the same number as in 2012. LOL! And have one on the way - another post that is! You and Vickey truly amaze me!
ReplyDeleteThanks DeMari! Now you need to get busy making some books. I will check out your new posts.
DeleteThe books look great! I've been meaning to give it a try, just have to find the time. Cute bag too. :)
ReplyDeleteAdrian - Book making is a great thing to do while watching a good movie or tv show. Otherwise it seems a bit time consuming.
DeleteWell, better late than never. I think your books look awesome! And the bag is just perfect!
ReplyDeleteV. - That's what I said! I'm always excited to finish a long awaited project.
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