Halloween Books

Even though Halloween is a month away, it’s fun to show books I made recently. I also have suggestions on how to use them.

My friend, Liz Constable of Book Art Studios in New Zealand, used skull paper for her book covers. She inspired me to make books with two prints of skull paper I had in my paper stash.

This book is an ode to Liz, who taught me a form of Coptic binding last year when I won her Facebook contest. See my blog about winning - here. Liz will give online classes soon and she is a fabulous teacher, very patient!

The other book I bound with a French Link Stitch to fit into a box. Art Supply on Main in Houston (where I taught last July 2016) sells box kits, the box below I made with their kit.

Important to keep in mind the needle catches under the thread closest to the next hole (or station) to make the French Link. Also be sure to use a Kettle stitch at the top and bottom so your book covers will not wobble.

I came up with these uses for a Halloween book:

1. Visitor book for Trick or Treaters using their costumed character name, such as Wonder Woman, Batman, etc.

2. Halloween party guest book using visitor names and scary comments about horror movies they love!

3. Personalize: write their names on book covers for family and friends.

When would you use a Halloween Book!?! 

Boo!

©Anne Rita Taylor 2017

6 Ways to Get Published

I enjoy writing - I published 22 Zines (small magazines for family & friends) from 2000 to 2015, before starting my blog. 

Following are 6 ways I shared my writing in print, was paid for a few, and you can do it too!  

- Basics are listed at the bottom: how you can send your writing to magazines.

1. Submit to a major magazine

I submitted my article to several women’s magazines and received rejections. My husband noticed the celebrity magazine, The Star was having a series on ways to improve your life. 

My volunteering article had the same theme: Help Others, Help Yourself, about how you can learn doing many jobs by volunteering. I submitted, they edited, and paid me $300.

2. Submit to Trade Magazines also called industry newsletters or journals.

In 2001 I learned White Vine Letters, a type of calligraphy. Fast forward twelve years, I thought about writing an article to include historical facts. I asked the teacher I had in 2001, Karla Hamilton, she said to go for it. 

I added a short how-to and was accepted in the book arts and calligraphy trade journal, Bound & Lettered. I was paid $100 in supplies from John Neal Books, White Vine Letters, 2013.

RubberStampMadness is a rubber stamp trade magazine. For the article I wrote, Sculpting the Image, 1992 - I was paid $40. - how carving a rubber stamp compares to sculpting in clay.

3. Write instructions 

I wrote instructions for a class I taught July 2016 & made $300 for one session teaching people how to make this book. 

4. Write for Newsletters 

Association for the Calligraphic Arts - Newsletter, Artist Demonstration at The Getty Museum, 2004. Before I visited The Getty I checked the Event Calendar online and sent an RSVP to attend the demonstration.

For Ampersand, the journal for The Pacific Center for Book Arts, I wrote The Thrill of the Swap, 2008 about the joy of swapping my handmade books.

Also, for the Houston Calligraphy Guild's newsletter, Handscrit, I wrote Eraser Carving, about how carved rubber stamps can be used with calligraphy. I just re-submitted my article to another trade journal.

5. Write an anonymous article for a Public Relations Rep. I wrote an article about the Cinco Ranch Ladies Club Craft Group meeting that I led for The Cinco Spirit, Crafting in Katy, 2017.

6. Print your own magazine

I wrote Zines for family & friends, see my 3 blogs I wrote about publishing, writing & designing ZINES:

https://anneritataylor.blogspot.com/2016/10/publishing-zines.html

https://anneritataylor.blogspot.com/2016/11/writing-zines.html

https://anneritataylor.blogspot.com/2016/11/designing-zines.html

Basics:

Go to the Magazine’s web page to be sure what type of articles they print. After you found out if the magazine is right for your masterpiece, go to the About Us page where you will find the various Editors listed.

Writers Market, updated annually, is especially helpful. The 2018 edition sells for $25 from Amazon.

Please let me know if my suggestions helped you in any way!

©Anne Rita Taylor 2017