Valentine Exchange

I joined a Valentine Exchange with The Guild of Book Workers - Lone Star Chapter - to send 10 Valentines and receive 10 in return. Rules included having an edition using any method of printmaking or paper or book arts.

I used my carvings for a photopolymer plate from Boxcar Press. As a member of The Houston Printers Guild I used The Printing Museum’s tabletop printing equipment & sold some of these cards in their gift shop.

For this exchange I added another dimension having an accordion book inside the card.

I found a quote I liked and practiced calligraphy so it would fit when folded in eighths on one third of an 8 1/2 by 11 inch scrapbook paper.

I attached the accordion with a heart shaped brad. Here is the inside and back of the card where I also attached my "Made by" labels.

I thought it actually needed something more…so I used my Sizzix Embossing Texture Boutique on all the card fronts. You can see the details:

Now let’s see what kind of Valentine cards I receive by February 14th. There will be an online exhibit on the Lone Star Chapter’s website: https://gbwlonestarchapter.wordpress.com

To finish I used a wonky heart I carved on each envelope. This month is all about LOVE!!!

If you feel the spirit move you, please leave me a comment. Happy Valentine's Day!

©Anne Rita Taylor 2017

Valentine Mini Zig Zag Book

I enjoy using accordions for greeting cards and was happy that Arnold Grummer sells Zig Zag books with six sides. When I fold my own accordions I fold eight sides, as I do below with the handmade paper accordion. Then I cut off two sides to use for another greeting card. 

Supplies:

Arnold Grummer paper making kit

Blender, strainer, sponges, towels

Mini Zig Zag Book with covers

Books are 3 1/2 by 15 inches; Covers are 2 3/4 by 3 3/4 inches

Two pieces of scrapbook paper to decorate covers, 3 1/2 by 4 1/2 inches each

Scissors

Two photos, 1 inch to 2 inches square

Valentine Stickers

Draw 2 inch heart out of pink paper and cut out

18 inch ribbon 

Double sided tape

PVA glue & 1/2 inch glue brush

OPTIONAL:

Arnold Grummer Standard Paper Press

Closed Valentine Zig Zag Book - 2 3/4 by 3 3/4 inches

• Follow instructions in the Arnold Grummer paper making kit.
• Attach handmade paper to form an 18 inch by 3 1/2 inch piece
• Fold the handmade paper into an accordion by first folding in half, then each half to the center, then the other sides folded up to make eight folds.
• Cut off the 1st and 2nd sides so now you have 6 sides which will make the tunnel in front of the Zig Zag book. Now you have a 3 1/2 by 11 inch piece of handmade paper.

 

• Fold the handmade paper in half, pencil an opening 3/4 inch by 2 inches long; cut along pencil lines, then unfold to check straightness
• Cut other sides as pictured; I cut diagonally to have a diamond shaped opening for photos
• Hold each opening of the handmade paper up to the Zig Zag book valley folds to determine where to place photos in the Arnold Grummer Mini Zig Zag Book.
• Tape or glue the photos into the valley folds; glue the heart into the center valley fold.
• Use double sided tape on the edge of the mountain folds - as shown - to hold handmade paper book in place. Use sparingly and tape one fold at a time.
• Finally, use double sided tape on handmade paper ends to stick handmade paper book to mini Zig Zag book.

  

•  Use double sided tape in the middle of the ribbon on inside of the back cover to hold in place.
•  Glue scrapbook paper to covers using PVA glue as shown.
•  Use PVA glue on back of mini Zig Zag book ends to glue the book to the covers.

OPTIONAL:  Place book in Standard Paper Press overnight

I have owned this Paper Press since 1998! It is a fixture in my studio. I use it to press all my books.