My client asked me to make a book as a wedding gift for her son and future daughter-in-law. The couple got engaged at a Glastonbury Festival and liked the idea of a pictorial cover rather than a conventional wedding style for their book.
I started with a whimsical sketch which I transferred to a painted background, layering fabrics and securing with stitch until I had the desired effect.
Signatures were cut and hand sewn together to make the book pages and covers were attached. I made co-ordinating cords and beads to tie the book together.
Everything to do with the organisation of the wedding is kept in the book, down to the business card from the wedding ring designer. Photos from family and friends are also included to make this book something to be treasured.
The book comes with a quilted bag to protect it. My books are not ‘precious’ in the way they are to be treated; they are tactile and meant to be well-used and well-loved and, above all, touched. The fabric will inevitably fray but this adds to its charm.
This book was designed to be an heirloom: something that may possibly be put away for a long time but eventually brought out for children and grandchildren to enjoy – and they will.