Coptic Binding

Something I have wanted to try for quite some time was to make a book using the coptic binding stitch technique. I have wanted to learn this technique since I saw it at the Tasmanian Art Fair in 2010. The Third Door had some beautiful examples of coptic binding and I was entranced by how they lent themselves to draping and that the opened flat which is perfect for a sketch book.

Coptic binding

Coptic binding was used by early Christians in Egypt and examples can be dated back to the 2nd century AD. It is a method of joining sections of parchment, papyrus or paper using chain stitch linking across the spine.

I had some spare time recently so I decided to teach myself the technique. Using some fabric scraps, I created a cover that alluded to what the content of the book will be (this will come at a later stage).

Fabric embroidered cover

 For those who have been following my blog you will recognise Kochira the Cat Kelly (in the style of  Australian artist Sidney Nolan's Ned Kelly, the famous Australian bush ranger) who features in my animation, The Drive.

The decorative binding

I really enjoyed making the book, and plan to make a few more when I have some more spare time.

If you would also like to give this a try I found the following sites very helpful:
- Coptic binding directions illustrated by pictures 
- Coptic binding tutorial on Youtube. 11 mins long.

Animated kitchen utensils

Over the past couple of weeks I have been learning the basics of stop animation.

You may remember my post from last week about the vintage kitchen utensils, well, my sketches for them have become the basis for my very basic stop motion animation.

The fun thing is they have all developed personalities of their own. Cheeky things!

This one above / and below, is based on an egg cup I designed in metal. Im in the process of making it! When flipped on its side it turns into a squid. Neat huh!

Newfoundland

I am very lucky to have some time to do a bit of travel whilst undertaking my residency in Nova Scotia.

So I thought I would take a trip to Newfoundland, home of a 1000 year old Viking settlement L'Anse aux Meadows to the north of the island, many Acadian (French) fishing villages, and St John's, the oldest city in North America.

I fell in love with the coastal architecture and environments and captured a few scenes in my sketchbook and I thought I would share them with you!

Its a gorgeous place with lots of great scenery, delicious seafood (cods tongue is a delicious delicacy) and beer made from icebergs!

Thank you to my Pozible Supporters

Id like to give a big thank you to all of you who went the extra mile by pledging your support to assist with my residency at the Nova Scotia Centre for Craft and Design, in Halifax Canada.

The Mitchell House Historic Property. Original hand drawn and water colour postcard

I was overwhelmed by your response, and I raised enough to cover the cost of my airfare to Halifax, Canada.

The opportunity has been truly amazing. The province is full of inspiration and I have collected enough stuff for at least four more bodies of work (yes four!) which I envisage will keep me busy for quite some time. It also gave me the opportunity to learn new skills as I developed my ideas in the Wood and Metal studios.

Morris St Historic House C1875. Original hand drawn and water colour postcard

The residency has now finished which allows time to develop designs for the rewards that were available on Pozible.

These images are the post cards three Pozible supporters will receive in the mail over the next couple of weeks.

Old Town Clock in Halifax. Original hand drawn and water colour postcard

Thank you again

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