Altered Art Obession - The Blog

See my other blog:
http://tisjewel.blogspot.com/2007/02/fibre-sandwich-swap.html

On my other blog:

Flawful^(TM) Batt/Spinning Fiber Swap
http://tisjewel.blogspot.com/2006/10/flawfultm-battspinning-fiber-swap.html
 

Recently completed:
BROWN (color series through Chubbyville)


Possible future books:
Double Decker
Transparencies & Vellum
Legends & Folklore
Book of Runes


Info Pages:

Fat/Chunky Book Basics/Details
Embellishment Ideas/Suggestions
Quick Reminders & Tips

Suggested Layouts 1 (right click on link to "save target as..." to save to your computer)
Suggested Layouts 2 (right click on link to "save target as..." to save to your computer)


Articles:
Fatbook Hosting & Do's/Don'ts for Participants by Heather Bluhm

Brown page by Vicki Mcg
( Completed! Read details. )

Gallery: Click here to view!

Blossoming page by Dot Christian
( Completed! Read details. )

Gallery: Click here.

Vintage Nudes page by Holly Stinett

( Completed, view details )

Gallery: Click here.

Tree of Life Page by Carol Dellinger
( Completed, read details )

Gallery: click here

These Hands Page by Linda Tanaka
( Completed, read more... )

Gallery: Group 1 | Group 2.

FATBOOK HOSTING
by Heather Simpson-Bluhm

After participating in more than 20 fat books and hosting over 10 myself, I feel I have seen it all when it comes to the trials and tribulations of hosting fat books and what makes for a well made and attractive book.

The timing of this article happened to work out great, as I am just finishing up a “doozy” of a book. I can’t believe the challenges I have received in this single volume. From thin pages to chunky embellishments, I’ve experienced it all.

If you aren’t familiar with FLABs, (Fat Little Art Books) let me explain. FAT books are the latest craze in collaborative mixed media projects. Originated in 2002 by artist Michelle Takacs, these chunky little tomes seem to be taking over the online art world.

As a hostess, my responsibilities include setting up the theme of the book and locating participants. I then set the guidelines for the pages... generally these include page size, any information required such as name, email address and location and limitations on embellishments. You’d think with a set of clear cut guidelines it would be easy once the pages start rolling in. All that is left to do is punching all of these pages (by hand!), collating them into the individual books and binding them by hand twisting a plastic coil through their holes, before packing up each treasure and mailing them off to their new owner.

Problems in this book ranged from LATE pages to embellishments that had to be completely removed before I could punch the pages. While most pages work quite nicely, I encountered stacks of pages stuck together into one blob, tape that mucked up my punch and paper so thin it ripped out of the binding.

When it comes to collating the books, I take extra time in an attempt to create a nice flow between the pages. I lay the pages out and shuffle them around until I am satisfied with the flow of the book and the smooth transition between the colors of the pages and their themes. The one thing that REALLY throws me off during this process is the pages that are left white on the back. It’s so easy to add a small amount of color or carry over the front collage to make a page that blends in nicely as opposed to sticking out
like a sore thumb.

Quality counts too! It’s a shame when an artist works so hard to create an original piece of art which is subsequently scanned and printed. When the piece is scanned in too low a resolution, overworked or the printing is not sharp, it ruins the look of the page and doesn’t “fit” into a book of top notch art. Additionally, using thin, text weight paper (whether as the main base of the page or glued onto cardstock) creates problems in their final appearance, durability and the binding process.

Embellishments are what really make these books something special. Since most pages are high quality color copies of the original piece of art, the embellishment can add much dimension and texture to the final page. Embellishments should generally be kept to the right or bottom edge no closer than ¼” to the left (or binding) edge. What must be kept in mind though is that the pages must be inserted into a punch with only 1/8” clearance. If any embellishments are used within 1 5/8” (may range from 1" - 1 5/8" depending on
the punch - consult with your host first) of the binding edge they must be able to slide into that 1/8” space. Problems often include buttons, thick vines, branches and leaves, lace or fabric trim, page pebbles and more. If you are unsure of the embellishments you plan to use, it’s in your best interest to consult with the host.

Following mailing instructions is very important to the whole process. Pages should be mailed ON TIME and packages clearly labeled as to their contents as some hosts work on several swaps at once. Check pages before mailing! Are they dry?? If not, place waxed paper in between. If you use a Xyron to adhere pages or embellishments, be sure the excess adhesive is removed before packing. (Special “erasers” are available for this purpose) Pages should be packed with care in zip lock bags. Not only do they protect the pages in the case of moisture but they make collating and return mailing easier as well. A LARGE return address label should be included along with the requested fee for binding and return postage. And while it is always nice to receive a small hostess gift such as ephemera or a bit of candy, I think the biggest reward is having all the instructions followed making for a smooth assembly.

Paying attention to details and following what are generally clear cut and simple instructions can really make for successful project from all points of view. It’s a good idea to work hard to please your host ‘cause “when your host ain’t happy, ain’t no one happy!”

Happy Arting!!

The Do’s and Don’ts of Fat Book Participation:

DO take into account your schedule. While all the themes might sound intriguing, be sure you can meet your commitment before signing up for a book. Last minute drop outs and people who disappear adds stress to the host who has o scramble for fill-ins or send back unused pages.

DO follow instructions. Instructions are set up from experience, trial and error and are set up for a reason. They are not LOOSE guidelines.

DO your best work and mind the details. Use GOOD paper stock, quality printing and relevant embellishments. Trim to the right size with straight edges.

DO review the instructions before mailing. Enclose all items requested and pack your pages neatly in zip lock bags.

DON’T be late!! Fulfill your obligation and meet the deadline. Hosts plan books to work into their schedules. Having lost of late pages messes with the hosts schedule and can throw everything off.

DON”T send sticky pages or small mailing labels.

DON’T use tape or send wet pages. Be sure your adhesive is dry or place waxed paper between your pages. Be sure your adhesive is adequate for the paper and embellishments. Having to redo a set of pages or pry them apart adds time to the turn around.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ & UNDERSTAND THE ENTIRE POST BEFORE SIGNING UP FOR ANY BOOK.

1. Sign up for the book of your choosing, by contacting Julie at tisjewelart @ aol.com or by commenting on the project post, include your mailing address (No PO Boxes as packages cannot be tracked), your primary & secondary email addresses, and your contact phone numbers. Before signing up PLEASE make sure that you are aware of the requirements for the book and you will have the time and motivation necessary to complete the project. Participants are counting on you to follow through, and it is very sad and frustrating when there are players that flake (flakes, drops, or late participants will be recorded).

2. Standard chunky/fat/chubby books are 4” x 4” (specific project may require other sizes, these are just general guidelines to be adapted). Please be as accurate as possible in your measuring and cutting, as 1/8" difference here or there makes it difficult to bind these things. It could help to make your background 1/8" larger so you have plenty of space for cutting and truing the edges. Alternatively, you can do your front/back pages in an 8” (wide) x 4” (tall) spread, so that you can fold it in half. Or do two 4”x4” pages, one front and one back to lay side by side when finished, in order to copy and print.

3. Sturdy cardstock is a must. NO letter weight paper! 80-110 lb weight paper (cardstock) is the best – and 110 lb is highly recommended as it will hold up well. It can be doubled or tripled for a really strong page. These papers should be readily available at your office supply store.

4. Create a quality piece of artwork (your best, something that you can take pride in, and that would be good enough to give to family/friends, or to sell). These books are not cheap to produce, so please take time to do quality work. Also, the back page must be decorated, whether it be patterned scrapbook paper, another collage, or a full color label. No Plain White back pages (they'll stick out like a sore thumb), they should be decorated also, can be simply decorated, but must not be left blank/white. BE SURE to include at least your name & email address, such as: Julie O’Neil, info @ tisjewel.com (I like to include my member ID, location, & website URL). In addition, it is nice to date, sign and number the backs (optional).

5. Do originals for front & back, or scan them and have them QUALITY color copied on to your cardstock. They should be color copied at your local print center or laser printed. If you have them printed on an ink jet printer (not recommended), you will need to seal them with a spray fixative or clear sealer. Be sure to note the number of pages required, sometimes it depends on the # of participants signed up when sign-ups end (+ two extras in case of punching errors).

6. EMBELLISH! As these are what makes it a “chunky”, “chubby”, or “fat” book. Embellishments should be NO CLOSER than 1 ½” from left binding margin (front) or right binding margin (back) to allow for punching and binding, flat embellishments may be ok (embellishment, including page thickness, should not be more than the thickness of a quarter within that 1 1/2" margin). For Embellishment Ideas click here.

7. Be sure to leave a 1/4" margin on the left hand side front (right side back) of your page completely without embellishments or anything thick or sticky (absolutely no tape or xyron adhesive within this area, nothing to gum up the punching machine). This doesn't have to be left plain, but you will want your design/focal area to be off-center toward the right to compensate for the binding.

8. Carefully pack your pages, and send them to the host. Be sure to include: NAME, EMAIL, binding/mailing fee*, and a LARGE ADDRESS LABEL. Make sure to mail them to arrive ON TIME! Any late pages received will be mailed back at the artist's expense and they will not receive a completed book.

*BINDING & MAILING FEE - These books required the cost of binding & coiling, as well as postage and the time involved for the host to put the books together. Some hosts will require this fee upfront before placing you on the sign-up list. Fees range depending on the host, method of shipping, and thickness of book. They are NON-REFUNDABLE.

INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS (includes anyone outside of the US): First contact the host to get additional requirements for participating. Please remember that it can take longer for mailing packages from outside of the US into the US (I've seen them take as little as 3 days to as long as 1 month), so be sure to post them with plenty of time to spare. Pay project fee + $2-$8, depending on the project specs and your location, your host will tell you exactly when you make initial contact. Methods of payment or fee substitutions will be at the discretion of the host. [Effective 06/06, flat fee of $13 for books, including international players]

[Altered from original information provided by Heather Bluhm/Chubbyville]

Embellishing fat/chunky books can be as simple as adding stickers, rubber stamping or as intricate as bead fringe or envelopes with tags or fun inserts. No matter what you choose to add, it makes the book fun and “fat”.

Please keep in mind that these pages will be bound into books and the embellishments should tend toward the flatter size to aid in ease of binding. They should not occur within 1/2 inch of the left (binding) edge or as specified per project.

Ideas:

Stickers (copyright free)
puff paint
sequins
glitter
lace
shrink art
transparencies
brads
eyelets, grommets, rivets
buttons
beads
rhinestones
fringe
fibers
shells
gel medium
flatter page pebbles
cuts lifted with pop dots
scrapbook papers
paper clips
paint
marker
wired on embellishments.. anything you can imagine!!
envelopes
tags
moveable pieces
game pieces
feathers
pom poms
coins
wire
charms
holes
doors
secret openings
pockets

Only limited to your imagination!

Original information provided by Heather Bluhm.

1) Do not put anything sticky (such as tape, xyron adhesives, as these will gum up the punching machine) or any embellishments within 1/4" of the binding edge (which is the left front & right back).

2) Do not put any thick embellishments within 1 1/2" of the binding edge (paper, including the embellishment, should not be thicker than a quarter as it will need to slide 1 1/2" underneath a slot in order to get punched). I will no longer be removing embellishments so that I can punch them and then reattach them.

3) Decorate the back - do not leave it blank or just put on an address label, it should be another collage, decorative paper, etc. - can be simple, but must not be left blank. AND should contain at least your name and email address or website URL.

4) Make sure your embellishments are secure and won't fall off.

5) Make sure that if you use anything like glitter, etc., that will rub off, you put a sealant over it so that it doesn't get all over the place and all over everyone else's pages.

6) If you do use a sealant, make sure it's completely dry and be sure to ship your pages with wax paper between as the pressure and humidity or cold may make them stick in transit.

7) These books are meant to be handled and are most often displayed by a show & tell hands-on method -- so it is important that you do not use text weight paper, use paper that is at least 80 lbs (doubled up) or heavier. I highly recommend 110lbs, double layer.

8) EMBELLISH! Make them fat! Hang fibers, attach things, make windows, etc.

9) Please be aware that some may be sensitive to strong fragrances and/or cigarette smoke. As a courtesy, please do not smoke around your entries or store them in a smoke-heavy place, and please use restraint in your use of perfumes or other fragrances around these pages.