tisjewel (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} tisjewel) wrote,@ 2005-12-27 13:13:00 |
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Fatbook Hosting + Do's Don'ts For Participants
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.
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.
