Lending A Helping Hand...Or Two

I had a chance to use some of my crafty tools this weekend in a different way. My oldest son was home from college this weekend to have some stitches out from his shoulder surgery. ( he had torn cartilage, a labral tear, in his right shoulder....yes, you guessed it...lacrosse!) Anyway, he also had a big photography assignment due. Well, with his right shoulder immobilized and in a sling for another 4 weeks, I was the hands acting under his guidance. He had already printed out a beautiful collection of his photographs on 11" by 17" paper, and now needed to present them in a book. He had some 4 ply book board that had to be cut to size, fabric that had to be mounted to the board, inside cover paper to cut, and holes to punch. So, out came my x-acto knife, cutting mat, Fiskars paper cutter, brayer, and crop-a-dile. He was a little skeptical  at first, asking, "are sure about this?" After triple checking all the measurements, I had my weekend arm work-out cutting all the 4 ply book board, then used some spray adhesive to mount the fabric to the front of the board.

After that was set, he instructed me on how he needed the corners wrapped on the inside of the covers.

We cut, glued and clamped everything into position.

After cutting and gluing the inside cover paper, it was on to punching the holes.

This is where things got a little tricky, you see, I had complete faith in my crop-a dile, my son on the other hand....." you're going to use a....what?....crop-a-dile?....what is this going to do to my photos?.....is this going to bend the cover?..."

Well, the holes came out perfect! Seeing is believing! He was actually quite impress with mom's little crafty tools. So, while it wasn't what I thought I'd be doing this weekend, it was actually a lot of fun, working with him was great and we had quite a few laughs! The book is just beautiful and he's on his way back Rhode Island.

Meleen

   

Comments

[Cindy]

It turned out just beautiful! And yeah, that crop-a-dile is a pretty handy fellow! He has cut numerous things for me as well. (Things which I'm sure were outside the intended realm). LOL

c

[Dawn]

I love it!!! It did turn out so beautiful. It was so wonderful of you two to work together ~ I know he must have appreciated you so much. Who knows, a crop-a-dile may be on his wish list now! xxoo, Dawn

[Relyn]

What a gorgeous book you created. I know he will always cherish it because it is also a part of you. And, what lovely memories you have of your weekend with your son. Beautiful work.

[shabbyVTchic]

Wow, that is really gorgeous... and you make it look so easy! And love that you provided images of the process. I took a class years ago in book making, but admit that I didn't dive right into the technique at home (always so many things going on at once, and never enough time... you know?). Intimidation rears its ugly head, and you take comfort in the things that you do know best. But working outside of the box, isn't that what art is all about? Getting creative and savoring the fruits of your labors? Good job on the album... love it!

I wanted to say thank you, too, for adding me to your list of inspiring places to visit... seeing that made me smile today :)