Quite some time ago I saved the cover of this Godey's Ladies Book from 1864 and gathered all sorts of clippings; but I didn't actually start the project until earlier this week. I hadn't quite figured out how the pages were going to stay in the frame work I'd made. Then, while stitching on the Mask Book, it came to me. Everything else just fell into place. This altered book is now titled The Good Girl.
There are twelve individual pages with collages on both sides. The images are from the original 1864 book, several late 1890s books, a 1919 newspaper, a couple early embroidery transfer patterns, World Book Encyclopedia Year Books from the late 1960s and early 70s, and several issues of London Illustrated News from the 50s and 60s. I stitched on each page are various times...sometimes free motion and sometimes a pattern. Collecting the adages and rules of etiquette was a blast.
(PS...I've been receiving several readers from a "closed" blog called Expressive Books...if anyone can let me know what's been said, I'd appreciate it....hoping it is positive!)
What a treasure you have made!! This is stunning.
ReplyDeleteawesome and yes a real treasure
ReplyDeleteSusan, your name came up on Expressive Books, in a more than complimentary fashion. We were given the link to admire your work - I already did, so felt quite smug!!!
ReplyDeleteDijanne Ceeval has a book group on the blog, about 20 members worldwide. At the moment it's a WIP but will go public when there is more to show. If you'd like to read more about the challenge and her ideas, you'll find it on her blog.
I love your work.
Carole
UK
What a wonderful looking book cover. And I love all the pages you created. Placing them inside the frame was brilliant. Love it!
ReplyDeleteWow Susan, this is gorgeous. I wish I could see it in real!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou must have put quite some hours work on this piece. I love it!
oh, Susan, these are so wonderful! I love it! and yes i will also see it in real!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful melding of images and text! The look, the feel, the details, the framing, all fabulous! Stunning piece of art!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great work, as usual, Susan. I particularly like the adages - my favourite being the inclusion of "raw oysters are eaten with a fork" :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a piece that I could study for hours. It's beautiful. A long time ago, the cleaning lady in one of the buildings I worked in, told me that all women are beautiful. I've never forgotten that. And I tend to look at the world that way
ReplyDeleteSusan,
ReplyDeletethis is stunning! I am absolutely in love with books of all kinds, especially fabric books. (Love your masks book, too.) This is a real inventive way to preserve something in a very special way.
Angelika
Susan,
ReplyDeleteYou never cease to amaze me. This is wonderful. I am excited also for you on the catalog piece!!
Joni
Wonderful book! I love the frame and the lacing works beautifully. Each page of your book is a treasure to be studied. Someday after the holidays I will have time to throughly enjoy each image with a cup of coffee!!!
ReplyDelete