Meandering books with cut outs

Meandering books are so easy to make!  Then typically use one sheet of paper folded and cut so that they meander when open. 
I saw a post on Pinterest where an artist had cut many holes in a variety of shapes like windows on each page and painted the paper so that the meandering book has some more interest. 
These two examples are my take on the idea of peek a boo cut outs.

The first one is made from an 8 1/2 sheet of white cardstock that is painted.  The second one is larger and made from a kraft grocery bag.  

Mini Book Class at Edmonds Community College

I spent the whole weekend at a class with about ten other participants learning to make mini books from John Arbuckle.  I had such an absolutely fabulous time!  I didn't want the day to end.  It set me off on my own making all kinds of other books.

What is Hiding inside that Book?

My grandmother had a book in her house that when you opened it there was a deck of cards.  I always thought that was fascinating!  So I have fun making books with hidden compartments that can be used to hide something.  Here are two I worked on for gifts. 

Two Grandmothers

My Grandmothers came from different worlds. I loved them both so much as a child! When I found the photo of the two of them together from my parents wedding, I just had to make a book to celebrate their first 60 years as I am 60 this year. 

The 5x7 inch book is on paper I tore to create decked edges and stitched pamphlet style with one signature. Many of the pages fold out so that larger photos could be added. These are a few pages. I will treasure this book!

Magic Flexagon Book

This magic book is made with one sheet of card stock and folded in such a way to baffle the holder. 

The book opens up to a photo. Fold the pages back so the front of the book touches the back. In the middle there will be an opening to reveal another spread. Fold those pages back and, again, another spread.

Mini Folding Books

These mini folding books made with 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of card stock are so easy and fun to make! They are for my grandkids. 

I was so inspired by the artists at a Book Arts group meeting last month in Edmonds.

Mini paintings bloom with color

As I look at the calendar I am getting keenly aware that Christmas is getting closer. I'm painting a dozen 5x7 paintings as maybe gifts!  They have many layers of paint and paper on a canvas board.