handmade sketchbooks

I have been experimenting with handmade sketchbooks recently.  I started with my hand dyed cotton fabric, then I stamped layers of different stamps on the fabric.  Half of the stamps I carved myself.  After I had the layers built up I thread sketched some of the stamped designs and then quilted the fabric.  I used poly felt as the batting for a bit of stiffness.  I used purchased fabric for the backing.  I sewed the cover inside out and then turned it for nice smooth edges before quilting.  I used waxed thread to sew the signatures into the cover.  Here are pictures of my first two books.

 I still need to practice picture taking so that all my pictures come out with good color.  I will continue to work on the lighting.