January 12, 2021

SQUASH BOOK

First of all, I really need to apologize. The quality of these photos is pretty awful.

You see, as I was setting up my tiny photo studio, I discovered that I couldn't turn on the lights. You all know that I've been less than happy with this set-up for ages now. So, I guess that it turned out to be quite fortuitous that I had an excuse to throw the whole shebang away at last.

But, that left me with a horrible dilemma. How was I supposed to take the photos for my blog post? I tried a couple of old school things. But nothing seemed to do the trick.

What I ended up using leaves me with all sorts of weird shadows, to say the least. So, I am so sorry that the photos today are less than pleasing.

I did order a new lighting studio, but it won't be here until next week. So, I guess I (and you!) will have to suffer through until then. The one I ordered had 4.6 stars out of 5, but you never know . . .

Anyway, another admission here. I have always been horrible at anything that involves mountain and valley folds, such as origami or Swedish stars. Things like that. A hopeless case I am.

But, several years ago, I made something they called at the time a Funky Fold Book. And I don't recall having any problems with it. So, I thought I'd try my hand at it once again. The tutorial I used was very lacking. I could not get those sections to fold up into a square. Origami time all over again. 

Finally, after lots of finagling, I was able to get it to cooperate. And I do like what I ended up with.

I used some beautiful Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper, the Ornate Garden Speciality Designer Series Paper, found on page 149 of the Annual Catalog. The pretty frame around the title of my book, "Follow Your Heart, It Knows the Way", is created with the Ornate Dies (again! I LOVE that die set!) on page 182. 

My plan for the inside of the book is to hand letter some of my favorite quotes. Don't hold me to that though. I often have made books in the past with glorious plans, but the books remain empty.

Anyway, following are my <lousy> photos of a book that I really am proud of.




I have seen various ways of fastening this book shut, and tried a few of them. 
None of them appealed to me. 
So I ended up embedding ribbons underneath the DSP on the front and back of the book. 
I then tie them into a loose knot. 


A photo of the book partially open.


My husband is actually holding this hanging straight down. 
The whole insides do not show in the photo. 
But it gives a feeling of what it looks like in the open position.


Without the ribbons, this is how the book would look in a closed position.



I think the knotted ribbons give the closed book a neat finished look.


If you would like to try one of these books that are now referred to as Squash Books, I would give you THIS TUTORIAL. I did not follow it, but it seems to make a lot more sense than the one I followed. Thanks to LC in sunny San Diego for posting this tutorial to Pinterest. If you do a search for Squash Books, you can find lots of tutorials that are better than the one I followed. Have fun!

Squashed
Smiles.





















30 comments:

  1. The shadows don't bother me a bit; as what is most important at the time is showing the beautiful work you do.
    My brother had made and sent me a wood sign that says; 'Too Blessed To Be Stresssed.'
    I have learned over time not to let the little things stress me out, so don't stress over a little shadow.
    Today Is A Good Day To Have A Good Day, so enjoy it and embrace it.
    ColleenB.~Tx.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you ever so much for your wonderful words, Colleen! You sound so wise.

      Delete
  2. I honestly thought your photos were going to be horrible after that intro but I think these look just fine!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've made these before and they are a bit tricky, but I love them! Thank you for sharing at Party In Your PJ's.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Ann, I almost gave up part way through. I'm glad I persisted.

      Delete
  4. neveR heard of this before thanks so much for sharing
    come see us at http://shopannies.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is new to me!
    I love the idea and thought it turned out beautifully- and the ribbons are romantic, kind of like a vintage vibe.
    I have a link party, and would love to have you contribute this.
    All things home; food, crafts, decor, garden are welcome
    RR

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I added my links to your party. I have also added your party to my list of Link Parties.

      Delete
  6. I think it turned out lovely and the pictures are very good. I love your quote idea for the insides.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That design is ingenious. It would be like receiving a bunch of flowers in card form. Loving the pretty ribbons too. So creative! #Mischiefandmemories

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, thank you so much! How precious of you to say.

      Delete
  8. I am a total amateur so your photos look fine to me! 😁

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a clever idea! Love the floral patterns

    Katrina x
    #MischiefAndMemories

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Katrina! I must say that after I figured out all the weird folds, it was lots of fun to make!

      Delete
  10. I think your photos look absolutely fine, and I love the squash book. It brought back memories of when I used to do a lot of swaps years ago. I participated in a mini-book swap and received a beautiful little squash book that I still have. I think your book is really lovely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, thank you, Pam, for your kind words and your memories!

      Delete
  11. I hadn't heard of squash books until now!! It looks lovely. Maybe i'll try making one sometime. Thanks for sharing this tutorial :)
    #HomeMattersParty

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kimberly! Give it a try --- and have fun with it!

      Delete
  12. Lovely paper craft! I am featuring it at Inspire Me Monday this week; thanks for linking up! xo Shannon

    ReplyDelete
  13. Such a sweet project. You a re so creative. Thanks for sharing at Love Your Creativity. I am happy to feature your Squash Book on Sunday.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Linda, I remember, I used to make these kinda cards when I was making cards and scrapbooking. Your card looks spectacular !
    Thank you for sharing your post with us at Meraki Link Party.
    Have a wonderful week
    Naush

    ReplyDelete