During my search for vintage letters I came across a couple of vintage (1911) french needlework and fashion magazines that were a bit tattered and falling apart. I managed to save quite a few of the pages and salvage some great images from them and I decided to use them in a book:
This book measures about 9 1/2" x 7" x 2". I filled the inside with some nice text weight paper and some coordinating colored cardstock. I used some of the rescued pages from the vintage magazines inside the signatures:
As the magazine pages continue to age they will discolor the text pages if they rest against them so I placed each magazine piece within a vellum page. Each of the magazine pages folds out to reveal a wider page spread:
There are 9 of these spreads in the book. I also used some of the pages to embellish some envelope pockets:
and would you believe that even though this magazine I bought was from 1911 that the pattern pieces that was included with the issue was still intact?!
so I tucked that and the pieces into a vellum envelope on the back panel of the book. This book was a lot of fun to make. I was tempted to put it in my etsy shop but I don't think I'm ready to part with it!
I also made a couple of books using a new paper that I bought called Bark Paper. This paper is gorgeous and it has a wonderful surface texture. I put together two books with this paper:
Measures 8"x8"x2" . I added some beads along the spine and the front of this one has been embellished with pewter twigs. The charm says: "We will not know unless we begin" ~Peter Nivio Zarlenga The inside of this book is filled with 70lb sketch paper and I embellished a few of the pages with some of the bark paper:
I also made a small one measuring about 6" square:
I used some of the bark paper on the inside too:
Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
hey, just found your site! love the books and will keep track of the on-line classes - which i think is so awesome - i live too far away to attend the summer book making class at the university - this would be great!
the vintage mag books are wonderful.
deb
Posted by: deb | September 12, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Fabulous books Sue!
Posted by: Vicki W | September 06, 2008 at 06:48 PM
I love these books, Sue. What a great way to use vintage magazines. You always have such great ideas. Thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Deb | September 03, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Oh lovely books...
Posted by: Kim Gibson | September 02, 2008 at 12:44 AM
Your work with the antique letters, papers and magazines is just stunning. Your talent in this area has really captured my attention and I'm only sorry that I can't view it in "real life". Thanks for sharing. Beautiful stuff.
Posted by: debbue | September 01, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Sue, I have been reading your blog for sometime now and I love what you do with Ephemera. That is why I am giving these to you:
You are the proud winner of two blog awards, congratulations, just go to my blog to collect and then pass these on, if you feel you would like to. Well, done Tricia
Posted by: Patricia Cook | September 01, 2008 at 05:41 PM
Your efforts to preserve original pages, letters , etc. are really commendable. I used to work in a framing gallery and we were all about archival preservation.
Love these books!
Posted by: judy hartman | August 30, 2008 at 11:36 PM
What great vintage magazines. It really is interesting to look back at women's fashion...especially Paris!
Posted by: Joanna van Ritbergen | August 30, 2008 at 09:38 PM
I have a largeish pile of old needlework magazines dating from the early 1920's (some are even older) and you've given me a great idea of what I might be able to do with them. I hate cutting into them though!
Posted by: Mary Anne | August 30, 2008 at 07:09 PM
Oh you bad girl you! I just received an order from Joggles this week, now you go and show me something ELSE I must have. That bark paper looks wonderful!! What does it feel like? Beautiful books as always Sue.
Posted by: Cheryl | August 30, 2008 at 02:51 PM
Hi Sue,
I love your new books, especially the first one made with the vintage French needlework magazine.
I also love what you did with the old love letters; it's a beautiful book and you are a wonderful steward in preserving these letters and creating such a nice showcase for them. I only read a few of the letters, but they were quite charming.
I am looking forward to taking your basic journal making class (finally!) this fall.
Kristin in SC
Posted by: Kristin Farwig | August 30, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Your books are wonderful, your blog images are a combination of eye candy meets soul food. Keep up the great work.
I adore your vintage magazine book and the others too.
Well done
Billie
Posted by: Billie | August 30, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Wow, those are fabulous. And of course, love those charms!
Posted by: Terri | August 30, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Those are wonderful books. What a great way to preserve the old magazine pages. The bark paper looks interesting.
Posted by: Sandy Jandik | August 30, 2008 at 01:23 PM