DIY

So I’m sure I’ve mentioned this a zillion times already, but I’ve got 20 unpublished picture book manuscripts.  And you know I’ve been wanting to learn how to paint…well, artiste extraordinaire, Rosamond S. King, gave me this book she found at the library and now I’m on my way to MAKING MY OWN BOOK!

I am following Taylor’s directions, and am several steps into the process. You can make your own book from scratch or you can refurbish an old book, which is what I decided to do.  Taylor has compiled actual storybooks made by mixed-media artists; he shows you how they look, summarizes the story, and then describes how the artist made the book.

Step One: Buy a board book that you’re willing to deface.  I got two for $3.99 at Marshall’s.

Step Two: Lightly sand the surface of the book’s pages and cover.

Step Three: Apply three coats of gesso.  This stuff is like primer; it doesn’t completely cover the original illustrations, but your acrylic paint will do that.

Step Four: Sketch your book using page frames.  My story, “Let the Faithful Come,” is a little too long for this board book so I’m going to have to use the back cover, too.

Today’s task is to finish framing the story and choose colors for each page.

Once I paint all the pages, I’ll apply crackle medium and let it sit for a few days.

When I get back from New Orleans Toronto, I’ll be ready to use pastels and textiles and cutouts and found objects and stencils and stamps to illustrate my story!  I’m hoping to have it done by Xmas…