Kirsten Varga - December StencilClub Stencils

Hey there my fellow creatives! I am back with a bookmaking project using the fabulous December StencilCub Stencil by Rae Missigman! I enjoyed the way these relatively simple shapes combined to create a pattern that was visually interesting and unique. 

I wanted to revisit a book structure I haven't made in a while, the Coptic Bound Book. This is a book that is great for journaling/artmaking as the binding allows it to lie flat when opened. The open spine shows off the stitching and it does take practice to make sure the stitching is even. I am still practicing! :)

It might seem odd to some people to write a post on a project that hasn't been perfected yet. There is a lot of margin for error and while I have years and years of bookmaking experience there are still some structures that I need to improve on. So I hope you'll forgive me for the less-than-perfect nature of this video tutorial.

 In my preparation, I referenced directions from books by Alisa Golden, Keith Smith, and Cherryl Moote. I encourage you to do a web search for them as well as general "Coptic binding instructions" to find a plethora of talented artists sharing their expertise. I will also share video tutorials made by talented artists who show the detailed step-by-step process much better than what I am capable of at this time. 

As someone who likes to do things right the first time and often does not, I found freedom in sharing my imperfections when I taught elementary art. I saw how my students would be so hard on themselves when trying new things and so I made a point of making mistakes in my demonstrations regularly and then showing how to work through them. Done is better than perfect in this case and I am a happier artist because of it.

I hope you are inspired to try something new and work through the frustration right along with me. If not, that's okay too as we all don't need to be perfect at everything. How boring would that be? 

Happy Holidays and Happy Creating!

Check out my video tutorial below for the details:

Find me on Instagram: @kirstenvarga

Join StencilClub by December 15 to receive these exclusive stencils and accompanying video tutorial with PDF (both downloadable!), and 20% OFF STENCILS EVERY DAY!!

Stencils used:

Other Supplies Used:

Handmade Paper

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic Ink

Gesso

Book board

Text-weight paper

waxed thread

awl

needle

scissors

Bone Folder

Japanese Screw Punch