Kirsten Varga - October StencilClub

Welcome back Creatives! Kirsten Varga here with a bookmaking project using the fabulous October StencilClub designs by Cat Kerr. The bold imagery is festive and fun. I pulled out my GelliArts printing plate and my stash of specialty papers to create this beauty. The name of this structure is a Gate-fold Book.

A gate-fold book has a cover that opens like a gate! :) I decided on a "gate" that is evenly divided but feel free to change it up. The left hand side could be wider or vice versa. The covers can overlap or not. Let your imagination and curiosity explore the possibilities.

My book contains two signatures created from a variety of papers in my stash like old dictionary pages, painted papers, handmade papers and patterned papers. All of them are the same height as the book but the width varies. I chose to do that so the papers could overlap to create interesting visual combinations.

I used a GelliArts printing plate to print the stencil designs with black and white paint onto deli paper. I like working with deli paper because it goes mostly translucent when glued to a surface.

The cover is a piece of 140 lb watercolor paper that is painted with vibrant acrylics. The deli paper prints are then glued on the entire surface, front and back of the cover, with matte medium.

I attached each signature to the cover with the 5-hole pamphlet stitch. This is one of my favorite bookbinding stitches because it is easy and fast!

This book is ready to be filled with pictures, drawing, poetry, songs, memories and more. I hope this project inspires you to create something to honor and remember a loved one.

Check out the video below for all the details:

Happy Creating!

Find me on Instagram: @kirstenvarga

Join StencilClub by October 15 to receive these exclusive stencils and accompanying video tutorial with PDF (both downloadable!), and 25% OFF STENCILS EVERY DAY!!

Stencils used:

Other supplies used:

140lb watercolor paper

various text weight and cardstock papers

deli paper

acrylic paint

matte medium

paintbrush/cataylst scraper

GelliArts® printing plate

brayer

ruler/pencil/scissors

bone folder

waxed linen thread/needle

eyelets and setter/hammer

3/4" circle punch

binding clips