Thinking About Doing A Rather Large Project...maybe

I make my own paper, do Pen & ink and water color as well as some calligraphy- and do some leather working too (as a hobbies) and I got the idea that I could conceivably create my own Binder with slipcase and decorate it elaborately, Make linen based, acid free paper and then decorate all the pages with pen, ink and watercolor as well as some calligraphy {copper plate style}. It most certainly could be done but it would take quite awhile for sure, but I bet if I did do it that it would almost certainly be a wonderful Family Heirloom and hopefully tell a little bit about me and some of my interests to my descendents. What do you think?

For a family heirloom there is nothing better than something created by hand IMO.
If you have the time and inclination I vote for 'definitely do it'.

Thank you Anthony. It can almost certainly be done however it would certainly take a very long time. I'm thinking of a good cut-off date. Maybe the late 1920's would be good? It's still just an idea but I have been doing the math to what is feesable to do. Getting the paper right would be the most challenging part I believe? I'll have to see how a page or so works out. I'll whip up some pulp & linen "the stuff" today and see what happens.

Hi I_Love_Stamps,

I think what you propose is an excellent endeavour. I would only advise caution with the page set-ups. Script page headings and stamp notes look terrific, but be careful not to over embellish the page decoration, as it can so easily overpower the stamps. The best place for any elaborate art is on the title pages with the album pages perhaps enhanced with a simple heading design and border. This could be specific to the country or subject in the album. Whatever you decide, I hope you enjoy what you create. It will almost certainly look better and be more satisfying than an album of commercially printed album pages.

Terry

Jeff, I did that sort of thing in art college. Wonderful fun, and it would make a wonderful heirloom. Do you size (seal) your paper so it doesn't absorb too much ink? How about marbled paper for the slip case and end papers. Ooooo. you got me all excited!

What an ambitious and wonderful sounding project!
If you are looking for encouragement, I say "Go for it!"
You will have to update us on your progress and send scans, please.

I am excited for you!

I would definitely go for it.

Something for yourself and family is always worth the extra effort.

Chimo

Bujutsu

I'll have to experiment with the paper pulp. I need to research archival quality paper. Then I just got to either make it of buy a ream and tear it up add water in a blender and chop/mix into pulp so the process isn't all that hard but the papers content may be? I'll have to see how it'll work. I'll keep you posted. Thank you for the kind words too!

Yes and yes but only if I'm doing a block print then I'll size. I haven't done this for a few years but it was a lot of fun and it's not as hard as it sounds as you already know. It's really fun and very rewarding too!

I could use cedar for the "boards" then bind them in leather wit a monogram or something on it; maybe a family crest?
hmmmm Got me thinking now!

If you don't continue the monogram/crest on the watermark, then you'll always wonder why you didn't go all the way...

Just sayin'



(A true philatelist would invert one or two of the watermarks, too...so would the Amish. I have no idea what an Amish philatelist would do...is that a double negative?)

I vote do it! That sounds like an awesome idea. Even though it will take awhile it will be a treasure when you get done. You will have the most unique binder and slipcase in the world, and certainly something to pass down.

Thank you for the encouragement! I still have a lot of work to do yet. I was playing with different papers yesterday and think I came up with a nice one. Now size and screens will need to be made. I think I am going to recruit JamesW for my paper tester! He seems to know whats involved and what to look for.

Will this be a stamp album? I think it sounds like a great project! I hope you will post photographs of your progress!