Finally, finally…. I can show you what I was working on for so long. Remember that I kept something hidden on my desk in the past months, telling you it was a commission-project? I am allowed to reveal it now, and I will tell you all about it later in this post. First, let’s have a look what is on my working desk this morning.
Yep, see that Dutchies? I am preparing a new (live) workshop – date and info will go in my shop later this week (and I’ll send out a newsletter too. You can subscribe to my newsletter on my website)
And now… drum-roll please… ta-dah…
FIFTY BOOKLETS!
Early this year I got a request from the founder and choir master of Koorgroep De Vlis-Singers who asked me if I would be willing to make 50 booklets for the 45 anniversary of the choir in June. He’d seen my work on the open atelier weekend in November and thought these booklets would be a lovely gift for all the choir members to celebrate the anniversary.
Oh, hmmm, fifty? WOW!
Luckily, I had months to work on these. I made a plan and a concept-booklet (which the choir master was very enthusiastic about!) and went to work. I choose different colors to keep working on this task fun. Here’s a photo of one of the ‘reddish’ books.
I folded the cardboard and glued music-sheets on it as a background (both front and back.) I added (sewed) a leather thread on the booklet so that it can be closed. The title (see first photo) shows the anniversary years. I stamped and embossed the title on the cover.
Next, I added color with spray ink using a dotted template. I hand-carved stamps and stamped on each page. Then I sewed plastic photo-pockets over the stamped images (the choir-members can use this booklet to keep photos of the choir in it.)
On the other side, I hand wrote a phrase that comes from one of the songs this choir sings often. The circles are stamped and colored with sharpies.
Here’s the blue version of the booklet.
And here’s a finished booklet with photos in the pockets.
I promised the choir master to keep this a secret and not show the booklets on my blog until the anniversary date was expired and the booklets were hand out to all the choir members. That was last weekend. I hope the members love it!
I won’t make this blogpost much longer – I just want to point out that Quirky Dutch Summer has started, the first QDS-post can be found here.
That’s it for today then, see ya next time!
Wow love those booklets they look fantastic and I am positive they were received well. Sorry for not visiting last week, bad things happened and you were the only one I believe I missed I do hope you forgive me. You must spend loads of time labeling everything for the desk shot it amuses me every-time I see it. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful crafty week.
Hugs Eliza & Yoda
Lovely books and what a lovely way to celebrate 45 years. Great job.
sandra de @37
Hi Marit – those booklets are awesome, and kudos to you for keeping going – the final 49 were probably the worst!! If I haven’t already said so (I am getting very forgetful) I received your FAB ATCs and the WOWEE one is right next to me by the pc. Happy WOYWW Cindy #36
Wat zijn ze lekker vrolijk geworden! Nu is het jou tijd om te zingen! tralalala VRIJ!
Your desk is so happy and busy, and the photo books are just so beautiful and truly a piece of art for each lucky choir member! Happy WOYWW! Sandy Leigh #43
Before I forget, I’ve added your quirky Dutch Summer to my right sidebar and will
write a post on it soon. Those are some INCREDIBLE books you created. I’m SO glad you shared them with us. They are truly delightful. Happy WOYWW from # 5.
Oh boy! bet the choir are happy with those they are super, love them. Have a great week and a happy woyww, Angela xXx 26
These are fabulous, you did an outstanding job! Would you consider a tutorial blog for these? Diane #41
I wrote a guestpost tutorial about these booklets in January for Julie Balzer’s blog… you can find it here: http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2015/01/guest-post-stenciled-folded-booklet-with-marit.html
oh I love those booklets, what a fantastic idea, and well done you for getting them done on time! Helen 2
Hi Marit, happy WOYWW for yesterday. WOW WOW WOW, yes your well kept secrets are fabulous..well done I bet the choir members love them. Have a great week Cheers RobynO#16
Hi Marit! I’m late again this week (Thursday evening, oh dear…), but I wanted to come by and see what’s going on over the sea in Holland (because, of course, Marit’s studio is the Centre of the Nederlands…).
And there is your great desk, all beautifully labelled, with interesting things on it – always something new and different.
And your little books – how fabulous! I like how you made stencils and printing blocks, so you could speed up the process and make them all similar – but also how you had two sets of colours and also used sharpie pens to add extra colour to each book. A real labour of love – and such a great result. I’m sure every single choir member is delighted to have one of these little mementos!
Have a great week – see you next Wednesday!
Lizzie (#62)
Those booklets are awesome! I’m sure the choirmembers will treasure them! Well done you! I’m impressed you kept going. 50 is a lot of booklets!
Have a great week,
Lisca#18