This was my starting point:
The only other stipulation we were all given was that the finished article must be three- dimensional in some way. I had an initial load of over-complicated and grandiose ideas, but soon realised my best bet was to stick to what I know so I decided to make a book.
I’ve made what I call lotus-fold books before, with origami square bases stuck back to back and opening like a concertina, but several years ago my middle one came home from Guides with one she had made which opened up and folded back on itself to make a star. I’d always loved the idea and it was perfect for this project.
I started by making a double sided copy of the carol ‘Ding Dong, Merrily on High’ and ageing it with a deftly wielded tea bag. Odd coffee granules added a foxed look and then I cut the sheets into squares and folded them into a set of square bases.
The next stage was to stick the square faces together to form the star shape. You can see the gap at the bottom right hand corner which is where the covers will go.
Next job was to embroider the cover. I experimented with applique and various other techniques on some lovely dull gold silk but came back to needlelace using some Mulberry Silks I’ve been saving for a special occasion. The medium and heavy weights make the most fabulous needlelace.
Also, one of my required elements was couching, and the stitch is buttonhole couching.
My lace element was the bow and after I had added gold kid leather clappers to the bells the cover was laced over a piece of mounting board.
I trapped a piece of gold ribbon between the cover and the endpapers as a closure when I stuck them together…
…and did the same with the back.
As well as tying a bow to close the book up, the ribbons also hold it closed and form the hanging loop when you bring the covers together to make it into an ornament.
And best of all, Sandra was delighted with it. :o)
Under A Topaz Sky 