Materials Book

In this assignment, we will craft a unique, hand-bound materials books centered around a chosen theme. This project encourages exploration of a broad spectrum of artistic themes, ranging from nature motifs like "Rocks" and "Water bodies" to abstract concepts such as "Emotions" and "Magic and fantasy." The challenge extends to the use of materials as well. Alongside traditional art mediums like charcoal and acrylics, artists will incorporate at least five experimental mediums, including inventive options like coffee stains. The final product will be a rich compilation, serving both as a personal artistic record and a medium reference for the year. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Small Themed Materials Books:

1. Choose a Theme:

Ideas: Rocks, Mushrooms, household items, Nature, People you know, Objects from your backpack, Memories, Landscapes, Emotions (happiness, sadness, anger, etc.), Dreams, Reflections and mirrors, Animals and wildlife, Water bodies (oceans, lakes, rivers, puddles), Abstract concepts (love, hope, chaos, serenity), Mythical creatures, Cultural festivals, Outer space and astronomy, Patterns and textures, Fairy tales and folklore, Historical events or periods, Favorite books or stories, Dance and movement, Shadows and silhouettes, Architecture, Underwater worlds, Birds in flight, Portraits of heroes and role models, Technology and machinery, Foods and cuisines, Fashion and clothing, Magic and fantasy, Travel destinations, Sunsets and sunrises, Weather patterns (storm, rain, snow), Modes of transportation (cars, bikes, boats, airplanes), Insects and micro-life, Famous artworks reimagined, Gardens and forests, Family traditions, Life's milestones (birthdays, weddings, graduations), Play and games, Different professions, Time (clocks, hourglasses, the passage of time), Optical illusions, Texture contrasts (soft vs. hard, smooth vs. rough), Cultural symbols, Recycling and eco-art, City vs. countryside, Letters and calligraphy, Flowers, Original Characters, Music, etc.

Example: My Theme is "Imaginary Garden Party" 

2. Gather Materials:

15 Sheets of Watercolor Paper

Book Board (for covers)

Waxed Thread

Needles

Awl

3. Page Requirements:

a. Each page will feature a unique art medium.

b. Label each medium used.

c. Your book will serve as a medium reference for the year. Ensure diversity.

d. Incorporate at least 5 experimental mediums

4. Art Medium Ideas:
Traditional Materials:

Pencil, Charcoal, Ink (pen, brush, calligraphy tools), Watercolor, Acrylics, Pastels (oil and soft), Gouache, Textiles (fabric, yarn, embroidery thread), Printmaking (etching, woodcut, linocut, silk screen), etc.

Experimental Materials:

Coffee/tea stains, Organic elements (leaves, flowers, seeds), Recycled stuff (cardboard, plastic, caps), Foods (spaghetti, dyed grains), Natural pigments (berries, spices, clay), Found objects, Ephemeral items (sand, ice, water), Bio-art (bacteria, plants), Unique canvases (clothes, shoes), Food (gelatin, sugar, chocolate)

5. Binding Your Book:

Once your pages are ready, it's time to bind them together. If you want to customize your cover, do that first!

Follow this binding tutorial video to complete your book.

COVERS

If you want to paint or cover your cover in paper, I would suggest doing it before binding. 

If you want to use paper to cover it, you can watch this video:

I used a page from an old torn picture book!

Additional Resources

Terminology:

Theme: A central topic or idea that the content of the book will revolve around.

Medium (plural: Media): The material or technique used to create a piece of artwork.

Traditional Medium: Standard artistic materials such as pencil, charcoal, watercolors, and acrylics.

Experimental Medium: Non-traditional or unconventional materials or techniques used in art, like using coffee stains or organic elements.

Binding: The process of joining together the pages of a book.

Book Board: A type of cardboard used for the cover of hardback books.

Waxed Thread: A type of thread that has been treated with wax, making it stronger and more resilient, often used in bookbinding.

Awl: A pointed tool for marking surfaces or piercing small holes.

Paper Recommendations for Bookbinding

Coptic Binding

Coptic Binding

Accordion Sketchbook

Student Examples:

Hannah Rowland 2023

Mia Peterson 2023