Barn Raising
I’ve been busy in the studio creating a new book. It features the history and reconstruction of the Long-Graham barn owned by the Northcoast Regional Land Trust in Freshwater, California. I didn’t have a fixed idea of what the book would look like when I started but it has evolved into a vessel containing memorabilia about the history of the barn. It’s a kind of miniature barn. I will be sewing it together with sticks on the spine and the sections contain pockets, foldouts, etc. I love making this kind of book: history, local materials, creative challenges, and s a snapshot in time. For now, here is a sneak preview! I still have time to add more memorabilia. The historical research has been fascinating. I found the 1880 Census records of the Long Family and listed below them were about 15 Chinese immigrants who were there to work on the railroad – I’m assuming the Freshwater Railroad. All Chinese were forced out of Humboldt County in 1885 and my Dutch ancestors arrived in 1890 to jeers and taunts on the Eureka dock; they were in native dress with clogs. The was not a proud moment in our local history.
After sewing it together, I still have time to add memorabilia. Research never ends.
Title Page
Photos
Map of Freshwater
Matchbook Book in a Pocket
Straw Paper, Articles from Local Newspapers, Blackberry prints
Redwood Boards from the Original Barn (1910)
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It looks great Michele…kind of in the style of our book from Margo’s class. What binding will you be using?
Well, that is the big question. The boards are thick and originally I intended to use another Margo Klass structure – the Woodland Journal with the sticks. It requires the Coptic Stitch as you know and so I’ve increased the number of sections and diminished the number of folios per section hoping that I can create a hybrid of the two books. So I’m still mulling it over. I thought about sewing to a leather spine and attaching to the wood with stitching. More and more my books are created as I go but it also creates a bit of tension!
Oh boy Michele! This is gorgeous! Love this pocket book with all the memorabilia.
Thanks Donna. I’m trying to create a hybrid of two of Margo Klass’ books. I don’t know….