Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Tape Measure Journals

I managed to catch a few last rays of sunshine tonight and snap pictures of these journals. I really like using old measuring tape in my art, an addiction that began after Leighanna sent me about 12" of dirty old tape in a parcel of treasured rust. I eked that piece of tape out until I had my own collection (the bottom picture shows just some of my tape).
I made all of the covers (the backs are just plain tape) for these journals back when Dawn visited in early July. Then bored with using rings to bind and not wanting to use one of the more time consuming binding methods for my humble note pads and journals I ordered a Zutter (the thingy you use to punch these fab' rectangular holes and bind with wire).
Then finally this week it was time to play. The top journal features a beautiful rusty drawer plate (thanks Dawn), the second was an experiment using copper tape and patina. The book above has a photo of Ernest Hubbard in 1868, I don't know him, but I did not like finding him at the tip shop - where he had been rescued from a recycling bin. The copper clover leaf folded over the clock bezel is not as bright in 'real life'. This bottom journal seems very 'neat' compared to others, I used all the same tape and an Making Memories frame on this one. The frame was a shiny pewter colour and the metal number two was a gold colour - so I am very grateful for the action of sandpaper and patina! It is also the only journal not to include one of myfavourite embellishments - screw brads. I rust them thirty or forty at a time and still never seem to have enough :)
I have some of this tape for sale in my Etsy, it funds the habit! I can't use the 20 or 30 meters in a roll and like to have a variety.

Back to the mundane, dishes and marking. Enjoy your week!

8 comments:

Janet said...

You've done it again!! I love these. Who would have thought the lowly tape measure could be so lovely? You did!!

PS - how do you like the Zutter? I've been considering one of them.

Melissa said...

You are too funny - I always find myself with huge collections of things like that too.

Susie Campbell (Sue Smith) said...

Fabulous journals, Julie! That's quite a collection of tape measures. I'm feeling the need to collect a few of my own, LOL!

Eve said...

I will now have to keep a lookout for tape measures. Those look fabulous!

If you don't mind my asking, what happened to your second blog?

Ro Bruhn said...

Your journals look fabulous Julie. I love the way you've used the rulers, very creative.

Unknown said...

BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!

Cat said...

Terrific journals! I like the old tape measures a lot.

Gaby Bee said...

Your journal collection is fabulous. I love the way you have used the measuring tape. It looks really old. Very clever!