Author: sandrews

variations on gussets for a satchel design

| sandrews

First there is the CONCAVE gusset variation. The flesh side surfaces of the leather are stitched together to create the inward curve of the gusset.

The concave gusset creates a nice tucked-in look. Less interior room then the following convex gusset designs but is better suited for laptops or tablets that would benefit from the snug fit.

With a concave gusset, I can put in an extended gusset that stiches up along the flap which creates a extra secure closure. The extended gusset may make the bag a bit of a fuss to quickly get items in and out.

So that leads me to try the “reverse option”….. CONVEX gusset with extended flap.

hmmm, yeah. This is like orthopedic shoes to me.

It’s very functional and comfortable to use but frumpy.

I’m really trying to keep that “secure closure” action going but this “messenger bag” flap?…not feeling it.

Maybe something else….maybe not.

Next up is the CONVEX gusset without the extension to the flap.

I removed the gusset extension and the flap fully flop-able….

(not sure how I feel about that either...)

Both single gussets are made in three segments.

Here you can see it on the pocket gusset.

A close up of gusset tabs which can be cinched together with elastic….(which is not happening in picture)

There is one other flap variation to show.

This example is a work in progress. It is a small pouch that is also an example of a

single-cover (in two parts) and a double gusset bag.

A convex gusset with a concave flap extension.

In order to successfully do this, I need to make the flap wider.

The wider flap allows the gusset extension to be concave while also allowing access to the full width of the bag interior.

and there’s that.

an alternative bookbinding concept

| sandrews

A proper sewn-bound book is a beautiful piece of work when crafted properly.

This is not one of those finely crafted works.

It is a “quicky” sewn bound journal that, lays flat, not too costly,

and a fraction of the effort and tools that a classic sewn bound book involves.

No sewing frame involved (as in coptic binding but this is even more efficient…at least for me).

The first “short- cut” is using a staple-bound “booklet” notebook such as the ones Rhodia or Fabriano makes.

The second “short- cut” is stitching in portions.

Samples of Rhodia and Fabriano booklets.

I then take it apart….

After I remove the staples, I separate the full sheets into “signatures” (sets of page groups in a book).

4 folded papers per signature = 8 sheets per signature / 16 pages.

I will give them a pressing before assembling.

I have skipped the process of punching holes in the paper since I will use the staple holes.

Booklets are assembled with three staples.

I will be stitching 3 separate areas instead of continuous stitching

back and fourth throughout the whole book.

My thread has a needle on each end.

The signatures lined up with two heavier weight papers as covers.

I will secure one end with a binding clip.

Working from the middle portion first then the ends.

I stitched this portion…then decided maybe I should document this situation….so the stitching instruction starts with an end portion.

enter through the cover

…and out.

(pay no attention to that extra hole under the needle.

I am using a cover from another booklet…Fabriano ecoqua.)

The thread is now looped behind the cover.

Both needles go directly into the next signature, cross on the inside and come back out

to repeat process in the following signatures.

The image above shows the stitched book without glue and will hold together fine enough but I am going to spread a very thin layer of tacky glue on the spine

and secure it with binding clips till set.

Lays flat….and done.

Paper Flowers and disappointing endcaps

| sandrews

An Easter display….not overwhelming….not mind blowing…but it gets the job done.

Simple concept of cutting petals from sheets of colored paper and assembling together with hot glue.

Considered doing a pictorial…but was too much in a rush…hmmm, I will put that idea on my list for later.

I attached the flower ensemble on a long plastic sign holder that hooks up over the fridge…easy on and off.

whatever….no plan…..just quick with no direction…..

really….what is going on here…..

eh.

I call this one…”I thought about trying but then I didn’t….but then I almost did again and then…nahhhh”.

I reused part of this..(the part that is spelled wrong)…in added kick….the blah blah…

I like that I didn’t know it was spelled wrong till I put it up and someone pointed out.

So I just got a ladder and wrote a tiny “e” above the “M” and “A”.

St. Patricks Day Quick Display

| sandrews
2022
2023

I started this quick way of doing a simple, bold and eye-catching

St. Patty’s display last year and repeated it this year.

In 2022, I used green poster board, splattered on some paint

and cut into large hearts.

I assembled them with hot glue.

The shamrocks are attached to a long piece of cardboard to create a single unit.

I added some obnoxious green bling-bling ribbon in the mix

and stuck it up with gummy mounting tape .

For 2023, I used 12″ x 12″ green cardstock to make the shamrocks.

This year was extra rushed,

I threw this mess together then had to tape and tuck some of the shamrocks

after mounting the unit to the metal awning.

I like this idea cause it’s fast, lightweight and easy to put up and take down.

That is the beauty of making this paper cut-out business….It can be jammed and shoved.

I can’t imagine getting excited about cabbage and corned beef…..but people buy up this shyt.

who the what is OUCH?…

| sandrews
Ouch

…this is ouch,…….at least from what I can remember from glimpses of it.

It’s not like its gonna sit for a portrait.

I feel maybe it’s a sprite, spirit,…troll type elf being…maybe, I don’t know.

I see it. No one else has

but they hear it and sense it.

People just think I’m having another episode,

cause I freak out a lot I’m kind’a jumpy.

I don’t remember the first time seeing it.

I think I just sensed a disruption in my well being.

Over the years the visual “Ouch” became more apparent…

or maybe I’m just seeing shyt.

are there more?

I mentioned it being, maybe, a troll but it’s not evil or mean…..just kinda pissed.

I mean…look at it….tsk.

Not developed to its full potential.

My guess is Mother Nature was working on a prototype or got side tracked when working on this one.

Wings not fully developed but at least MN gave it prehensile feet so it can make stuff.

I call it “Ouch” cause it’s clumsy and trips over shyt… a lot.

I see it still try to fly and……… that never goes well.

Just it’s little chicken wings flappen, little white fur floating in the air as

Ouch is falling to the ground yelling out with it’s little voice.

Kind’a sounds like a screaming rabbit.

It could be a spirit guide of mine or maybe I’m a spirit guide of it’s,

either way we’re screwed…

but maybe there’s hope…

I tell myself…

He follows me to work at a grocery store.

I do grocery store type stuff but mostly make signs and much of the sign making is in the basement.

Ouch likes to make signs too….of nonsense and goofisms.

Sometimes Ouch will write some stupid shyt on one of my signs

and I won’t notice till I put up the sign.

Sometimes I just leave it but most times I need to fix it cause

a’someone will choose to be offended by it instead of accepting it as a joke.

It’s a shame cause Ouch’s stupid stuff is pretty funny.

One of my co-artists will hear a crumpling or crunching and look up at me.

“Did you hear something….I think I heard a ghost?”

I will look over and see Ouch tripping over some shyt.

I just reply “hmm, maybe it’s just something falling upstairs”.

Ouch in younger days.