Can We Show Off Our Crafts?

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Spideyman

Uber Member
Jul 10, 2006
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Just north of Duma Key
So I have never really detailed much how I make these slipcase, just usually put up pics of the end product. Decided to share a few work in progress shots and some details...

1. After cutting the pieces to proper dimensions, I glue black acid free and PH neutral paper on. (This for the inside of the slipcase)
2. Trim the paper off with a razor blade so that sides are clean and can be glued together
3. Glue each of the sides together to form the box
4. Let dry. Glue will be clear when fully dry.
5. Test to make sure the books slide in and out properly.

View attachment 18104 View attachment 18105 View attachment 18106 View attachment 18107 View attachment 18108 View attachment 18109 View attachment 18110 View attachment 18111

I will post the shots and details of the cover design in the days to come. Cheers!

Very detailed and labored work, with a magnificent end result. Excellent.
 

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Ms. Mod
Administrator
Jul 10, 2006
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Should have been paying more attention when I ordered the stocking kit as I'd done a search for cross stitch kits but got distracted with the "you may like this" suggestions. It arrived Saturday but is needlepoint not cross stitch. Decided to go with it instead of sending it back as I really like the design. Spent pretty much all weekend working on it but you'd never know that much time went into it looking at how much (or little) got done. It won't take me until next Christmas to finish but not looking good that it will get done for Christmas 2016 at the rate I'm going. Trying not to be too critical as I've done very little needlepoint work but it's got some obvious (to me) flaws. Not so discouraged that I wouldn't try another needlepoint project sometime, though. Maybe after I've finally tried cross stitch. :smile:
 

Dana Jean

Dirty Pirate Hooker, The Return
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Apr 11, 2006
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The High Seas
So I have never really detailed much how I make these slipcase, just usually put up pics of the end product. Decided to share a few work in progress shots and some details...

1. After cutting the pieces to proper dimensions, I glue black acid free and PH neutral paper on. (This for the inside of the slipcase)
2. Trim the paper off with a razor blade so that sides are clean and can be glued together
3. Glue each of the sides together to form the box
4. Let dry. Glue will be clear when fully dry.
5. Test to make sure the books slide in and out properly.

View attachment 18104 View attachment 18105 View attachment 18106 View attachment 18107 View attachment 18108 View attachment 18109 View attachment 18110 View attachment 18111

I will post the shots and details of the cover design in the days to come. Cheers!
These look every bit as professional as the ones mass produced. You really should be proud of your work. I kid you about them, but they are really beautiful.
 
Last edited:

Spideyman

Uber Member
Jul 10, 2006
46,336
195,472
79
Just north of Duma Key
Should have been paying more attention when I ordered the stocking kit as I'd done a search for cross stitch kits but got distracted with the "you may like this" suggestions. It arrived Saturday but is needlepoint not cross stitch. Decided to go with it instead of sending it back as I really like the design. Spent pretty much all weekend working on it but you'd never know that much time went into it looking at how much (or little) got done. It won't take me until next Christmas to finish but not looking good that it will get done for Christmas 2016 at the rate I'm going. Trying not to be too critical as I've done very little needlepoint work but it's got some obvious (to me) flaws. Not so discouraged that I wouldn't try another needlepoint project sometime, though. Maybe after I've finally tried cross stitch. :smile:
Cross stitch, especially when pre printed, will go so much faster and easier than needlepoint. Take you time as this will be a project of learning and love.
 

Spideyman

Uber Member
Jul 10, 2006
46,336
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Just north of Duma Key

AnnaMarie

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Feb 16, 2012
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Should have been paying more attention when I ordered the stocking kit as I'd done a search for cross stitch kits but got distracted with the "you may like this" suggestions. It arrived Saturday but is needlepoint not cross stitch. Decided to go with it instead of sending it back as I really like the design. Spent pretty much all weekend working on it but you'd never know that much time went into it looking at how much (or little) got done. It won't take me until next Christmas to finish but not looking good that it will get done for Christmas 2016 at the rate I'm going. Trying not to be too critical as I've done very little needlepoint work but it's got some obvious (to me) flaws. Not so discouraged that I wouldn't try another needlepoint project sometime, though. Maybe after I've finally tried cross stitch. :smile:

I've never actually done needlepoint. I keep meaning to try it, but I already have so much on the go.

As for flaws....unless it's really obvious I say let it go. The stocking I am currently working on has so many flaws in the pattern. I'm trying to correct as I go, which is not always easy. I'm pretty sure a few slipped through.
 

AnnaMarie

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Feb 16, 2012
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I failed to take pics of the first step, which is obviously cutting the pieces first.

Selling them is a difficult proposition because I don't have the equipment to do these on a massive scale. They are all made by hand one by one. So it would be hard to justify the time and cost vs what someone might be willing to pay. I definitely wouldn't be able to make them at the prices CD charges for their professional cases because I have no way to keep costs down.

I think I would consider a trade at this point though... For example, if someone wanted a case for a very collectible book in their collection (like a signed book or first edition the wanted to protect) and that CD probably won't make (not sure what cases they plan on doing in the future) and they have a second copy of a book that I would want for my personal collection in trade. That might be a worthwhile proposition. That is kind of the whole reason I started doing this to begin with. I wanted to protect my own first editions that there aren't cases available for.

I know what you mean. A few years ago someone asked me how much I would charge for a stocking. I said $85. She got a bit upset saying it's "just" a stocking. But I asked how much she thought I should charge. The materials cost me $35+ and each stocking is easily 100+ hours. I would no longer do it that cheap.
 

cat in a bag

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Aug 28, 2010
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So here is the next step in the process...Test designs.

I am leaning towards the cleaner and simpler look.

View attachment 18121 View attachment 18122 View attachment 18123 View attachment 18124 View attachment 18125 View attachment 18126 View attachment 18127

Thoughts? Like? Dislike?
Love them! What about adding a rose under the title on the front piece? Just centered under the title. I think that would be cool! I love the keyhole and Ka symbol on the spine. What colors are you going to make these?
 

Moderator

Ms. Mod
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Jul 10, 2006
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I've never actually done needlepoint. I keep meaning to try it, but I already have so much on the go.

As for flaws....unless it's really obvious I say let it go. The stocking I am currently working on has so many flaws in the pattern. I'm trying to correct as I go, which is not always easy. I'm pretty sure a few slipped through.
The flaws are mostly that a stitch is slightly higher than the one next to it but unless you're right on top of it, it's not blatantly obvious. I'm thinking it might even itself out when I block it. I'm thinking of using my steamer that I use for knitting/crocheting instead of soaking. Do you think that would work?
 

Dana Jean

Dirty Pirate Hooker, The Return
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Apr 11, 2006
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I know what you mean. A few years ago someone asked me how much I would charge for a stocking. I said $85. She got a bit upset saying it's "just" a stocking. But I asked how much she thought I should charge. The materials cost me $35+ and each stocking is easily 100+ hours. I would no longer do it that cheap.
People don't get it. Homemade things of value cost money. I always die inside when I see someone selling a homemade quilt in the area of 200 dollars. I KNOW the time and effort that went into that. I know how much the materials cost. I can tell quality of fabrics. Quilts are pieces of art and should be valued as such.

The fact that someone doesn't realize what goes into something -- well, they aren't quilt worthy, or in your case Anna Marie, stocking worthy.
 

AnnaMarie

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Feb 16, 2012
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The flaws are mostly that a stitch is slightly higher than the one next to it but unless you're right on top of it, it's not blatantly obvious. I'm thinking it might even itself out when I block it. I'm thinking of using my steamer that I use for knitting/crocheting instead of soaking. Do you think that would work?

I have similar errors occur with cross stitch. If it really jumps out I'll frog it. But otherwise, it's personality. :)

People don't get it. Homemade things of value cost money. I always die inside when I see someone selling a homemade quilt in the area of 200 dollars. I KNOW the time and effort that went into that. I know how much the materials cost. I can tell quality of fabrics. Quilts are pieces of art and should be valued as such.

The fact that someone doesn't realize what goes into something -- well, they aren't quilt worthy, or in your case Anna Marie, stocking worthy.

My reaction is dependent on a lot of things. I have responded that they can pick up "just a stocking" at the dollar store. I have responded by asking how much per hour they think my time is worth. I say it very friendly, not sounding offended at all. And I can see gears turning in their head, trying to figure a per hour charge that will result in a lower price without offending me. But my charge works out to less than a dollar an hour.
 

Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
61,289
239,271
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Should have been paying more attention when I ordered the stocking kit as I'd done a search for cross stitch kits but got distracted with the "you may like this" suggestions. It arrived Saturday but is needlepoint not cross stitch. Decided to go with it instead of sending it back as I really like the design. Spent pretty much all weekend working on it but you'd never know that much time went into it looking at how much (or little) got done. It won't take me until next Christmas to finish but not looking good that it will get done for Christmas 2016 at the rate I'm going. Trying not to be too critical as I've done very little needlepoint work but it's got some obvious (to me) flaws. Not so discouraged that I wouldn't try another needlepoint project sometime, though. Maybe after I've finally tried cross stitch. :smile:
Used to have this one "off duty clown" done in cross stitch by my former SIL - unfortunately Frank came back to get it (after leaving it with me for a while)

It was very good work - she had even framed it!
upload_2016-10-27_7-31-35.jpeg
 

Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
61,289
239,271
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
I can see why she would have framed it. She did a really nice job with what I can see of it.
That's just a pic I found on the internet - thanks, anyway! You really should try cross stitch - my Grandmother on my Dad's side was a really accomplished needleworker

(maybe I'll give it a go, too, once I am retired) :encouragement:
 

Moderator

Ms. Mod
Administrator
Jul 10, 2006
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Maine
That's just a pic I found on the internet - thanks, anyway! You really should try cross stitch - my Grandmother on my Dad's side was a really accomplished needleworker

(maybe I'll give it a go, too, once I am retired) :encouragement:
Ohhh...nice pic even if it is a clown. ;-D I've always liked Norman Rockwell's work--or at least it looks like his. I'm definitely going to try cross stitch. Maybe after I finish this stocking. And next time I'll pay more attention to what I'm ordering. :smile: