Busytown

I thought I would share the little book I've been working on for Max's birthday as it's been a big part of my creative daily practice for quite some time now. (If you are reading this in an email and the photos are distorted as they often are, I suggest you link to the actual blog.)

Max is the son of my goddaughter Emily...and they live in Madison, WI. He's almost 2....so not a blog reader....so it will still be a surprise. 

It's really more of a craft project than an art project...and I had a lot of fun cutting and pasting it together.

I've been fussy cutting images from this thrifted Richard Scarry book and repurposing it into a little handmade book for Max.

Margie had a greeting card organizer box with small file folders....she was a loyal card sender. 

I repurposed one of the small folders for the cover of my book...it was just the right size and weight. I love using what I have...and in this case especially loved using what Margie had! 

I collaged the outside with words from the book and fused a strip of cloth on the spine. 

I used white card stock for the pages and created a textured blue and green background using my gelli plate. I did a one signature 5 hole simple stitched binding technique.

I spent quite a bit of time fussy cutting images from the book and inserting Max into the vehicles and scenes. 

I either cut out a window and put a photo behind...or sliced an opening in the scene and slid in Max. I had a blast...often giggling as I went along.

It was hard to actually start glueing...and especially hard to figure out the cover. But once I started...there was no stopping me.

I tried to mimic the larger lettering in the book...using a red paint pen and outlining the letters using a fine tip black.

I love the little parade heading to Busytown...led by the little mouse in the wheelchair followed by the tiny gardner car and Max in the taxi.

I glued things down with a glue stick and sealed everything up with gel medium.

On the first page I pointed out a few things to look for that would be on every page: the sun, airplanes, Max, Huckle, Mortimer, Lowly worm and a little love. There are lots of other things to see on the pages...and whoever is reading it with him can point out things to find. As I was cutting I really appreciated the whimsical art of Richard Scarry. I just love all his little characters and tiny details.

This little part on the inside cover made me smile. I so wanted to use this little table...but couldn't figure out where....and this was the perfect spot. 

I used almost everything in the photo....even the iron for the fusible fabric binding. And the lighthouse is a nod to the fact that it was made in Maine.

Not everything makes sense together......I just used the images that I liked the best and tried to create a somewhat cohesive scene.

Notice that Max is ACTUALLY in a pumpkin and I chuckled when I slid him into the corn stalk. Like I said...I giggled my way through this.

Max peeking out from behind of the phone booth tickled me.

Do you see the bear in the lookout tower....

looking at Max the bear in the hills! That tickled me too!

The whole family is in the bus...including Aunt MaryAnn! I do feel part of this family!

Thanks for coming along with Max to Busytown and making it to the end of this post.