commissioned projects – Elizabeth Grab

Artist’s Portfolio: Half Calf Case Binding

Completed portfolio after almost a year of use

In 2018, Max Shafer of Glenn’s Tattoo Service Inc. in Carrboro, NC asked me to work with him on a custom portfolio. After meeting several times to discuss what functionality and aesthetics he wished for in his book, we settled upon a half calf case binding.

Colin’s Baby Book

After commissioning three books for her baby shower (see posts Baby Shower Book, vol. 1 and vol. 2-3), Michele commissioned another to commemorate the first year of her son Colin’s life. Now that she had a better understanding of the variety of choices available to her, Michele wanted to work more closely on the design for this book. We settled on a Coptic stitch binding, which allowed for her to select alternating blue and orange signatures that would be visible along the spine, adding a touch of whimsy. We reinforced the playfulness of the aesthetic by selecting patterned paper designed with a little boy in mind. I tied this book in with her baby shower cards I also bound with a Coptic stitch by using the same color thread (see Baby Shower Book, vol. 2-3).

Michele’s Baby Shower Books, vol. II & III

Michele—the same patron who requested a photo book as part of the planning for her baby shower—also commissioned a pamphlet to store her shower memorabilia. I made up a pamphlet binding out of whimsical and appropriately themed paper, then secured the items with photo corners.

Michele’s Baby Shower Book, vol. I

In the Winter of 2015, I teamed up with the women of my family to plan the baby shower to end all baby showers for a young woman named Michele. The matriarchs handed creative planning over to me while they handled logistics. The guest book was part of that checklist of decorative items that I needed to create.