By Natassja King
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You may write or draw anything you like.
• Japanese concept
derived from Buddhist teachings
• Acceptance of
imperfection
Wabi-sabi represents a commitment to imperfection as a stage of learning. Right now, make a commitment never to tear out a single page from your sketchbook.
• Recognition of
asymmetry, irregularity, and modesty as attributes of beauty and authenticity
• Imperfection has a
purpose: learning
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o 1 folder o 15 sheets of paper o 2 lengths of cotton
string, about as long as your arm o 1 button o 1 needle o 1 pair of scissors o 1 pencil
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Centre your papers and your folder, matching the centre line on the printed guide with the crease on the folder.
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Poke a hole through in each place where the lines cross. DO THIS OVER A CORK BOARD.
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Your papers should have a total of 6 holes.
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Poke the same holes back through the other side.
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You will need two lengths of cotton cord about as long as your arm.
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Apply some glue on the end of the string to make the needle easier to thread.
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Start at the second hole from the top, from the inside to the outside‌
‌ then come back in from the outside through the top hole
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Thread your needle back through the first hole, in the opposite direction. This will help your book’s binding to stay tight enough. Note how much thread is left loose! This will be used to tie up your signature later.
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Borrow a friend and tie up your loose ends.
Trim away the extra.
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Cap your needle to keep it from rolling away!
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Let’s make it even better!
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This is where you can save inspiring ephemera to write about later. Begin by folding around your pages, to be sure your covers remain longer than the width of your pages. e·phem·er·a əˈfem(ə)rə/ noun • things that exist or are used or enjoyed for only a short time. • items of collectible memorabilia, typically written or printed ones https://www.google.ca/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=ephemera
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1) Apply the dots firmly,
near the edge of the cover 2) Press them down using your fingernail 3) Move your papers out of the way 4) Remove plastic 5) Fold and press down again to seal
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This extra flap will protect your pages
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This will help keep your book closed when it is not in use.
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This will reinforce your paper for the next step.
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*Into the cork, not into your finger!
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Pierce your cover and pass the thread through one button hole, then back through a different button hole.
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Find where the button hole lines up on your cover and pierce the needle back through to the inside.
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Repeat the process, making an X across your button and then tie up the loose ends on the inside of your cover. DO NOT TRIM!
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This is the path your stiches will follow.
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Poke your needle in and out without doubling back anywhere or getting tangled up. This type of sewing is called a basting stitch.
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Your last stitch will come out at the spine of the book.
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Now you can wrap the loose end of your string around the button to fasten your book closed!
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Now that you know how to make your own books, you will want to use your needle again!
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In your beautiful new book, write the word “Mistake” and consider the connotations of the word.
con·no·ta·tion ˌkänəˈtāSH(ə)n/ noun an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning. "the word “discipline” has unhappy connotations of punishment and repression” https://www.google.ca/webhp?sourceid=chromeinstant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=definition%20connotation
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How else could you think of mistakes now that you know about Wabi-Sabi? Erase the word “Mistake.� What words could you write in its place?
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Tonight, ignite your appreciation of Wabi-Sabi with a single item from the garage, the back of a closet, or another place you usually think of very little: a chipped vase, a faded piece of cloth, or an old toy. Look deeply for the minute details that give it character; explore it with your hands. How has it been used? How is the wear evident on the object? You don’t have to understand why you’re drawn to it; just accept it as it is. Sketch it, or write about it.
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§ Flowers in tin can:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/~/media/Images/MEN/ Editorial/Articles/Magazine%20Articles/2011/02-01/WabiSabi%20Finding%20the%20Beauty%20and%20Peace%20in %20Ordinary%20Things/wabi%20sabi%20lead.jpg
§ Hardcover Wabi-Sabi book:
https://lissaliane.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/ wabisabi_1.jpg
§ Flower buttons:
http://sassafras.typepad.com/sassafras/2010/07/introducingthe-new-sassafras-embellishments.html
§ Glue dots:
http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/543415/PermanentGlue-Dots-Blue-Pack-Of/
§ Finishing Touches image:
http://www.faena.com/aleph/es/articles/wabi-sabi-entendereste-termino-podria-cambiar-tu-forma-de-relacionarte-conel-mundo/
§ All other photographs taken by Natassja King.