The Shape of Things - Exchange no. 6

 The first books in the collaborative exchange between Annwyn and I arrived towards the end of January last year, after we had sent each other a bunch of papers for the other to work with and include in the books we would each make.

Our goal was to create two of each book, send one across the waves, and retain one for own collection and learning.

The final books in our exchange were to be posted the first week in January 2024 - after all the Christmas mail had gone. To each of our surprises, the books arrived at each other's homes in almost record time - around about a week!

So today I was able to take Annwyn's book down to the studio to meet my book. I will post on the process of making my The Shape of Things VI soon.

As ever, Annwyn's packaging was beautiful and there is always a degree of discomfort for me as I actually break into them!

The two books together, closed. I love the the little pops of red in Annwyn's book.

and then pow! The red on the inside covers is delicious!

One of the spreads with a print made using some of the braille paper I had sent, on soft feathery paper I had sent. It is a lovely book make your way through - the pages feel beautiful as you turn them.

Detail of the braille paper print.

One of my absolute favourite things about this book is the use of a plate as the back cover. Annwyn's plates are exquisite, so beautifully made, and so precise it is marvellous to be able to hold one and handle one. I am thrilled to bits!

My little books involve a number of pre-loved and pre-used pages which have been brought into service in a new form, as well as some of Annwyn's soft blue papers.

More details of the centre page.

This exchange has been a delight in so many ways. It has helped me focus and re-engage with making, whilst challenging me in ways I did not anticipate. At times it freed up my thinking, at others it made me squirm as I worked within tight (self-imposed) restrictions.

I am honoured to now have six of Annwyn's books in my collection and they will also be there to act as inspiration and reminders of blogging friends across the waves...