Book Art Video: Fly on a Ladder

Jacob's Ladder was originally a toy, but it also can be a book. In my first instructional book, Creating Handmade Books (much of which got folded into Making Handmade Books: 100+ Bindings, Structures & Forms [Amazon link]), I mentioned that I had seen a book by Paddy Thornbury that was a Jacob's Ladder, then spent much time trying to figure out how to make one. I included the instructions in both books. They are on page 142 in MHB; I have since followed them myself, and I am glad to say that the instructions work.

A book, a toy, and now a book art video. I present Fly on a Ladder, two stories of flying and ladders, one based on Jacob's dream from Genesis 28.12, the other my own.

Fly on a Ladder



More book art videos at my channel, never mind.

Some book art available at nevermindtheart.

Comments

Liz A said…
oh, this is wonderful ... and now I'm tempted to try making one, perhaps then I'll finally understand how the Jacob's ladder works
Unknown said…
Thank you so much for doing these videos to share your work in such a moving way. Your videos have been so inspiring and I am awestruck by your creativity and beautiful execution of your ideas.
Alisa said…
Liz A, If you are tempted, you might try a quick paper one first. Even easier is the "Woven Accordion" on pp. 135-137 in MHB; it is a long accordion with slits and paper cards woven through it. It doesn't fall so nicely, but it does work. (My book The Catch was made with that structure.)
Bea said…
I made most of the books in 100 binding with an online group. Fabulous experience. However, I remember having lots of trouble with Jacob…
Alisa said…
Thanks for writing everyone. Making stuff is both easy and hard. Yes, believe it or not, I wasn't good at following instructions at all and I used to get frustrated until I had to break things down to write them out. One step at a time.