The molten-metal texture on the cover of this book is created with a very simple process using glue and acrylic paint. It provides a rich presentation for the personal treasures that will be written inside. The black pages are a dramatic background for words rendered in metallic marker, gel pen, opaque colored pencils or opaque ink.

Grade Levels

5–12

Preparation

Cut Black Construction Paper down to 11.5" × 3.5" pieces. Recommend 4 or 5 per book.

Procedure

1. Measure 1/2" from left side of both canvas panels and mark with a pencil line. Keep this area smooth for spine.

    

2. Dribble Elmer’s glue on the right side of the line in random shapes and lines. Use toothpick to create swirls and textures, similar to marbleizing. Allow to dry overnight.

    

3. Paint front and sides of panels, allow to dry approximately 30 minutes. Turn over and paint back right up to the label area. Allow to dry.

    

4. Wrap Black Masking Tape around smooth edge to make spine on both canvas panels. Fold over edges, trim away excess. (See illustration 1).

    

5. Fold Black Construction Paper in half (5.75" × 3.5" pages). Take care to align corners and use thumbnail to make a hard crease.

    

6. Take one black page and apply glue to the front, leaving an area about 1/2" before the fold without glue. (See illustration 2). Glue to the back (label side) of the canvas panel covers, centering over the label area. Allow to dry.

    

7. Insert remaining black pages into the black page attached to the canvas panels and use black cord to secure pages at fold. Use another piece of black masking tape to secure pages in front and back.
8. Tie knots in the ends of the jewelry cord and embellish with beads.

National Standards

Content Standard #1 — Understanding and applying media, techniques and processes.

5-8

• Students intentionally take advantage of the qualities and characteristics of art media, techniques, and processes to enhance communication of their experiences and ideas

9-12

• Students apply media, techniques and processes with sufficient skill, confidence and sensitivity that their intentions are carried out in their artworks.

Content Standard #6 — Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines

5-8

• Students compare the characteristics of works in two or more art forms that share similar subject matter, historical periods or cultural context.

9-12

• Students compare the materials, technologies, media and processes of the visual arts with those of other arts disciplines as they are used in creation and types of analysis.

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