FMP - Banner Process

Apologies for the lack of updates during the week, it has been a very long, tiring week. However, it has also been a reasonably productive one. This will be the first of two updates.

One of the more tedious tasks last week was to bind & trim the wall segments/banners. This involved arranging a roll of buckram between two sheets of crepe paper, and carefully putting it through the heat press. I chose the heat press over the iron for two reasons: 1. It was quicker & easier; 2. The heat press provided a far better finish.

The fusing took about 6 hours over 3 days, and the trimming of the crepe paper took about 3 hours over 2 days. Tedious, tiring & monotonous, but completed. The final task regarding the banners now is to mark them up and cut the slits needed to thread the bamboo through.

Fortunately, by the end of the week all my book covers had been etched, engraved & cut. Fortunately, as the laser cutter is suffering right now - it is being worked hard, not just by myself either. Whilst only 6 are pictured, all 8 have since been sealed & kept under a flat weight to ensure that they do not warp.

Also, I started sorting out the bamboo & anchors, figuring which need additional finishing to ensure a secure fit. I still need to sand some of the anchors, and I’m planning on using a thick clay slurry to help secure the bamboo, where there are still gaps.