Flynn & Bixente's first year
​Compiled by Carla Ciminera

These are the portrait books of the first year of our first two grandchildren, one from each daughter, prepared as a surprise birthday present for my darling husband.  A real labour of love.
In this age of cloud storage, few photos are actually printed, or looked at more than once.  Leafing through these two books brings back so many joyous memories - they grow so quickly and you forget so much.  It is a real tonic.
​With many thanks to my teacher, mentor and friend Jacqueline Liekens, who leant more than a helping hand.

The box in its slipcase

The mosaic overlay number in detail

Another view of the slipcase

Another view of the slipcase

Now the clamshell box is appearing

Showing that the box is two-toned

The box and the slipcase side by side, showing the hand dyed interior lining

Another view of the box and slipcase

A first peek inside

And this is what is inside the box: two individual books

Flynn's book in close-up

Bixente's book in close-up

The slots are made to fit the books exactly, and lined with soft suede to protect them from wear

The books with the box closed

The inside leaves of the books, showing the hand-painted leather reflecting the interests of each child - cars in one case and teddies and cleaning in the other

View of the headband and the edge to edge leather technique where the outside cover and the inside leaf meet - very tricky!

Headband of the other book with the same edge to edge technique

A view of the inside

One book is thicker as I had more photos. So in the box there is a little lift to make them sit flush with each other

And here they are together

Some more vies of the inside photos

And some more internal shots

Inside shots

The title pages

A great view of the three elements. I love the lettering on the covers which look like children's blocks tumbling down

The books snuggling in their box

A last view of the insides

Photos by Nikolaus Van Der Pas

Gilding by Patrick Prouteau

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