This was a birthday gift for a huge fan of the radio show/book/movie Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. There is one quote per each of the eight pages, arranged so that when the book is closed the words form a ‘word cloud’. The pages are laser-cut and etched acrylic plastic and are sewn with waxed linen thread using the same method as in my previously posted book. I wanted to create a gradient of sorts using paint in the etched letters, fading from white to black. It mostly worked the way I wanted it to.
Let me just say, photographing this thing was a nightmare. First, smudges! Ack! And then the waxed thread left marks all over the surfaces. Plus having to dodge the reflection made taking pictures super fun. Not. Anyway, I really like the possibilities of laser-etched acrylic…but if I ever do clear again, I will be using non-waxed thread for sure, and waiting to peel the backing off until the very last minute! (Scratches seemed to come out of nowhere.)
becca making faces 
WOW! What a great idea! Absolutely love it!!!!
And you did a wonderful job, photographing it, Becca!
What a lovely idea, and one executed with some talent it seems. Brilliant! (Actually, I wish I had a copy . .)
oooh this one is great!!! My boyfriend would love one of these with Star war quotes. Or Dr. Who.
I would love one of those, Hitchhikers guide, Red Dwarf, Star Wars, Dr. Who or just inspirational quotes… This is a great gift idea!
Besides it looking awesome, it is made with a laser cutting machine. I want one of those as well, the possibilities with it…
*dreams*
How does one go about getting laser-etched acrylic sheets made? Your book is gorgeous and I would love to try my hand at something like this.
Thanks, Ernie!
Do a web search for ‘fab lab (fabrication lab)’ or ‘maker space’ to see if there is one near you. Both of those types of places usually have a laser cutter of some kind. Or you could see if there is someone locally who has a laser cutter and will do custom jobs (generally charging by the hour). Hope you find something!
I really like how you’ve bound this book, is there a certain technique you used that I could research, or could you tell me how you did it please?
Thanks, Emma! I used a technique from Keith A Smith’s book Sewing Single Sheets.
First off this is a work of art! Job well done. I need a book like this with different quotes but I need this. Becca how heavy is the book? How much would you say it weighs? Do you/can you make and sell these books? Again, great job!
Thanks, Nicole!
Unfortunately, this book was a gift, and I didn’t weigh it first. Given that it is 8 sheets of 4″x6″ acrylic plastic, the book is not super-light.
I don’t sell my projects, as that is just too much work that keeps me from creating other artwork. :) If you can locate a laser cutter for hire in your area (google “FabLab” or “MakerSpace”) you could certainly make your own!
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that is simply the coolest fucking book ever! Your friend is the luckiest girl/guy!!
may i ask how thick is it? For one piece acrylic
Thx
Hey Zoe, I believe it was 1/4″ acrylic, the most average size. But you could do it with thinner as well, just be careful when you drill the holes.
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