Let's start with a couple of definitions:
A miniature book is a very small book, sized from .5 inches square to roughly 2 by 3 inches—no larger than 3 inches in height, width or thickness. These books became more popular in the last few decades of the 19th century because they were portable and easy to conceal. One could carry a vast number of books in a small case for when one travelled. (From Wikipedia)
Artists' books are works of art realized in the form of a book. They are often published in small editions, though sometimes they are produced as one-of-a-kind objects referred to as "uniques". As Stephen Bury said: "Artists' books are books or book-like objects over the final appearance of which an artist has had a high degree of control; where the book is intended as a work of art in itself." (From Wikipedia)
This blog focuses on miniature artists' books, which is a blend of the two concepts above. But we will also have some special space for traditional miniature books as well as for for non-miniature artist's books.
The main idea behind this blog is to inspire you. The intimacy of a miniature object, together with the art of telling stories and communicating ideas, makes of miniature artists' books an amazing medium to express ourselves creatively.
Please, join me in this exciting exploration through an art form that deserves more attention. I hope that you enjoy this place, but most importantly, that you feel inspired to create and share your own unique treasures with us.
Thank you so much for visiting and see you later!
Elsita :)
(Below you will see a group of my creations, some of them are available on my Etsy store)
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Blown away once again for your AMAZING talent!!! These are so crazy amazing I can't take it!!!!!
Posted by: Elizabeth Mackey | January 30, 2011 at 06:27 PM
These are just beautiful little treasures! I never would have imagined making something so small and intricately detailed. I love every single one!
Posted by: Rachael | January 30, 2011 at 06:36 PM
Oh, so wonderful. I will enjoy seeing your tiny creations. You continue to inspire us, Elsita!
Posted by: Ann K. | January 30, 2011 at 06:56 PM
Thanks a lot my friends!
I'm so happy to hear that you're liking the new blog.
This baby took me a long time to complete, I feel like I have finally given birth to it today.
Now, I can't wait to see it grow.
I am so excited!
Elsita :)
Posted by: Elsita | January 30, 2011 at 07:07 PM
Oh, these are all so wonderful! Do you plan to give tips on basic construction techniques?! Cause I know my daughter would love to try something like this.
Posted by: Wendy | January 30, 2011 at 07:22 PM
My absolute favorite!!!!! Me encantan todas las cosas miniatura!!!
Posted by: Lucia | January 30, 2011 at 08:10 PM
Wendy:
I would love to post tutorials at some point.
Tell your daughter that there are great books out there about how to make miniature books.
Most of them are found on Amazon.
But in the end there are no rules, it's all about coming out with ideas.
Anything could be turned into a miniature book.
Posted by: Elsita | January 30, 2011 at 08:24 PM
this is amazing!! i'm completely blown away! this reminds me of seeing the miniature books that the bronte sisters wrote as children {at the haworth parsonage where they grew up in england}...their books were not as elaborate, but just as fascinating due to their size.
Posted by: Tamara | January 30, 2011 at 10:00 PM
I. Want. To. Marry. Your. Brain. Not to mention your hands. Your eye. Your irrepressible spirit. Plural marriage. That's where it's at. ;-)
Posted by: Melissa Crowe | January 30, 2011 at 10:07 PM
incredible, amazing, beautiful, fascinating, inspiring, magical... I could go on all day and night... you NEVER cease to amaze me with all your brilliant undertakings... Thank you for sharing your creative adventures with us all. xoxo
Posted by: Christina Conway | January 31, 2011 at 01:13 AM
It's so beautiful!!
I always loved minuatures books and yours are wonderful :)
Thanks for sharing <3
Posted by: Emilie | January 31, 2011 at 02:31 AM
Qué preciosidades Elsita!
Me ha encantado este nuevo blog.
Felicidades!
Un beso
Posted by: lorena | January 31, 2011 at 02:50 AM
so happy the little miniature artist cat book is out of the bag so to speak!!!!!!
This is going to to be, no it already is the most magical of places. I think i might just need to back up my tiny little suitcase and come to live in that library with the elephants. Do you think they would mind if I brought a few bibliophile snails with me. I would love a small print of that elephants reading tiny books picture if you are ever thinking of making some for your etsy shop. xxoo
margie
Posted by: margie oomen | January 31, 2011 at 04:11 AM
This miniature books is truly amazing elsita. Nice work of art. The book is simply amazing. Thank you for posting this idea and keep up the good work.
Posted by: help me lose weight | January 31, 2011 at 05:07 AM
I love your new blog and the tiny books. I was hoping this was the surprise new blog subject. Tiny books! They are all beautiful.
Posted by: foo | January 31, 2011 at 06:59 AM
Beautiful, beautiful work! I am amazed and inspired!
Posted by: catherine | January 31, 2011 at 07:40 AM
Your books are magical and each one a journey into a new creation bringing back memories and experiences. Thank you for sharing your wonderful artistic talent. May you have many more creative years. Best wishes and positive thoughts. Winkie ;-)
Posted by: Winkie | January 31, 2011 at 08:53 AM
This was wonderful to wake up to! Thank you so much, they're amazing! <3
Posted by: Claudia Liliana / rasamalai | January 31, 2011 at 09:13 AM
Elsa, you are such an inspiration. You're my bookarts hero! Beautiful work, and your craftswomanship is impeccable. Thank you so much for continuing to share your wonderful work.
Posted by: Jamie | January 31, 2011 at 10:09 AM
OHMIGOSH! How wonderful. Little Bitty things and Books too? All combined together? This must be nirvana. ;o)
Mari
Posted by: Mari | January 31, 2011 at 11:29 AM
I am so inspired by your lovely work. I received your papercut kit in the mail last week and after completing two of them I find that I'm having elaborate papercut dreams. Now I look forward to playing with the idea of little books and having wonderful little book dreams too!
Posted by: Kate | January 31, 2011 at 02:54 PM
I am going to make a tiny book!!!
Posted by: Maiz | January 31, 2011 at 08:49 PM
Ah!! I sort of guessed correctly what your new blog would be! I absolutely love it. Your miniature books are beautiful works of art that are destined to be treasured. This is really inspirational. I wonder how you find the time, Elsita! Thanks for sharing this new adventure.
Posted by: Mary | January 31, 2011 at 10:03 PM
Preciosos, me han gustado todos mucho, son pequeños tesoros.
Posted by: Ana Gonzalez | February 01, 2011 at 06:58 AM
Elsa, you are absolutely amazing. I'm really excited about this new blog, and inspired to make a small art book! Valeria
Posted by: valeria | February 01, 2011 at 01:27 PM
I'm breathless!
Posted by: Carrie | February 01, 2011 at 04:14 PM
I just saw you featured on Miss Moss, and I'm SO happy I've found your blog! I am completely in awe. Your talent seems endless. You've definitely inspired me- consider me a devoted follower!
Posted by: Molly Cooper | February 02, 2011 at 09:27 AM
What a completely enchanting blog. The books are amazing creations and so perfectly displayed with the little elphants
in their library. Did you make them too....and the furnishings?
Posted by: Avril | February 02, 2011 at 11:45 AM
Lovely. My favorite is "La Cuidad."
Posted by: Snippety Gibbet | February 03, 2011 at 04:44 PM
These are amazing! Thanks so much for sharing your talent with the world. I've posted them on my blog with all the links back to you!
http://www.daydreamincolor.com/?p=126
Posted by: Daydreamincolor | February 04, 2011 at 07:14 AM
They're beautiful. I love your work.
Posted by: Felipe | February 07, 2011 at 11:45 AM
Beautiful. A treat for me this morning. Thank you.
Posted by: Laura | February 07, 2011 at 02:42 PM
Lovely! Did you also make the tiny elephants? They are so sweet.
Posted by: Lori | February 15, 2011 at 12:15 PM
Just opened your email update to find your newest miniature book waiting for me. I am speechless at it's beauty, delicacy and so, so inspired!!!! Thank you so much!
Posted by: Courtney | February 18, 2011 at 11:00 AM
I don't think so- as far as I know Tom's family has had them for years and they lyawas switch the set up every year. This year I was honored to assemble it. =)I really love these.
Posted by: Sandra | April 16, 2012 at 04:48 AM
May08Bibek Sharma Shristi Shrestha is a British Passport holder who won Miss Nepal 2012. She shulod have been denied to take part in the competition. Sadly, she won the match. Those who left the country for their own sake and adopted foreign passport are not the nation lovers. How could they be crowned?
Posted by: Cihat | May 29, 2012 at 02:23 PM