I would like to introduce you to my new artists’ book entitled Shadow Me, a sequel to Beside Me, an observation on teams published in 2005.

Shadow Me is a narrative on broken teams and how to find one's own spirit or space. Topaz was my muse, my companion, my constant shadow. Pleasing people and learning were her passion. For 14 years and 10 months, Topaz was vibrant and full of unconditional love.

Twelve years have passed since the publication of Beside Me and the teams are now all disconnected. The textures and composition of each page of Shadow Me direct the eye to the missing link. The book exemplifies solitary lonely moments.

After coming up with the content and text for the book, the question was—how to bring it all together. What would be the best binding method?

In 2015, when I traveled across the country to go back home to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. I visited Karen Hanmer’s studio in Glenview, IL. Karen was generous with her time and ability with the Drumleaf binding method. She even created a sample binding for me.

© 2017 Louise Levergneux, sample Drumleaf binding by Karen Hanmer

After thinking and examining the Drumleaf structure, I felt this binding method would compliment the paperback style of Beside Me. The Drumleaf binding is an external change in this sequel.

With my knowledge of Karen's simple instructions, I searched online for tutorials to help me remember the details. It’s been two years after all!

Here are some links I found helpful in finishing the Drumleaf structure:

http://karenhanmer.com/reviews/documents/2013_GBW_DRUM_Sewn_Hanmer.pdf

https://makinghandmadebooks.blogspot.com/2012/07/instructions-drum-leaf-binding.html

http://www.melissajaycraig.com/timothy-ely.pdf

https://jandove.wordpress.com/2014/06/16/drum-leaf-binding/

I love using Lasal Photo Matte paper from Moab Papers it does not break when correctly folded. I chose to print on 13 in. x 12 in. for the pages and on 11 in. x 17 in. for the cover. I purchased a paper size that would not affect grain direction. The book measures 8.5 in. x 5.5 in. x .25 in. closed and will be an edition of eight.