Four years ago....

Four years ago this month, I started working on my children's book, and it is now less than a week away from going to the printers!  Just some last minute changes to the book design and it is off next Tuesday.  It looks so beautiful, I can't wait!

I wanted to get the book to the photographer and printers as soon as possible, so I put aside the finishing details to the mosaics while I worked on the book design with Barb.  Now that I'm done with that, I've gone back to finishing the edges with thinset and painting the backs.  Here I am putting thinset on the last mosaic.  Boy, did that feel good to finish!!

Now I'm working on painting the backs, signing them and sealing them.  Should be finished with all that this weekend.  The printing could take 6-8 weeks, maybe more, but once I get a date from them, I'll let you know!

Still working on book design

Here's a detail of the page next to the copyright page at the front of the book.  Should be only a couple more weeks until the book goes to print!  Barb is doing an awesome job putting it all together.  I'm very lucky to have her on my side!!

Book design in progress

 

I've spent the last week or so researching and getting ideas for the layout and design of the book.  I've also been writing (and re-writing!) the wording for my bio, the copyright page, and the dedication page.  I've been scouring the web for the perfect font for the cover.  Here is one I like a lot:

I've been sending everything to Barb and she's been creating the layout and design.  She sends me back what she's done and it's been really exciting seeing it all come together!

 

Professional photos done for book!

I'm getting more and more excited about the book being done, now that the mosaics have been photographed!  What a beautiful job my photographer, Mehosh Dziadzio, did!  And he was a joy to work with, for any locals looking for a photographer.  :)  Here is a detail of one of them.

15th and final book mosaic is grouted!

Here's part of it.  It is the only time I make an appearance in the book.  Raymi, of course, is the star.  :)

I'm now in graphic art mode - thinking about the cover, the end pages, the fonts, etc.  I won't be doing this part, Barb Keith will, but I'm starting to get an idea of how I'd like it to look.  The mosaics will be photographed tomorrow and as soon as they're ready, I'll send them to Barb.  I'm hoping the book goes to print in about a month!

14th mosaic of children's book grouted

I'm really happy with how these are turning out!  Will post the last one soon...

Finishing little details

I had added all of the art to the walls last, so waited until the glue dried before I grouted those areas.  Here's one of them.
I have finished grouting the final two mosaics for my book!  I will post them soon.  Right now I am putting grout on the edges (6 of 15 done).  I have an appointment with the photographer next Wednesday!