Embark on a literary journey with our captivating Ex Libris, where Helen Exley's profound words come to life: "Books can be dangerous. The best ones should be labeled 'This could change your life.'" Crafted on traditional gummed paper and measuring 4in x 3in, this exquisite bookplate transports you to ancient volumes and timeless wisdom.
The design, a meticulous reproduction of an old woodcut, unveils a mesmerizing row of books disappearing into the shadows-a visual ode to the transformative power of literature. Each book, a potential gateway to new worlds, ideas, and perspectives, carries the weight of Helen Exley's cautionary yet inspiring words.
Place this ex libris inside your most treasured tomes, marking them as portals to worlds where minds are stirred, perspectives are shifted, and lives are changed. The subtle elegance of the woodcut design complements the gravity of the quote, creating an ex libris that not only adorns your book collection but also serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact literature can have on one's life.
Celebrate books' dangerous allure and potential to change your life with this thoughtfully designed and expertly crafted Ex Libris. Because, indeed, the best books deserve a label that whispers of the transformative magic within their pages.
Bookplates are crafted on 50# White English Finish Gummed Paper and hand-cut to size. Gummed paper is coated with an adhesive backing that requires water to activate (similar to traditional stamps). Once the adhesive is activated, the paper will adhere to the front pastedown of your book.
Historically, bookplates have been printed on gummed paper for various reasons. First, the glue is water-soluble and can be removed by steaming or wetting without damaging your book. Second, gummed paper dries flat and without residue, eliminating the waste of sticker adhesive backings. Third, the finished bookplate has a refined look and feel.
ITEM DETAILS
• Dimensions: 4in x 3in, 10.16cm x 7.62cm
• Substrate: 50# White English Finish Gummed Paper
• Adhesive: Moisture/Water activated
• Quantity: 30 Bookplates
• Turn around time: 3-5 days
• Each bookplate ships in a hardback envelope with instructions.
• Each bookplate is handcrafted and cut to size and may vary slightly from the rest
• Option to Personalize: Yes
PERSONALIZATION
These bookplates can be personalized with your name(s). You can choose either first name or both first and last names. The font used is an adjusted version of LHF Mackinlay, as shown. A maximum of 25 characters is allowed.
INSTRUCTIONS/HOW-TO
On a clean surface, moisten the back of the bookplate with a damp sponge. The bookplate will curl up a little; this is normal. Affix the moistened bookplate where desired, smoothing the paper from the center outwards to eliminate any creases and wrinkles. Gummed paper dries flat and smooth. I recommend you perform a test on a paper surface before applying it to your book to get a feel for the moisture/glue. Don't moisten the front of the bookplate, as inks are not waterproof. If you opted for blank bookplates, write your name in before applying. Store unused bookplates in a dark, dry place.
SOME HISTORY
A bookplate is sometimes called an ex-libris meaning "from the books of" in Latin. The earliest known example, dated 1480, is the bookplate of Hilprand Brandenburg, a Carthusian monk. At first, most bookplates were designed to safeguard the property of nobles; thus, they were adorned with coats of arms and other indicators of inherited prestige. This was the case through the 18th century, though styles changed with artistic trends. The 19th century saw the rise of the middle class. Scholars, professionals, and other educated individuals became interested in bookplates and commissioned works in a pictorial vein. Since then, ex libris have been used to denote personal property and as a form of personal expression. Since ex-libris stamps were generally never seen by the public, the artwork varied tremendously from intimate erotic scenes to darkly expressionistic styles.
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