NEW TIPS for Carving Books Better!!

[@PhillipeKnippel]

A good tip is to use sandpaper to lightly sand the pages that remain in the cut hole. They gradually adjust and become uniform.

I used to binge on videos of your poems, but with time I guess I faded away from the whole poetry content. Today I found myself trying to remember your voice of america voice-over, which got me to look this channel up after so many years. To my surprise, I got treated to this video. Being a fan of the poet, this felt like having a chance to get to know the teacher, and that was pretty emotional. Felt like I should share this in case you're ever curious how far your words can reach. Thanks for the lesson, Mr. Mali :)

[@taylormali]

What a kind thing to say! And here I thought people might think "How sad to see him fall so far! He used to write books, and now he is carving them out!" It's a passion of mine!

[@Paelorian]

Both processes are useful. This process seems valuable for people who do this frequently, like yourself, as it is faster and the cuts can be cleaner. But the old technique you showed allows for more complex cut shapes using a template. And the tools are cheaper, as it's able to be done with nothing but a homemade template and a sharp knife. No need to buy tin snips and Mod Podge or rubber cement. Finally, the adhesive on the page edges does indicate that the book has a secret compartment to anyone in the know. Not using the adhesive on the outside keeps the external appearance identical. Since I will probably do this rarely if ever, I will use the simpler although more time consuming method, likely using a page of cardstock and an art knife. But if I was doing this several times over I'd try this new method as well. I like your magnet ideas to keep things from rattling around. If necessary, felt can be glued to the magnet to make the contact softer. But using the template and blade method and some extra patience, the cut-out can be shaped to hold a particular object securely, with just the right shape and depth to prevent it rattling around. Though not practical for a multipurpose hollow book, it's satisfying as a dedicated storage case for a particular object. Of course, even with an oversize hole an object could simply be wrapped in cloth or something else soft to keep it from moving inside of the book. Thank you for sharing your expertise on a niche subject. I imagine most who hollow books are amateurs working without any guidance, and it's helpful to hear you share with us the knowledge you've learned through much experience.

[@Trevor-ps2oe]

Nice clip and technique. i would definably want to use cut-resistant gloves because of my experience with accidental injuries

[@artfulpath]

I was thinking of driving a nail in each corner to define it. If it doesn't havd a head (finishing nail, right?) you could leave it in while you cut. You might still need the snips to get some of the page out, but you would always end at the right place.

[@taylormali6532]

That is certainly worth an experiment! I have tried drilling holes in the corners, but it doesn’t work because the paper bunches up. Please do leave a comment here if it works!

[@ianweniger6620]

The thrill of the craft. The tin snips for cutting paper. No poetry. Man, I can't wait to retire!!!!

[@PhillipeKnippel]

Hey Taylor, could you teach some tips to cut the cover book? I tried it and its soooo dificult 😅 hugs from Brazil.

[@PhilosopherThom]

Yeah Taylor this is great and fun and I might do this. But can you *please* for the love of all that is sacred publish your poem "ode to a dead squirrel (and also my lovers *YTcensor*). Like you promised me back on FB like 8 years ago after you had posted it on a blog which was later deleted and I never saved it and hadn't had the whole thing memorized. It's a fun poem. I go numb reciting old stuff. Regardless happy Christmas and a merry New year.

[@tylerheadrick1906]

This music is so lovely! What song is this? Do you ever listen to Stars of the Lid or A Winged Victory for the Sullen? Great music you may enjoy. Love your work Taylor!! First heard "how to write a political poem" on local public radio about 14 or 15 years ago, been a fan ever since!!

[@mydisciplecoach]

Were did you buy the scissors and the rubber cement?

[@sukiyakikira]

😍😍😍😍❤❤❤❤