Fairies of the Grove, Ex-Libris Bookplates, Crafted on Traditional Gummed Paper, 3in x 4in, Set of 5 Ex Libris Bookplates

Transform your books into enchanted realms with this exquisite gummed paper ex libris featuring a grand oak tree – the tree of life. Its majestic branches and roots symbolize the interconnectedness of all living things, making it the perfect addition to any book lover’s collection. The intricate border of fairies adds an extra touch of magic, evoking images of a fairy grove or a druid grove where nature and the mystical coexist in perfect harmony.

Bookplates are ideal for safeguarding the volumes in your library and make a unique and thoughtful gift.

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: 5 Bookplates
• Each bookplate ships in a hardback envelope with instructions.
• Each bookplate is handcrafted and cut to size and may vary slightly from the rest

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.