Last year I had the chance to visit Barcelona, which of course translated into a pilgrimage to as many of Antonio Gaudi’s projects as possible.  I expected to admire his Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, but I underestimated just how moved I would be by the experience.

As is typical, I have no mementos of this trip.  I made a few souvenirs during that trip, and gave them all away.  I did want something to commemorate my favorite experience, so I made an illuminated art book.

My books on Gaudi’s oeuvre all had outdated pictures of the basilica.  I’m glad I had reference photos, and was equally grateful for the excellent virtual tour on the basilica’s website.

I experimented with a title formed from metal leaf, but the embossed paper seemed more suitable.  To get this effect, I first carved the title into a wood matrix.  Then I dampened some Canson Mi-Teintes paper and pressed it into the matrix.  A metal stylus let me get crisp corners, though I advice being careful with this step.  (The paper is weak when damp, and the metal stylus can tear a hole in it.)

That ribbon on the bottom lets you remove the LED insert for maintenance.