A few of the tools. Mat knife, bone folder, ruler, Yes (or other) paste, self-healing mat.
Place
bookboard (in this case I am using mat board) on cover paper cut one inch larger than
bookboard on each side.
If cover paper is thin, fold over to create corners. Glue in place. If cover paper is too thick to make a neat corner, this triangle of paper must be cut off.
Fold up the four sides, glue onto
bookboard. (No you aren't seeing things, I used a different book for these two photos.)
Glue
endpaper onto back of
bookboard. That is one cover of the two needed.
The completed books after sewing. Doing these reminded me why I don't like hard covers for this sewing style (Japanese Side Bound). Very hard to punch in the sewing holes. I was unable to bind these the way I wanted using posts as I couldn't make a hole big enough for the post. Frustrating. You need a drill sometimes. I was using an awl.
The exposed spine. You can cover the spine with another piece of paper, but I like it exposed.
The
foredge.
A few of the tools. Mat knife, bone folder, ruler, Yes (or other) paste, self-healing mat.
Place bookboard (in this case I am using mat board) on cover paper cut one inch larger than bookboard on each side.
If cover paper is thin, fold over to create corners. Glue in place. If cover paper is too thick to make a neat corner, this triangle of paper must be cut off.
Fold up the four sides, glue onto bookboard. (No you aren't seeing things, I used a different book for these two photos.)
Glue endpaper onto back of bookboard. That is one cover of the two needed.
The completed books after sewing. Doing these reminded me why I don't like hard covers for this sewing style (Japanese Side Bound). Very hard to punch in the sewing holes. I was unable to bind these the way I wanted using posts as I couldn't make a hole big enough for the post. Frustrating. You need a drill sometimes. I was using an awl.
The exposed spine. You can cover the spine with another piece of paper, but I like it exposed.
The foredge.
26 comments:
I love bound books like this. It is hard for me to look at your post and resist the urge to turn away from the easel and do something different. But then on second thought, maybe that would be a good creative outlet to stir my process up.
Glad you are using the den. A nice memorial to your dad.
You make me want to try this.
Your books are so beautiful and elegantly made.
It is a joy to read poems when presented like this -it adds to everything.
These are beautiful. Thanks for sharing the process. I can add this to my list of things I want to try :-).
Cool post. I like these books, I like the spine showing too. I should try something like that. Would make good scrap booking books or journaling.
Thanks for the demo.
Your books are great. I wished I could do it also like you. When I see your steps I think I will try it in Winter when my garden sleeps.
Thanks for sharing your hobby with us.
Have a good time. Wurzerl
Thanks Paula. I am endlessly jumping from one project to the other, and hardly ever "finishing" things. Still, I do think one project inspires another.
Elizabeth, I find bookbinding difficult for my personality, but I love handbound books, in the end. So I do them. Also, they are kind of calming to make in a way.
Hi Annie, how's your clay work coming? Thanks re: the books. They are fun to do.
Cris depending on the size of the books you make, they have many wonderful uses. And you can put in paper for writing or paper to sketch on or whatever kind you want.
Wurzerl, this is an excellent winter time project. And they make lovely gifts for friends.
These look great Suki - your instructions are simple to follow. The result is well worth the effort.
Your bound books are lovely...I especially like the window. Will you be selling these at an art festival? A handmade journal is a true gift.
Mary Ann
How beautiful! Makes me think of Emily Dickinson and her little hand-sewn treasures. I love the step-by-step information. I will definitely show this to my daughters. I can see some pretty bound books in our future. Thanks so much for sharing! : )
Oh, great post. You make it look so easy. I will have to save this...can't type anymore because Lauren has to go back to your blog and visit your little black cat!
Your bound books are so exquisitely made, I love them!
Oh how neat Suki! thanks for taking us through the steps. I've always wondered how it worked.
I'm going to send this posting to a friend who's always wanted to try (she's more ambitious than me).
This is a great tutorial - I want to make little take-it-with-me sketchpads and watercolor pads so this is a great idea - (AHGGG - another project!!)
Anyways - thanks!
Patti, thanks. I didnt give FULL instructions. There are more steps. But this side bound style is easy to sew, whereas some other styles are harder to sew.
Mary Anne, I make my handbound books with the intent to sell. Or give as gifts but I think most of my friends are tired of getting handbound books as their gift by now. However, I can only think of one craft fair I know of up here. Maybe two. I'll see. Right now I am making them to get back into the swing of doing it and then I'll see what happens. Though I have some in my Etsy shop of a slightly different nature.
Hi Debbie. This is only partial directions. This style book is fun to do with kids. I love the thought you put forth of Emily Dickinson and her sewn packets of poems. Thanks.
Karen, isn't that little cat just so cute. I love to play with her too and make her meow.
Lynette, thank you so much. I can make about 5 different styles of books, nothing fancy, just blank notebooks for writing or sketching.
Honor if your friend wants more complete instructions I can either write them out or suggests some books to look at with instructions.
Mim this style binding is easy, however the books don't open flat. For that you need a more complex style binding.
Oh, Suki, I'm so glad you did this post. I was just examining the little book you sent me (which I will post on by blog later) last night and I was thinking what a clean, professional edge and look your book has. I love it. Thanks for showing us this. Now I know how to make my own little books.
Hi Suki.
Love to see this process!
Did you see Melissa's blog? She went on an art camp and made a beautiful book! Think you will like it!
love >M<
these are great--really lovely. and i love that tricky switch the book on us you did there ;-)
so nice to see you being so creative and active!
Hi again Suki
Just linked this in my post about altered journals because when I get better at them I am going to attempt making some from scratch!
ps. my sister is cat obsessed and has a new blog with that cat on it too...Lauren is in her glory "blurfing" with me visiting everyones pet!!
Katie Jane thanks for the words on my book. Clean, professional edge. Wow. I'll get too big for my britches. Anyway, glad you enjoyed the post.
Marianne, thanks for the link. I will check it out. I love to see other handbound books.
Mary I still have that accordian book we made in your workshop and am thinking of making a few like that. Plus I still do the coptic stitch binding but with great difficulty. I think it would become easier if I did more.
Karen just ask for some tips etc or find on line re: making journal. Teesha Moore has a great journal recipe. I made one and really like the style. It's on her website I think. Glad Lauren has fun with the kitty, either this one or your sister's. meow.
I dig this book ^_^ well done & great instructions too... & my cat is called Suki! It's a name I like....meow <('•')>
From Sodapop aka Banjo
Hi Banjo, thanks for stopping by. Hello to your cat too. Be well, Suki
Wow, what a wonderful little lesson/class you offered us here Suki. Thank you. These books are lovely, lovely and made with loving hands.
Thanks Lynn.
oh they are so beautiful...
Suki... seeing the process, now i'd like to make one... i've even chosen the cloth for the cover...
now i'm planning the rest in my mind...
this should be so fun...
you are a great artist...
one day i even might try making paper... your fabulous works do magic...
love love love
Thanks human being. Some book styles are rather easy to do and these little books are perfect for writing short poems into. Be well, Suki
How do you create the crease on the cover so it will open?
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