... homemade journal ...

[TMLee]

This is Journal #36 Red Flowers

 

Using the same fabric from my previous journal, I decided to use it for an exposed spine journal.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2036%20Red%20Flowers/DSCF3310.jpg

 

Made the covers, corners rounded.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2036%20Red%20Flowers/DSCF3786.jpg

 

I chose a yellow flyleave using EFALIN New Linen Yellow 120gsm. Matching yellow pocket using MALMERO 145gsm card. Elastic band added.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2036%20Red%20Flowers/DSCF3851.jpg

 

The double needle coptic stitch completed. This time its perfect

sewed 4 needles at one go.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2036%20Red%20Flowers/DSCF3856.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2036%20Red%20Flowers/DSCF3857.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2036%20Red%20Flowers/DSCF3858.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2036%20Red%20Flowers/DSCF3861.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2036%20Red%20Flowers/DSCF3859.jpg

 

The finished product with an Etruria Alter Ego for scale.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2036%20Red%20Flowers/DSCF3847.jpg

 

Front

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2036%20Red%20Flowers/DSCF3848.jpg

 

Rear

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2036%20Red%20Flowers/DSCF3849.jpg

 

Elastic band deployed

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2036%20Red%20Flowers/DSCF3850.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2036%20Red%20Flowers/DSCF3855.jpg

 

Bookblock is 6 signatures, 4 folios each. Total 96 pages.

Paper is GALGO Ivory Laid paper. Watermarked.

Edited January 24, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

Yup, you now can have a chance to own one of my handmade journals here.

 

Pls check the 'For Sales' section of this forum.

 

I will be posting soon.

 

Almost a 'bucket-list' endeavor for me.

 

Wish me goodluck :embarrassed_smile:

Edited January 24, 2009 by TMLee

[maria322]

The book is beautiful! Be proud of yourself!

[TMLee]

I have posted my journals for sale here ...

 

Tks for looking ...

 

 

 

[TMLee]

This is Journal #35 "Rockets"

 

Using paper by BASICGREY for the covers.

Rather cute kiddy motif of rockets.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3747.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3751.jpg

 

This time I tried creating that notch using a steel straightedge instead of a bonefolder.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3753.jpg

 

As explained , this allows the cords to sit in the recess which will reduce its exposure to abrasion. Also, it helps make the cords stay put. Here, you can see the cords seated nicely in the notches.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3756.jpg

 

I found this unusual waxed cord that looked like heavy duty dental floss. The unique thing about it was that it was multi-coloured. I thot it suited the colourful covers and kiddish theme. (actually I would be happy to see a rocket scientist here carrying this around... its pretty cool ...)

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3826.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3830.jpg

 

The stitches turn out perfect due to its flattish tapelike profile. It also lessened the problem of the 'swell' in arising from thick cords.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3841.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3842.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3778.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3779.jpg

 

I chose a nice blue flyleave , EFALIN New Linen Blue 120gsm.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3784.jpg

 

I used the remainder of the paper to turn it into a pocket. I made it such that the inside of the pocket also was right side up.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3832.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3833.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3834.jpg

 

Made a bookmark out of the remaining paper

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3789.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3788.jpg

 

... cont'd / -

 

 

 

 

[TMLee]

... Journal #35 "Rockets " continued ...

 

The view of the centre of a signature.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3844.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3845.jpg

 

The colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3835.jpg

 

Bookblock

6 signatures. 4 folios each. Total 96 pages.

Paper is GALGO Ivory Laid paper. Watermarked. 100gsm.

Coptic stitch double-needle method.

 

The ink testpage courtesy of an Etruria Alter Ego 0.9mm stub nib.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3836.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3837.jpg

 

The finished product

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3771.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3772.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3774.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3775.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2035%20Rockets/DSCF3776.jpg

Edited January 25, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

Journal Summary #31 to #35

 

Journal #31 Cobalt Bue Bookcloth http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20summary%2031%20-%2035/DSCF3683.jpg

 

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20summary%2031%20-%2035/DSCF3687.jpg Journal #32 "Happy Dogs + 1 cat" Hardback, 3-board design.

 

 

Journal #33 "Blue Flowers" floral print fabric http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20summary%2031%20-%2035/DSCF3725.jpg

 

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20summary%2031%20-%2035/DSCF3757.jpg Journal #34 "Black Tie"

 

 

Journal #35 Rockets http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20summary%2031%20-%2035/DSCF3771.jpg

Edited January 25, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

Journal #38 and #39 "Music"

 

There were some requests for A5 size journals in my 1st batch sales. So I decided to make the first A5 prototype just to see what adjustments I'd have to make when crafting a journal larger than A6. ( I don't normally use A5 journals at all)

 

I found a nice cotton print of a musical theme. There were two variants of this same print. One in white depicted here, and another in beige not shown. I chose this print becos the patterns were too big for an A6 journal. It needed a larger cover to be appreciated.

 

I thot of making a set., ie an A5 that came with a matching A6 .

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2038%20and%2039/DSCF3977.jpg

 

The fabric cut into size for the A5 coverboards.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2038%20and%2039/DSCF3957.jpg

 

The coverboards completed.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2038%20and%2039/DSCF3962.jpg

 

I further experimented and found a way of perfecting the folds around rounded corners.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2038%20and%2039/DSCF3963.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2038%20and%2039/DSCF3965.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2038%20and%2039/DSCF3974.jpg

 

I found some waxed cord that was flattish. It was a nice bright yellow. But I found it too big, too wide (wider than the similar type of cord in Journal #35) and it caused the spine to swell somewhat, not to mention enlarging the pierced stations. I did like the contrast and accent of the colours against each other though.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2038%20and%2039/DSCF3969.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2038%20and%2039/DSCF3968.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2038%20and%2039/DSCF3967.jpg

 

I chose a nice red flyleaf. A larger journal also allowed aesthetic variations in patterns in the stations.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2038%20and%2039/DSCF3970.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2038%20and%2039/DSCF3973.jpg

 

The stitches on the spine look too bulky to me, so I stripped them all out and restitched using a miserable tiny roll of waxed linen cord - black. I wanted to be convinced that the thinner black waxed cord was the right size and material. I had no choice of colours

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2038%20and%2039/DSCF3979.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2038%20and%2039/DSCF3980.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2038%20and%2039/DSCF3981.jpg

 

The black cord was perfect , but its blackness didn't allow the beauty of the stitch to be appreciated.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2038%20and%2039/DSCF3981.jpg

 

I guess one could look at it another way though, the stitches, though beautiful, were inconspicuous and did not compete with the music theme print. The black stitches are quite hard to pick out visually. So when you look at the journal , all you see is the fabric print theme.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2038%20and%2039/DSCF3982.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2038%20and%2039/DSCF3983.jpg

 

The smaller 'brother' #39 will be the 3-board cased-in A6 size journal.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2038%20and%2039/DSCF3960.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2038%20and%2039/DSCF3959.jpg

 

These will be offered in my 2nd batch of journals for sale when the other journals are ready to be introduced to the public.

 

I REALLY WISH I HAVE WAXED IRISH LINEN THREAD

I know thats what these my journals sorely need .

Edited February 4, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

This is Journal #21A "Joys of Christmas", a variant of Journal #21

 

Exposed stitch spine. This time trying out a cotton cord that seems to be waxed but very lightly.

Its the same size as the yellow cotton thread which I have been using.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF3997.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF3998.jpg

 

Becos its not proper waxed linen cord, the thread doesn't do justice to the beautiful pattern of the stitches. :bonk:

The little fibres fray out and sort of 'muck - up' the stitch pattern.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF4076_2.jpg

 

A closer view

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF4077_2.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF4078_2.jpg

 

For its thread size it seems to do well in not contributing to excessive swell of the spine.

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF3995.jpg

 

I chose an orange flyleaf, this time a heavy card 145gsm.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF4002.jpg

 

This time I wanted the flyleaf to be fully appreciated, without being interrupted by the pocket which I normally make separately and glue onto this flyleave and rear inside back cover. I decided to locate the pocket somewhere else. This way, the aesthetics of the stitches and flyleave composition can be fully appreciated.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF3999.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF4075.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF4074.jpg

 

The pocket was incorporated into the last page - the page receiving the flyleaf.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF3999.jpg

 

The pocket is done the usual way but with a slight modification. The pocket does not have its own back, instead it uses the last page to form its back.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF4005.jpg

 

The bottom corner of the pocket which I also rounded.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF4006.jpg

 

Further detail pics of the pocket.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF4012.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF4013.jpg

 

This kind of pocket is advantageous. It creates less bulk. And more importantly , its more inconspicuous.

 

By freeing the flyleaves from a pocket glued there , it means that the flyleaves can be fully appreciated, paving the way for more interesting flyleaf designs to be incorporated.

 

The ink testpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF4003.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF4004.jpg

 

Colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF4022.jpg

 

The finished product

Front

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF4009.jpg

 

Rear

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF4010.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF3995.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021A%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/DSCF3996.jpg

 

Bookblock is 6 signatures, 4 folios. 96 pages. Coptic stitched - double-needle method. Spine is glued to reduce 'wobble'.

Paper is GALGO Laid , Ivory 100gsm. Watermarked.

Cover is 1.2mm greyboards covered with cotton fabric "Joys of Christmas" print.

No elastic band closure. I haven't figure how to incorporate one in this kind of pocket/flyleaf variation.

Edited February 10, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

This is Journal #28A "Letters" - the first variant of #28.

 

A6 size. using my last remaining cover sheet. It was one of the cover designs that was more popularly chosen, along with "Black Tie". This one is made to fulfill the many "I wants" in my 1st batch of journal sales.

 

This time , I went back to using polyester filament, the kind they use for machine stitching leather. Its a nice shiny finish. My only complaint about this thread is that it is slippery. It doesn't stay firm where its supposed to , unlike the unwaxed cotton cords or the waxed cords. After tightening, it tends to loosen up a bit. The ends fray like crazy.

 

The significant difference from the original #28 is here in the Coptic stitching where I used the double-needle sewing. Here you see the pattern of the stitch clearly defined simply becos of the polyester material unlike those yellow cotton cords described in the previous post above. I also notice the cotton cords can be compressed and 'deformed'. Not so with these polyester filament where they keep their shape, hence you see the stitch patterns clearly.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028A/DSCF3938.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028A/DSCF3939.jpg

 

The cover boards were notched with a steel straightedge in order to receive the cords linking the bookblock to the coverboards. That way , the cords sit in that notch recess on the edge of the coverboard. I hope this helps reduce wear and tear from abrasion, but then again , such a small journal shouldn't take too long to be filled. Its more comfy to the touch though. In these pics , you see the notches where the thread sits inside.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028A/DSCF3944.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028A/DSCF3943.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028A/DSCF3942.jpg

 

The flyleaves in this one is Olive Drab, using EFALIN Olive Drab 120gsm. It was chosen to contrast with the golden Khaki thread.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028A/DSCF3946.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028A/DSCF3947.jpg

 

The thread is thin , so it goes round the coverboard twice. A single pass-thru is too flimsy in proportion. http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028A/DSCF3948.jpg

 

The matching Olive Drab pocket with elastic band closure.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028A/DSCF3953.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028A/DSCF3954.jpg

 

The Colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028A/DSCF3951.jpg

 

The finished product

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028A/DSCF3941.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028A/DSCF3945.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028A/DSCF3955.jpg

 

Bookblock - 6 signatures, 4 folios, 96 pages.

Paper is GALGO Laid paper , Ivory colour. 100gsm. Watermarked.

Covers - 1.1mm greyboards covered with acid and lignin free paper bearing 'letters' motif.

I can't remember now, I think the spine is unglued.

 

Darn ! The signature below can't take more 500 characters, including formatting codes ... :hmm1:

Edited February 11, 2009 by TMLee

[leather09]

I tried using rice stalks as my source of paper in my journal. It's tedious yet fun.

[TMLee]

I tried using rice stalks as my source of paper in my journal. It's tedious yet fun.

 

Sounds interesting. What are 'rice stalks' ?

 

 

 

 

[TMLee]

This is Journal #28B "Letters" - the 2nd and last variant of #28.

 

After a long time , I finally solved the problem of how to use up the remaining leftover cover sheet which was not enough to cover an A6 size coverboard.

 

But it had to be landscape format.

 

I rummaged thru my scrap box of leftover materials and found an abandoned piece of leather which suffered less than perfect attempts at skiving it down to paper thickness. It was carefully 'revived' and further skived for its newfound use. Its 'distressed' look worked to its advantage and complemented perfectly the 'Letters' montage motif.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4030.jpg

 

The brown dye doesn't look good to me and again, I used the wrong side which looked better for this purpose.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4029.jpg

 

This piece was to have been used in a 3-board cased-in design similar to my recent past Brown Italian Marbled Paper journal.

 

The coversheet was not large enough to cover the A6 size greyboards. There was a shortage of about 12mm on the short side. The leather was halved longitudinally and deployed like a spine covering where the sewing stations would be located. The leather was nicked, scruffed , etc and the imperfections all seem to work together with the board covering.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4033.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4034.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4035.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4032.jpg

 

The Stitching

With some help and alot of 'hunting' , I bought this spool of thread, originally intended for shoe repair. 1mm wide. Flattish cord. And most imptly - waxed. Natural in colour.

 

The Coptic stitch again here is the double-needle sewing. The cord was good . Only just a teeny bit on the largish side. The stitch patterns were nicely visible becos of the cord being able to keep its shape and form.

All 4 needles at one go. And these cords don't entangle, thats the beauty of such waxed cords.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4038.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4040.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4041.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4042.jpg

 

The cords were passed thru the stations twice as in most of my journals. Its flattish tape-like form was perfect in 'hugging' the journal and keeping everything flattish. More friendly to the haptic sensations ... haha ... . The leather band at the side was a perfect complement to the coverboard. I decided on about 22mm width as the proportion was just about right. Not too narrow(weak) nor too wide (overpowering).

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4046.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4047.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4048.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4049.jpg

 

I forgot to notch the edge of the coverboard. :bonk: But no worries, its still very flat along that edge.

 

The completed spine

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4045.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4052.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4055.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4054.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4061.jpg

 

The completed spine AFTER being glued.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4073.jpg

 

The Flyleaves

I chose a chocolate brown to contrast against the thread.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4031.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4067.jpg

 

... cont'd / ...

Edited February 11, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

.... Journal #28B cont'd/ ....

 

 

 

Some details ...

The pocket corner was rounded too.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4083.jpg

 

The pocket was made in such a way that used the last page as the back. Its flatter this way. The brown flyleaf was then glued to this last page functioning as the back of the pocket as well.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4081.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4086.jpg

 

The rounded corner

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4068.jpg

 

Ink testpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4084.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4085.jpg

 

The Colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4080.jpg

 

The finished product

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4070.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4072.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4058.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4059.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4057.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2028B%20Letters/DSCF4061.jpg

 

Bookblock was 6 signatures, 4 folios each. total 96 pages. Spine glued.

Paper and pocket was NATURALIS Vanilla White Smooth 135gsm. Highly recommended .

Flyleaves were MALMERO Brown 145gsm card.

Covers were 1.1mm greyboards covered with acid and lignin free paper by BASICGREY. Letters montage motif.

Journal is A6 Landscape

 

And ...

 

NO elastic band closure provided ... I haven't figure out how to incorporate one without affecting the aesthetics of the flyleaves.

 

 

 

Edited February 11, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

This is Journal #39 Music continued ...

 

My first attempt at adding an elastic band closure in a 3-board cased-in design

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2039%20Music/DSCF4023.jpg

 

After attaching the bookblock, I decided to press the hinge joint, using a bamboo stick commonly available.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2039%20Music/DSCF4024.jpg

 

I chose an orange flyleave

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2039%20Music/DSCF4145.jpg

 

This is a not so flattering pic of the front inside flyleaf. I had forgotten to give the freshly glued flyleaf a going over with a rubber roller. As you can see, comparing with the above pic, its a crucial mistep.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2039%20Music/DSCF4146.jpg

 

The pocket added

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2039%20Music/DSCF4094.jpg

 

The colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2039%20Music/DSCF4093.jpg

 

Some details

 

headband

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2039%20Music/DSCF4142.jpg

 

detail of fold in at the rounded corners

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2039%20Music/DSCF4143.jpg

 

The key to a nicely made book is getting the overhang of the coverboards to be consistent on all 3 sides of the bookblock. It took me several journals to get this right.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2039%20Music/DSCF4092.jpg

 

The elastic band deployed. I am not satisfied with how the band sits in the book. I shall try for other more elegant solutions. The bulk in the rear orange inside cover is too obvious.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2039%20Music/DSCF4098.jpg

 

The band can be hidden inside the rear cover

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2039%20Music/DSCF4090.jpg

 

The rear

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2039%20Music/DSCF4099.jpg

 

The full front view - one piece of fabric

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2039%20Music/DSCF4140.jpg

 

Bookblock is 6 signatures, 4 folios, 96 pages

Coptic stitched with ORAL-B dental floss waxed.

Paper is CONQUEROR Laid 100gsm. Cream coloured. Watermarked.

Cover of greyboards covered with cotton music theme.

Headband and mull added.

Black elastic band closure.

Edited February 12, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

This is Journal #37 "Bronze Greek Key"

 

Bought this quarter fat fabric. 100% cotton, printed with a Greek Key pattern rendered in a bronze like look. Cut to size - about A5 size here.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF3887.jpg

 

The interfacing gluecloth ironed and adhered to the back of the fabric.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF3888.jpg

 

Glued onto the coverboards

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF3890.jpg

 

I used the yellow cotton cord which contrasted nicely with the covers.

Again, this Coptic stitch is the double-needle sewing method. All 4 needles in tandem. The spine is glued to reduce wobble.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4109.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4111.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4112.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4113.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4110.jpg

 

The edge of the coverboards were notched to allow the yellow cords to sit inside.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4123.jpg

 

I chose a nice grass green for the flyleaves.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4117.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4118.jpg

 

To allow the flyleaves to remain undisturbed, I incorporated the pocket into the last page of the bookblock. The flyleaf was then glued onto this pocket on the last page.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4127.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4128.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4130.jpg

 

.... cont'd / ...

 

 

 

 

[TMLee]

... #37 "Bronze Greek Key" cont'd / ...

 

Some details

Would be even nicer if the cord was waxed.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4114.jpg

 

In all my exposed spine journals, the board is made to be 1mm wider to cater for the 'fishtail' effect of the folded folios. This way the book can rest squarely on this leading edges of the covers , freeing the edges of the bookblock from contact with the surface. Also , it looks right, and in proportion , otherwise it will look undersized. Of course, a simple solution would be to use a guillotine and trim the bookblock, but I prefer the 'handmade' look in its subtlety.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4120.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4121.jpg

 

This pic shows the flatness of the pocket.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4134.jpg

 

A not so neat last signature. Some slight rectification of the stitches, hence resulting in new threads joined with old threads, hence the extra knots.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4126.jpg

 

The Colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4133.jpg

 

Ink testpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4115.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4116.jpg

 

The finished product

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4137.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4135.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4139.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4107.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2037%20Bronze%20Greek%20Key/DSCF4108.jpg

 

Its a very nice complement to the Grappa 1930 Extra Green Marble, I must say

 

Bookblock is 6 signatures, 4 folios each. 96 pages total.

Coptic stitched, double-needle sewing.

Paper is NATURALIS Vanilla White Smooth. 135gsm. Highly recommended

Flyleaves is EFALIN New Linen green 120gsm.

Pocket is NATURALIS Vanilla White Smooth. 135gsm, with HERLITZ White Linen embossed paper.

Covers are 1.1mm greyboards covered in cotton fabric with "Bronze Greek Key" print.

 

NO elastic band provided.

Edited February 12, 2009 by TMLee

[Shok THX]

Those are all very nice. How long does it take you to make these.

I know for me, just trying to tie my shoes takes too long, I can't imagine trying to do what you did with the cords.

[TMLee]

Tks James,

I haven't really measured the time taken.

I do it over a few days, in between doing my usual other stuff. I don't do this full time.

I usually allow more time for the drying and pressing when glue is used. That takes up time. And I'm trying to improve, eg how the pocket sits in the book, how the band closure works etc... So I keep thinking about such solutions, suspending activity. Thats my weakness, I can't execute if I am not clear in the head.

The stitching is the exciting part. The cutting and folding and punching the rounded corners of each sheet is tedious.

You should try it , as others have. I am now seeing quite a few folks here taking their first steps at handmaking their own journals. ... and they are all so excited from the accomplishment .... :clap1:

 

 

 

Those are all very nice. How long does it take you to make these.

I know for me, just trying to tie my shoes takes too long, I can't imagine trying to do what you did with the cords.

 

[HyacinthLo]

^^^^

Wow TMLee your journals are seriously insanely epic!!! :clap1:

I'm slightly new here so I apologize if this has already been established but I'm wondering if

you sell these?

and if you do, how one would go about ordering one.

I would love to own one!!