... homemade journal ...

[goodbee]

Hi TM,

 

Journal #44 is fine, smart looking, and would be a terrific journal to fill with sketches and words. I think the notches for the sewing is a good idea so the stitches lay flat at the boards. If that one is up for grabs I might just need to have it. How did you get into/learn bookbinding?

[TMLee]

This is Journal #47 "Brown Batik"

 

I revisited making the hardbacks with fabric covers. This fabric is genuine handdyed batik cloth. Its got a rich palette of browns within that same piece of cloth.

 

I chose to cover the journal in a horizontal fashion.

Here you see the full spread of the A6 size journal.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2047%20Brown%20batik/DSCF4986.jpg

 

The front and rear. with the Etruria for scale.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2047%20Brown%20batik/DSCF4982.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2047%20Brown%20batik/DSCF4984.jpg

 

I re-looked into how to cover the rounded corners. Here you see an improved version of the cutout patterns. The improvement here is that it reduces the bump when all the corners are folded over each other.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2047%20Brown%20batik/DSCF4662.jpg

 

 

Here I tried something different. I wanted to reduce the bump so I turned the slivers of cloth over the sides rather than under. I realized that this is not ideal. After folding in, I normally hammer it down flat with a flat faced hammer. But here it was not needed.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2047%20Brown%20batik/DSCF4663.jpg

 

The French groove being clamped and formed. And the end result.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2047%20Brown%20batik/DSCF4967.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2047%20Brown%20batik/DSCF4985.jpg

 

 

 

Some details.

I added the orange embroidered cloth ribbon marker.

Headband was also added.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2047%20Brown%20batik/DSCF4985.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2047%20Brown%20batik/DSCF4987.jpg

 

The overhang of the covers, trying to achieve the exact same size of overhang on all sides.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2047%20Brown%20batik/DSCF4989.jpg

 

The pocket and flyleaves.

Here the pocket is incorporated into the rear flyleaves and not into other pages. There are some pros and cons to this. I am experimenting with really nice flyleaves and trying to figure out how not to disrupt the beauty of the flyleaf whilst still providing a pocket.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2047%20Brown%20batik/DSCF5002.jpg

 

The front flyleaves

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2047%20Brown%20batik/DSCF5010.jpg

 

The ink testpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2047%20Brown%20batik/DSCF5011.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2047%20Brown%20batik/DSCF5012.jpg

 

The Colophon with pH / acid test.

Blue/lavender means good (low) levels of acidity.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2047%20Brown%20batik/DSCF5003.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2047%20Brown%20batik/DSCF5004.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2047%20Brown%20batik/DSCF5009.jpg

 

 

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

Paper is CONQUEROR Laid paper. Cream 100gsm.

Edited April 2, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

Hi TM,

 

Journal #44 is fine, smart looking, and would be a terrific journal to fill with sketches and words. I think the notches for the sewing is a good idea so the stitches lay flat at the boards. If that one is up for grabs I might just need to have it. How did you get into/learn bookbinding?

 

 

Hi Gwen,

I am glad you like #44 "Green Sea".

It was a first tryout , after the #38 Music A5 journal.

It was offered to someone else but he/she preferred some other cover other than this fabric.

The journal is available if you want it.

The only problem is that its not finished. I have yet to decide how to incorporate a pocket.

It will not have an elastic band closure.

 

Its a nice journal, I like it becos its plain but not dull. You can bring it anywhere without it making you feel out of place. The graduated dark green plus the wavy veins lend a quiet elegance to it. The colour of the stitching cords blend well too with the green. (I decided correctly not to use the white waxed cords I have) The photos don't do justice to the overall journal (which I think you can understand, now that you own one of my journals).

 

Most of all , I am surprised at how solid the journal is. There's no wobble at all. It just keeps its shape very well.

The book can open (and stay open) more than 180degrees ! - obstructed only by its own thick covers. The signatures won't loosen from each other bcos of the six sewing stations and the glue on the spine ..

 

The paper is NATURALIS Wove paper 120gsm Matte.

There is some texture to it , but nothing as 'rough' as the Laid papers like CONQUEROR. This means that this fine texture is excellent for pencil sketches and washes.

Becos its Matte, the ink gets absorbed into the paper rather quickly, compared against the 'smooth' papers in my other journals.

 

The process of my bookbinding endeavor is documented right from the start of this thread.

You only need to read it.

As mentioned before , I did not learn formally, so I won't be surprised if some my methods/techniques are wrong. :embarrassed_smile:

The community here is also very gracious in accommodating my enquiries and pointing me in the right direction when I first started.

Its pretty much a journey of trial and error. There are others here who definitely can bookbind better than I do.

I am sure there are bookbinding courses available where you live.

There aren't any here where I live.

 

You should try bookbinding yourself too , as many others here have.

Keith Smith's books have been most helpful to me.

You just have to make that first one and learn from it.

... and being fastidiously neat helps a lot too ....

 

rgds

Edited April 3, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

This is Journal #48 "Leica R7" - white series of journals.

 

Front and Rear

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2048%20Leica%20R7/DSCF4950.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2048%20Leica%20R7/DSCF4951.jpg

 

The cover full spread

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2048%20Leica%20R7/DSCF4952.jpg

 

The Flyleaves Front and Rear

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2048%20Leica%20R7/DSCF4953.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2048%20Leica%20R7/DSCF4954.jpg

 

Colophon and pocket

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2048%20Leica%20R7/DSCF4955.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2048%20Leica%20R7/DSCF4956.jpg

 

Some details

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2048%20Leica%20R7/DSCF4648.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2048%20Leica%20R7/DSCF4959.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2048%20Leica%20R7/DSCF4961.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2048%20Leica%20R7/DSCF4958.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2048%20Leica%20R7/DSCF4647.jpg

 

Ink testpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2048%20Leica%20R7/DSCF4962.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2048%20Leica%20R7/DSCF4963.jpg

 

 

6 signatures , 4 folios each , 96 pages

Coptic stitched with ORAL-B dental floss.

paper is CONQUEROR Laid Brilliant White 100gsm

flyleaves are white cards 154gsm

No ribbon pagemarker.

 

 

 

[Arobow]

Your journals (especially green sea) are beautiful! What type of corner punch are you using?

[TMLee]

Your journals (especially green sea) are beautiful! What type of corner punch are you using?

 

Tks Arobow,

I use a simple corner punch, any that you can commonly find in any crafts store.

The radius of the corner punch comes in varied sizes.

 

 

 

[TMLee]

This is Journal #49 "Flat Face Hammers"

 

Jim Strutton here should like it.

 

The Front and Rear

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2049%20Flat%20Face%20Hammers/DSCF4969.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2049%20Flat%20Face%20Hammers/DSCF4970.jpg

 

The full spread of the cover.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2049%20Flat%20Face%20Hammers/DSCF4971.jpg

 

The Front Flyleaves

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2049%20Flat%20Face%20Hammers/DSCF4972.jpg

 

and rear Flyleaves

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2049%20Flat%20Face%20Hammers/DSCF4973.jpg

 

The ink testpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2049%20Flat%20Face%20Hammers/DSCF4976.jpg

This time round , I experimented with installing the pockets away from the rear flyleaf. I installed it at the front instead, leaving the rear flyleaf undisturbed.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2049%20Flat%20Face%20Hammers/DSCF4975.jpg

 

The Colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2049%20Flat%20Face%20Hammers/DSCF4979.jpg

 

The French groove.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2049%20Flat%20Face%20Hammers/DSCF4981.jpg

 

6 signatures , 4 folios each, total 96 pages.

Paper and pocket is CONQUEROR Brilliant White Laid 100gsm, watermarked.

Flyleaves are A'ZONE white card 154gsm.

Cloth, embroidered , ribbon pagemarker included.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Arobow]

Your journals (especially green sea) are beautiful! What type of corner punch are you using?

 

Tks Arobow,

I use a simple corner punch, any that you can commonly find in any crafts store.

The radius of the corner punch comes in varied sizes.

 

 

Really? Wow. I admire your patience. To me that kind of work is exactly what child labor is for.

[Oublic]

An epic read from first post till now. Very good read though. It is great to see how far you have refined your skill. As soon as I get some time I plan on making the jump from knowing very little, to knowing very little, but with some experience.

 

Keep up the stunning work.

[TMLee]

Your journals (especially green sea) are beautiful! What type of corner punch are you using?

 

Tks Arobow,

I use a simple corner punch, any that you can commonly find in any crafts store.

The radius of the corner punch comes in varied sizes.

 

 

Really? Wow. I admire your patience. To me that kind of work is exactly what child labor is for.

 

 

Tks Arobow,

Its more like patience due to lack of proper equipment ....

Commercially , the rounded corners are machine-cut.

 

 

 

[TMLee]

An epic read from first post till now. Very good read though. It is great to see how far you have refined your skill. As soon as I get some time I plan on making the jump from knowing very little, to knowing very little, but with some experience.

 

Keep up the stunning work.

 

Tks Oublic.

 

 

 

[TMLee]

This is (insane) Journal #51 "Jade" - A7 size mini-book

 

Front - With and without the elastic band deployed.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2051%20Jade/DSCF5024.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2051%20Jade/DSCF5030.jpg

 

 

Rear

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2051%20Jade/DSCF5025.jpg

 

 

Full spread

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2051%20Jade/DSCF5029.jpg

 

 

Rear flyleaf with pocket incorporated.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2051%20Jade/DSCF5026.jpg

 

 

The Colophon (with the pH testmark)

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2051%20Jade/DSCF5028.jpg

 

 

Ink testpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2051%20Jade/DSCF5031.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2051%20Jade/DSCF5032.jpg

 

Bookblock is 4 signatures, 4 folios each. total 64 pages.

Exposed spine with coptic stitch - double-needle sewing method using heavy waxed cord, natural colour.

Flyleaves are A'ZONE coloured cards 154gsm.

Writing pages are NATURALIS V/White Matte , 120gsm.

pH testmark included.

Covers are greyboards covered in acid & lignin free paper by BASICGREY.

Rubber Elastic band (4mm wide) included.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TMLee]

This is Journal #46 "Red Chrysanthenums"

 

I revisited making hardbacks.

This is one beautiful fabric of red chrysanthenums. Here the fabric is already cut to size.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2046%20Red%20Chrysanthenum/DSCF4652.jpg

 

The boards have to be really square (90 degrees) at the corners in order to achieve the final result of a consistent overhang over the 3 edges of the completed book.

With the aid of a try-square, I found out that my cut covers were not square, albeit ever so slightly.

I corrected them.

 

The second important factor is the consistency of the spacer that produces the French groove ultimately.

If this spacer gap is not perfectly parallel, you will find that the overhangs when the book closes aren't parallel as well.

I bought brass strips of a specific dimension to achieve that consistent gap.

Here you see the brass strips adjacent to the spine board.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2046%20Red%20Chrysanthenum/DSCF4649.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2046%20Red%20Chrysanthenum/DSCF4651.jpg

 

 

When glueing the front and rear boards, I use the steel straightedge to ensure the pieces are square with each other. Then the brass strips continue to maintain squareness if in case the boards are not glued square. This way, you ensure a higher percentage of success by the time you reach the end of assembling the book.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2046%20Red%20Chrysanthenum/DSCF4650.jpg

 

 

Not content with the 'bumps' at the folded corners, I re-examined my techniques and came up with this improvement.

Compared to my earlier posts on how to foldover rounded corners, I tried some variations on the cut-outs.

I am pleased that it works better now.

These pics show the reduced number of cut-outs that contribute to a flatter 'bump'.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2046%20Red%20Chrysanthenum/DSCF4656.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2046%20Red%20Chrysanthenum/DSCF4657.jpg

 

The final result - a flatter bump

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2046%20Red%20Chrysanthenum/DSCF4659.jpg

 

 

Some details

 

Here you see what I mean when trying to achieve consistent overhangs on all sides.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2046%20Red%20Chrysanthenum/DSCF4930.jpg

 

The headband and ribbon pagemarker incorporated

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2046%20Red%20Chrysanthenum/DSCF4931.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2046%20Red%20Chrysanthenum/DSCF4928.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2046%20Red%20Chrysanthenum/DSCF4929.jpg

 

The ink testpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2046%20Red%20Chrysanthenum/DSCF4906.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2046%20Red%20Chrysanthenum/DSCF4907.jpg

 

The Colophon and pocket incorporated into the last writing page.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2046%20Red%20Chrysanthenum/DSCF4909.jpg

 

A pale green flyleaf

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2046%20Red%20Chrysanthenum/DSCF4923.jpg

 

 

The Finished Product

 

Front

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2046%20Red%20Chrysanthenum/DSCF4922.jpg

 

Rear

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2046%20Red%20Chrysanthenum/DSCF4921.jpg

 

Full spread

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2046%20Red%20Chrysanthenum/DSCF4927.jpg

 

 

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

Coptic stitched with ORAL-B dental floss waxed.

paper is CONQUEROR Laid paper 100gsm. Cream coloured.

Flyleaves are A'ZONE construction paper 120gsm.

Covers are DALER mounting boards covered with cotton fabric.

Edited April 6, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

As mentioned, this is Journal #34D "Black Tie" - A7 size...

 

but this time, I tried making the graphics symmetrical on both front and rear covers.

 

The way to achieve this was to use 2 separate sheets of that paper, then finding the symmetry (almost) thats most achievable.

 

Here , parts of the 2 pieces were identified that would help achieve the symmetry. The 2 pieces are not identical.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034D%20Black%20Tie%20A7%20size/DSCF4537.jpg

 

Here, glued onto the greyboards.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034D%20Black%20Tie%20A7%20size/DSCF4543.jpg

 

 

The end result

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034D%20Black%20Tie%20A7%20size/DSCF5016.jpg

 

The front , with and without the elastic band deployed. The Etruria beside it for scale.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034D%20Black%20Tie%20A7%20size/DSCF5013.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034D%20Black%20Tie%20A7%20size/DSCF5014.jpg

 

The back

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034D%20Black%20Tie%20A7%20size/DSCF5015.jpg

 

The flyleaves front and back. The pocket was incorporated into the rear flyleaf.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034D%20Black%20Tie%20A7%20size/DSCF5017.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034D%20Black%20Tie%20A7%20size/DSCF5021.jpg

 

The ink testpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034D%20Black%20Tie%20A7%20size/DSCF5022.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034D%20Black%20Tie%20A7%20size/DSCF5023.jpg

 

The colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034D%20Black%20Tie%20A7%20size/DSCF5019.jpg

 

Bookblock is 4 signatures , 4 folios each. 64 pages.

Paper is NATURALIS V/White Matte, 120gsm. Good (low) levels of acidity as indicated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TMLee]

This is Journal #52 - "iPhones" - White series.

 

Using a sketch done recently, a 3-board cased in journal.

 

Front, and back with an Etruria for scale.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2052%20iPhones/DSCF5046.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2052%20iPhones/DSCF5047.jpg

 

The flyleaves front and rear.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2052%20iPhones/DSCF5048.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2052%20iPhones/DSCF5049.jpg

 

The cover - full spread

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2052%20iPhones/DSCF5064.jpg

 

The ink testpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2052%20iPhones/DSCF5050.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2052%20iPhones/DSCF5051.jpg

 

The pocket is incorporated into the last page, not into the flyleaf.

I decided to return to the tested idea of placing the pocket at the rear instead of the front which I tried recently.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2052%20iPhones/DSCF5052.jpg

 

I am trying out a new idea on pockets recently. The hinges this time are made of vellum tracing paper, those they use for technical ink draughting (from a time when draughting was a carefully nurtured skill). I was not completely satisfied with the hinges so far. They are either too thick, ie clearly visible from the edge of the book, or unco-ordinated in colour. I have tried coloured hinges, black hinges etc, somehow it needed improvement.

Here, you see the tracing paper which is very thin, and transparent, thereby solving the problem of un-co-ordinated colours. Also, there is an added benefit - the hinges being translucent, allows light to enter the pocket, making it easier to see stuff inside !

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2052%20iPhones/DSCF5056.jpg

 

Some details.

 

The French groove

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2052%20iPhones/DSCF5057.jpg

 

2009 sketch

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2052%20iPhones/DSCF5060.jpg

 

The neat 'fishtails' all aligned.

Here you also can see the texture of the cover paper. It is white from the EFALIN series, but not 'New Linen'. It is called 'Silk' bcos it bears the texture of silk imprinted upon it. It is 120gsm and good to work with, but more importantly, it takes the photocopy of the sketch excellently. Here you see the black lines very black and solid. The graphics as a result, turns out striking.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2052%20iPhones/DSCF5059.jpg

 

 

The Colophon showing the good(low) levels of acidity of the writing pages.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2052%20iPhones/DSCF5065.jpg

 

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

Paper is NATURALIS Soft White (Smooth) 120gsm

Flyleaves are also NATURALIS Soft White (Smooth) 120gsm

Covers are greyboards covered in EFALIN White Silk 120gsm, photocopied with personal sketches.

 

 

 

 

 

[TMLee]

3rd batch of journals offered for sale here.

 

 

 

[Aristarco]

Wow. I mean, wow. I've been binding journals for 2 years and still feel they're not worth a dime. You don't know how lucky you are to have materials like leather, bookcloth and tools like a corner punch available. In my area (I'm in Xalapa Veracruz, México) it's impossible to find those things. I bind my journals in cotton paper, amate fiber paper and yute fabrics among others.

 

I put the elastic band so it doesn't make a bulge under the endleaves. I copied it from the Moleskine and requires the back cover to be slitted with an X-Acto knife. I'll post some pics as soon as I get them. Also, I make the pockets out of the endleaf itself. Almost origami-like. :roflmho:

 

About covering a round corner, I found a mexican site with photos and let me tell you the method is quite satisfactory. Look it here: http://www.artesdellibro.com/2008/12/como-...uina-redond.php

 

Keep up the good binding! Your journals rock!

 

Greetings.

[TMLee]

Wow. I mean, wow. I've been binding journals for 2 years and still feel they're not worth a dime. You don't know how lucky you are to have materials like leather, bookcloth and tools like a corner punch available. In my area (I'm in Xalapa Veracruz, México) it's impossible to find those things. I bind my journals in cotton paper, amate fiber paper and yute fabrics among others.

 

I put the elastic band so it doesn't make a bulge under the endleaves. I copied it from the Moleskine and requires the back cover to be slitted with an X-Acto knife. I'll post some pics as soon as I get them. Also, I make the pockets out of the endleaf itself. Almost origami-like. :roflmho:

 

About covering a round corner, I found a mexican site with photos and let me tell you the method is quite satisfactory. Look it here: http://www.artesdellibro.com/2008/12/como-...uina-redond.php

 

Keep up the good binding! Your journals rock!

 

Greetings.

 

 

Tks Aristarco,

I know what you mean about not having access to materials and tools . Yes I shld consider myself fortunate in many ways.

 

The challenge is always trying to make do with what we have. I shld think your journals have their own character as well.

 

Concerning bulging, you may want to try using 2 very flat pieces of wood and clamping them tight overnight. It helps to flatten out the whole book , giving it a form and shape that is more acceptable.

You may want to try C clamps or very strong clips depending on the extent of the bulge.

 

And thanks for the link, its very enlightening.

What language is that in?

and how long ago was it invented?

 

That method is neat. I shall try it someday, with possible variations . eg , the curved part can be wider, and the closing flap can be totally done away with too.

 

Have you tried this method yourself?

 

rgds

TMLee

Edited April 15, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

3rd batch of journals offered for sale here.

 

 

All journals sold except

 

"Forks" and

 

"Flat Face Hammers"

 

Tks for looking

 

 

 

 

[Aristarco]

Tks Aristarco,

I know what you mean about not having access to materials and tools . Yes I shld consider myself fortunate in many ways.

 

The challenge is always trying to make do with what we have. I shld think your journals have their own character as well.

 

Concerning bulging, you may want to try using 2 very flat pieces of wood and clamping them tight overnight. It helps to flatten out the whole book , giving it a form and shape that is more acceptable.

You may want to try C clamps or very strong clips depending on the extent of the bulge.

 

And thanks for the link, its very enlightening.

What language is that in?

and how long ago was it invented?

 

That method is neat. I shall try it someday, with possible variations . eg , the curved part can be wider, and the closing flap can be totally done away with too.

 

Have you tried this method yourself?

 

rgds

TMLee

 

With the Moleskine method of passing the elastic band thru slits in the back cover, no bulging appears under the flyleaves. And if it does, you can always carve a shallow groove, the width of the band and as deep as the band is thick, as long as you don't damage the cover.

 

 

 

The method from the link comes from the USA Patents Office and watching the handwriting I think it's from early XX century. The page explaining the method is in Mexicanian, I mean, spanish. I decided to try it last night and found it to be easy and neat with almost no bulging at all. However, I was thinking the same as you, to make the width of the curved part enough to get rid of the closing flap. I think that's how Moleskine does it, from what I can see without disassembling one.

 

About the pocket, I have some images I'd like to show you. First, I make the flyleaf a trifold, 2.5" wider and trim two the size of the book block, leaving the third with enough width to make the sides of the pocket.

 

 

 

Every side of the Pocket is 1.25" wide. Foldings are 0.5", 0.5", and 0.25". Glue the 0.25" to the back of the endleaf and it'll end up hidden between it and the backcover. I'll let the pictures talk. That way the pocket doesn't seem "added later" but made up from the notebook itself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Headbands are impossible to find here. People say "head... wha??" So I sew my headbands but if I'm not in the mood of sewing them, I use beads. The smallest glass beads I can find at a Hippies' alley in downtown. Here are some pics:

 

 

 

 

I hope these images can illustrate what I try to say. I think in a graphic way so I'm bad at explaining with words. I'll post some pics of my notebooks as soon as I borrow a camera.

 

Greetings.