... homemade journal ...

[TMLee]

Ribbon pagemarker for exposed-spine journals

 

As usual, after a long time of trying to solve things in my head, I managed to find a neat solution to incorporate a pagemarker in an exposed-spine journal. The hardback journals do not have such a problem since the ribbon can be hidden from view in the spine.

 

This is Journal #34E "Black Tie" in A5 size with the ribbon pagemarker incorporated.

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034E%20A5%20Green%20flyleaves/DSCF5509.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034E%20A5%20Green%20flyleaves/DSCF5510.jpg

 

This is the improved version of "Black Tie" where the graphics line up on both front and rear covers. (there was a little wastage of material but they were made into bookmarks). Here you see that little stretch of the ribbon pagemarker at the head of the spine. The pairs of sewing stations are also spaced apart evenly but from pair to pair. Becos of the 3 pairs of sewing stations, the book is solid - it doesn't wobble easily.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034E%20A5%20Green%20flyleaves/DSCF5517.jpg

 

A close-up pic of the head of the spine bearing the ribbon pagemarker.

Becos of the odd number of signatures, the ribbon could be planted on the middle signature of 7 signatures, yielding perfect symmetry. Also, when shelved, the journal remains neat with that little pagemarker at the head of the spine pointing up.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034E%20A5%20Green%20flyleaves/DSCF5511.jpg

 

This little addition of the pagemarker also becomes another practical useful feature - it becomes an indicator to tell you which way your journal is right side up.

 

Thanks to the Wael who 'persisted' in asking for a ribbon pagemarker in this, his journal.

Phew !

I hope it'll serve him well.

This is a nice one.

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034E%20A5%20Green%20flyleaves/DSCF5512.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034E%20A5%20Green%20flyleaves/DSCF5514.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034E%20A5%20Green%20flyleaves/DSCF5518.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034E%20A5%20Green%20flyleaves/DSCF5519.jpg

 

 

Now I need to find a good solution to a band closure for the A5 sized journals.

The corner bands do work, but perhaps there might be a better solution.

I have avoided the usual band along the front edge of the book (like in my A6 journals) bcos I think its too long and it will be loose.

Originally, I have avoided band closures altogether bcos I felt that A5 journals would be deskbound but I suppose that assumption isn't true for everyone. Some do need/like to carry them around.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 10, 2009 by TMLee

[Neshobe]

I just read this whole thread in one sitting. It was almost like sitting in on a master class. I have been interested in making my own journals for a long time, and especially like the open back styles. Just learned about the Coptic style of stitching here: one of my pet peeves is having to hold pages flat to write.

 

Now I am hooked for sure. Will start out using stuff I have on hand, see where it leads me. But I am going to have to own a TMLee original. I feel in love with a couple that sold long ago. Perhaps I will have to commission a journal to get one that fits my needs so nobody else can grab it up first!

 

Neshobe (aka Dayle Ann)

[TMLee]

I just read this whole thread in one sitting. It was almost like sitting in on a master class. I have been interested in making my own journals for a long time, and especially like the open back styles. Just learned about the Coptic style of stitching here: one of my pet peeves is having to hold pages flat to write.

 

Now I am hooked for sure. Will start out using stuff I have on hand, see where it leads me. But I am going to have to own a TMLee original. I feel in love with a couple that sold long ago. Perhaps I will have to commission a journal to get one that fits my needs so nobody else can grab it up first!

 

Neshobe (aka Dayle Ann)

 

 

Tks Dayle for the kind words of encouragement.

 

Good luck on your planned endeavor.

 

You can inquire about past journals. I might still have materials leftover for some of them.

Let me know back channel.

rgds

 

 

[LedZepGirl]

I'm going to be trying this soon, once I get all the stuff I need together. One of my printing textbooks has a section on book binding and I'll probably do close to what it says in there.

 

Where do you find the cloth that the signatures are sewn to? I haven't been able to figure out what I should use. Also what types of paper work best for the end papers. I've noticed that in some books that if the end papers are bad the whole book just starts to fall apart. That happened to one of my old sketch books, which I then decided to dissect because of it's condition and so I could save a few good drawings. The last thing I have a question about it cutting the board for the covers, how to you keep it straight. If I were at school still I'd just go down to the print lab and use the industrial paper cutter to do it, but at home I'm limited to and X-acto knife and a ruler and a square.

Edited June 13, 2009 by LedZepGirl

[TMLee]

Dear LedZepGirl,

 

Where do you find the cloth that the signatures are sewn to? I haven't been able to figure out what I should use.

Actually any fabric will do, nothing too thick though becos when its too thick, you have to start calculating how much it will add to your journal width and height , and thickness, etc. This is when it starts to get complicated. Your journal size starts to take on an unco-ordinated size.

 

 

Also what types of paper work best for the end papers. I've noticed that in some books that if the end papers are bad the whole book just starts to fall apart. That happened to one of my old sketch books, which I then decided to dissect because of it's condition and so I could save a few good drawings.

I have mentioned in my posts (somewhere in here) that flyleaves can't be too thin, eg like 80gsm or thereabouts. The thinness of the paper can't take the moisture and can't keep its shape long enough for you to continue working on the flyleaves and positioning it onto the coverboards.

 

In my journals, I use 154gsm or 160gsm paper - approaching card grammage.

 

The trick is to learn how much glue to apply on the coverboard before it gets disastrously too wet for the flyleaves. I glue my coverboards very dry and work fast.

 

 

The last thing I have a question about it cutting the board for the covers, how to you keep it straight. If I were at school still I'd just go down to the print lab and use the industrial paper cutter to do it, but at home I'm limited to and X-acto knife and a ruler and a square.

The greyboards that are sold are not square. I learnt this painfully !

So you have to create your own straightedge.

Draw a long continuous straight line, and cut the board. This will be your new and true straightedge.

Next , use a tri-square to mark and draw perfectly 90deg lines to this straightedge you just created.

 

I normally cut one cover to size, then place it exactly over the uncut greyboard to cut out the other cover. Its like using it as a template. This way , I have a higher chance of achieving perfectly identically sized front and rear covers.

You need to be very accurate in cutting your first coverboard bcos any inaccuracies will be duplicated. When this pair of boards are done, they are laid aside.

 

The next pair is done again in the same procedure. I don't use the first board as a template throughout. It can lead to multiplying an inaccurately cut board.

 

I need such accuracy becos my exposed spined journals are exposed, which means that any flaws are easily noticeable and when assembled with other parts of the journal, it gets more exacerbated.

 

I do not use the X-acto knife becos :

1) the blade is too thick and

2) it cannot keep as sharp as an ordinary inexpensive paper cutter with snap blades.

 

The cutting of coverboards , I find , is the tedious , and not so enjoyable part, yet it requires concentration and care to acheive accuracy.

 

Some pple buy ready cut boards. I have no experience with these.

 

Enjoy.

Edited June 13, 2009 by TMLee

[ofpwriter]

Yesterday evening I thought I'd read this thread; such an innocent, interesting subject, I thought...

 

... I sew and glued some paper together with all the rubbish I had stored in my closets, got a bit high from the (wrong kind, I know ) glue I was using. You could say I made a notebook. I won't, but I learned a lot from the process.

 

...Today I went shopping for some materials and made two journals - yey. Now the madness is easing slowly, but I'm sure I'll make a heck of a lot more in the future. Thanks to all, for posting your pictures and your expertice!

 

-O

[TMLee]

This is Journal #58C and #58D ... "Red Stripes on Black" A6 size

 

The red striped fabric makes a stunning cover. And so I decided to make a matching pair, using only the two colours red and black.

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058C%20and%2058D/DSCF5535.jpg

 

The stitches are also black and red on each respective 'black' and 'red' journal.

The black stitches are waxed linen cord, black in colour. The red is polyester cord commonly used for decorative chinese knots.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058C%20and%2058D/DSCF5538.jpg

 

The flyleaves are also black and red only, including the matching and adjustable "anti drop-out" flap.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058C%20and%2058D/DSCF5540.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058C%20and%2058D/DSCF5541.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058C%20and%2058D/DSCF5542.jpg

 

The ribbons are also matching black and red respectively. They are picked to match the hue of the stitches.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058C%20and%2058D/DSCF5546.jpg

 

This set of journals are different in that they contain 7 signatures instead of the usual 6.

The only reason for this , is to create a middle signature that will carry the ribbon pagemarker.

This way, the ribbon sits perfectly centred on the spine like so ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058C%20and%2058D/DSCF5548.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058C%20and%2058D/DSCF5547.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058C%20and%2058D/DSCF5538.jpg

Becos of 7 signatures, the book may become too thick for writing comfort, so in order to keep the book slim to my 1cm thumbrule, I had to use paper that is thinner (ie, not the 135gsm paper) , so this is 120gsm Soft White Smooth paper. The end result is fine, resulting in 112 pages.

 

I intend to maintain/sell this pair as a matching set - not to be separated.

It is a charming pair.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058C%20and%2058D/DSCF5545.jpg

I forgot to take a pic showing each in full spread to show that the covers are cut from one piece of fabric so that the stripes line up and flow from one cover to the other.

 

With the elastic band deployed.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058C%20and%2058D/DSCF5544.jpg

 

The A5 sized (big) one is next, receiving all the latest features. Its looking good so far.

Edited June 15, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

This is Journal #58A - A5 size "Red Stripes on Black"

 

The stripes are run vertically instead.

Front and back. OMAS 360 Wild Celluloid for scale.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058A%20Red%20Stripes%20on%20Black/DSCF5554.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058A%20Red%20Stripes%20on%20Black/DSCF5556.jpg

 

I employed corner bands. They work fine. Its pulled a little more taut to cut slack.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058A%20Red%20Stripes%20on%20Black/DSCF5557.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058A%20Red%20Stripes%20on%20Black/DSCF5558.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058A%20Red%20Stripes%20on%20Black/DSCF5559.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058A%20Red%20Stripes%20on%20Black/DSCF5560.jpg

 

The ribbon pagemarker is planted on the middle signature to achieve symmetry.

7 Signatures, writing paper is NATURALIS Vanilla White Smooth 135gsm. 112 pages. Its good paper. No probs whatsoever with FP ink. It will take pencil and washes as well. The pairs of sewing stations are spaced slightly further apart for aesthetics. I think it looks more elegant.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058A%20Red%20Stripes%20on%20Black/DSCF5550.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058A%20Red%20Stripes%20on%20Black/DSCF5566.jpg

 

 

Black stitches and black flyleaves and black ribbon. The covers are thick - 3mm or at least 2.5mm greyboards and it lends a very solid feel to the whole book. This plus the 6 sewing stations which almost eliminates any wobble. Solid.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058A%20Red%20Stripes%20on%20Black/DSCF5561.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058A%20Red%20Stripes%20on%20Black/DSCF5562.jpg

 

The inktestpage and colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058A%20Red%20Stripes%20on%20Black/DSCF5567.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058A%20Red%20Stripes%20on%20Black/DSCF5568.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2058A%20Red%20Stripes%20on%20Black/DSCF5552.jpg

 

 

I notice that becos of the black linen cord, the wax (white) is more noticeable compared to the natural coloured waxed cord I have been using extensively. Other than this, the journal looks almost perfect.

 

I am still wishing for waxed Irish linen cord, I know it'll make my journals look better.

Most noticeably, they will take a slimmer profile (such cords can be 'flattened' when pressed) at the spine, yet maintaining the nice forms of the stitches.

 

 

 

 

Edited June 16, 2009 by TMLee

[hazelmorse]

I received my journal from Mr. Lee a couple of weeks ago. It is made with this red & black fabric. The whole thing is beautiful. He writes the "technical" details about your journal on the back page and a nice ABC/123 script in the first page. It was so nice I was scared to use it. I finally broke it out this weekend. It is a dream to write on! Also, Mr. Lee sent the journal quickly, let me know when it was coming and then followed up to make sure it arrived safely. So, excellent product and customer service. What more can you ask. Buy one now!

[LedZepGirl]

Here's my first attempt, it's awful!

 

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h15/Moruya/P1010175.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h15/Moruya/P1010176.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h15/Moruya/P1010177.jpg

 

My signatures aren't that straight and I had trouble with the cover. No matter what I tried I couldn't get the corners of the cloth right, how you do that?

Edited June 16, 2009 by LedZepGirl

[TMLee]

Dear L ...

 

Here's my first attempt, it's awful!

 

Its not that bad for a first attempt of sorts. Practice makes perfect , yah ?!

I say this becos I am guessing here that you did not set out to make a very precise book in terms of dimensions and in terms of craftsmanship.

 

If you look at my early attempts, they too were a little off, till I started to want to be more precise about each stage of the bookmaking process.

 

A few nites ago, I counted at least 36 steps of operations in 6 stages that go into making one of my open-spined journals. This implies that each stage, if tolerances and craftsmanship don't keep to certain controls, will end up marring the end result when the whole book gets put together. The bookbinders in our midst shld be able to explain the same too here.

I haven't counted how many steps it takes to make a hardback version.

 

If its any consolation, the hardback journal like yours require more care when forming the 3-piece board cover, in terms of the following critical aspects :

1) the square-ness of the 3 boards, ie whether they are 90deg ;

2) the parallel-ness of the spine board ; (whether they are uniform width)

3) how accurately the 3 boards are glued into position. (ie the gaps between the coverboard and the spineboard)

Deviations in any direction in these 3 processes will cause noticeable problems which you are experiencing now.

The reason is simple, any deviation will DOUBLE when the boards are folded over.

 

My signatures aren't that straight and I had trouble with the cover.

You may want to find out firstly why the signatures aren't straight.

As for the cover, i mentioned the critical factors above.

 

No matter what I tried I couldn't get the corners of the cloth right, how you do that?

Look at my Journal #7 and #12, there are some pics that show how to foldover the corners.

Your leading edge I notice is also not straight. Is there a reason why? Is it the board or is it the folding technique?

 

I am unable to troubleshoot for you with the few pics here. They are a bit dim. Pics of your stage progress will be more useful and telling.

 

You mentioned earlier about using rubber cement. Were you using this glue ? (bcos its the wrong kind.)

 

Don't give up ...

A few more tries will teach you where you went wrong, thats where the real learning starts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TMLee]

I received my journal from Mr. Lee a couple of weeks ago. It is made with this red & black fabric. The whole thing is beautiful. He writes the "technical" details about your journal on the back page and a nice ABC/123 script in the first page. It was so nice I was scared to use it. I finally broke it out this weekend. It is a dream to write on! Also, Mr. Lee sent the journal quickly, let me know when it was coming and then followed up to make sure it arrived safely. So, excellent product and customer service. What more can you ask. Buy one now!

 

Tks hazelmorse, I am happy u like it .

warm rgds

 

[TMLee]

This is Journal #55B (A5 size) "Tiles" Batik for a Moderator here - my first one !

 

I think I have resolved most of the issues regarding A5 sized journals. So this one incorporates all of the latest features.

 

Front with and without the bands deployed.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5575.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5577.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5599.jpg

 

Rear and full spread

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5576.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5580.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5582.jpg

 

Flyleaves and pocket and flap.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5583.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5584.jpg

 

Watermark

As promised (long ago) , only Moderators get a special FPN watermark in their journals.

Here it is incorporated on the ink testpage and on the rear of the Colophon page.

This is the first of my journals bearing this FPN watermark.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5592.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5593.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5585.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5586.jpg

 

Spine and Ribbon Pagemarker

The spine is done the same way. I have made slight modifications in terms of the spacing of the sewing stations. It looks more pleasant.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5594.jpg

 

The ribbon pagemarker sits right on the middle signature out of the 7 signatures. This achieves symmetry. The ribbon is selected to match the colour of the stitch cords.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5579.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5578.jpg

 

Some close-ups of the spine stitches...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5598.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5596.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5597.jpg

 

As usual, the stitches sit in their respective notches on the spine edge of the coverboards.

Here you see the stitches that don't protrude out on the edges. This is more pleasant when carrying around. All my journals are pressed/clamped overnight after receiving glue on the spine. The journals become nicely compacted and remain that way. The stitches also become flattened. This way, when shelved, it sits nicely snug among your other books.

The notches that seat the stitches help them remain in position with no chance of slipping off since they are pulled taut.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5600.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5601.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5602.jpg

 

.... cont'd / ....

Edited June 18, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

.. Journal #55B cont'd/ ...

 

Corner Bands

After some experimenting, I have decided this is the best way to incorporate a band closure on an A5 (big) journal.

I didn't want to use the usual method in the A6 journals bcos the band would be quite long on this A5 and that means a lot of slack resulting. Its a common problem in many journals that are sold in stores. The bands here are set more taut after gaining more experience.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5603.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5604.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5605.jpg

 

The ink testpage and Colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5590.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5591.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5589.jpg

 

7 Signatures. 4 Folios each. 112 pages.

Paper is NATURALIS Vanilla White Smooth 135gsm.

Edited June 18, 2009 by TMLee

[Wael El-Dasher]

Teck,

 

Thank you for the stunning journals! I also really love your Omas pen. I would love to get one like it. I know they're no longer made. But do you know the model number? I need to start hunting one down on the net.

 

Thanks again.

 

Wael

 

Ribbon pagemarker for exposed-spine journals

 

As usual, after a long time of trying to solve things in my head, I managed to find a neat solution to incorporate a pagemarker in an exposed-spine journal. The hardback journals do not have such a problem since the ribbon can be hidden from view in the spine.

 

This is Journal #34E "Black Tie" in A5 size with the ribbon pagemarker incorporated.

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034E%20A5%20Green%20flyleaves/DSCF5509.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034E%20A5%20Green%20flyleaves/DSCF5510.jpg

 

This is the improved version of "Black Tie" where the graphics line up on both front and rear covers. (there was a little wastage of material but they were made into bookmarks). Here you see that little stretch of the ribbon pagemarker at the head of the spine. The pairs of sewing stations are also spaced apart evenly but from pair to pair. Becos of the 3 pairs of sewing stations, the book is solid - it doesn't wobble easily.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034E%20A5%20Green%20flyleaves/DSCF5517.jpg

 

A close-up pic of the head of the spine bearing the ribbon pagemarker.

Becos of the odd number of signatures, the ribbon could be planted on the middle signature of 7 signatures, yielding perfect symmetry. Also, when shelved, the journal remains neat with that little pagemarker at the head of the spine pointing up.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034E%20A5%20Green%20flyleaves/DSCF5511.jpg

 

This little addition of the pagemarker also becomes another practical useful feature - it becomes an indicator to tell you which way your journal is right side up.

 

Thanks to the Wael who 'persisted' in asking for a ribbon pagemarker in this, his journal.

Phew !

I hope it'll serve him well.

This is a nice one.

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034E%20A5%20Green%20flyleaves/DSCF5512.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034E%20A5%20Green%20flyleaves/DSCF5514.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034E%20A5%20Green%20flyleaves/DSCF5518.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034E%20A5%20Green%20flyleaves/DSCF5519.jpg

 

 

Now I need to find a good solution to a band closure for the A5 sized journals.

The corner bands do work, but perhaps there might be a better solution.

I have avoided the usual band along the front edge of the book (like in my A6 journals) bcos I think its too long and it will be loose.

Originally, I have avoided band closures altogether bcos I felt that A5 journals would be deskbound but I suppose that assumption isn't true for everyone. Some do need/like to carry them around.

 

[Wael El-Dasher]

Is this journal available for sale? If so please let me know...

 

cheers

 

Wael

 

.. Journal #55B cont'd/ ...

 

Corner Bands

After some experimenting, I have decided this is the best way to incorporate a band closure on an A5 (big) journal.

I didn't want to use the usual method in the A6 journals bcos the band would be quite long on this A5 and that means a lot of slack resulting. Its a common problem in many journals that are sold in stores. The bands here are set more taut after gaining more experience.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5603.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5604.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5605.jpg

 

The ink testpage and Colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5590.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5591.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2055B%20A5%20Tiles%20Batik/DSCF5589.jpg

 

7 Signatures. 4 Folios each. 112 pages.

Paper is NATURALIS Vanilla White Smooth 135gsm.

 

[TMLee]

 

Teck,

 

Thank you for the stunning journals! I also really love your Omas pen. I would love to get one like it. I know they're no longer made. But do you know the model number? I need to start hunting one down on the net.

 

Thanks again.

 

Wael

 

 

You are most welcomed.

 

Thats an OMAS 360 Wild Celluloid Silver Trim

rgds

 

 

 

[TMLee]

 

Is this journal available for sale? If so please let me know...

 

cheers

 

Wael

 

Dear Wael,

As mentioned at the top of the post, its being made for a Moderator here.

There'll be more of the Batik series (fresh prints) coming.

The only problem is finding time to craft them.

It takes longer to craft one A5(big) journal.

The corner bands and the stitching takes up considerably more time.

As I make more, the stitching improves. There is a perceptible improvement in the newer journals if you study them closely.

Now that I have resolved A5 journals, I am revisiting making leather journals.

My first prototype is half completed but again as always, there are issues - new kinds !

Rgds

TMLee

 

 

 

[TMLee]

After a somewhat not so successful attempt at revisiting making leather journals, I decided to tackle the issue of rounding corners with leather.

 

In my failed attempt, I cut the corners as per my fabric and paper covered journals. It was not a good technique.

 

And so I tried this time WITHOUT cutting the leather corners.

 

I managed to buy very soft and thin (but not bookleather thin enough) lambskin. It has a very nice soft feel and texture to it.

With a discarded piece, I tried folding over the rounded corners.

Before that, I skived the corner leather down to paper thinness. The reason is to reduce the bulk upon folding over the corners.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Leather%20Corners/DSCF5607.jpg

 

I applied glue only to the corner of the leather thoroughly wetting it.

Then I folded over and made 5 creases as quickly as I could before the glue started to dry out.

I used a bent nosed tweezer to make the crimps.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Leather%20Corners/DSCF5608.jpg

 

The next step is to flatten / press down this bump of creases.

Since leather is soft, it can be flattened.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Leather%20Corners/DSCF5609.jpg

 

I clamped for some time , the soft leather gave way and flattened out.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Leather%20Corners/DSCF5610.jpg

 

The result was quite acceptable. Something like Bible corners but here its flattened more.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Leather%20Corners/DSCF5615.jpg

 

This is the exact rounded corners I have been wishing for a long time eversince I made my hardbound leather journals many moons ago.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Leather%20Corners/DSCF5613.jpg

 

A pic taken towards the edge of corner where you can't see any creases - just smooth leather going round the corner.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Leather%20Corners/DSCF5614.jpg

 

For those of you here who know how to work leather, any constructive comments would be welcomed.

What other ways are there to round corners with leather ?

 

Now, how to foldover the sharp 90deg corners ? Same way ?

 

With this issue resolved, I am confident of being able to soon make my first exposed spine journal with luxurious leather covers. The feel of a leather journal is exquisite.

 

The leather here is magnolia in colour. I hope to complete a set with the other 3 colours.

Edited June 21, 2009 by TMLee

[ismellarat]

Let me start out by saying that those are some of the nicest journals that I have ever seen! The fact that the signatures are showing is quite cool, making these NEARLY demonstrator journals!

 

One suggestion I do have is to not get too caught up in them. If at any time it becomes a chore, I would advise you to look back at the reason you are making them in the first place. If it is for extra money, go ahead even when it gets bad, but if it is for fun, and the money is a perk, I would suggest staying in only as long as it is fun.