... homemade journal ...

[TMLee]

This is Journal #53D "Blue/Gold Chrysanthenums" (A5 size)

 

This journal belongs in the #53 series. The covers were already completed but set aside awaiting new improvements and features perhaps. I usually complete handcrafting any journal only when I am absolutely certain of the end result desired. Before that, they will be in their various unassembled parts, this way I have the flexibility of incorporating new ideas/features. In this instance, at the time of the completion of the covers, a few issues were 'almost there' but 'not there yet' .

 

This one here now incorporates a variation of the 2-tone stitching permutation mentioned above in Journal #63.

Here the dark and light cords alternate in a set pattern. Different from #63.

 

Front views with the Wild Celluloid for scale.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2053D%20BlueGold%20Chrysanthenums/DSCF5855.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2053D%20BlueGold%20Chrysanthenums/DSCF5859.jpg

 

Full spread , cut from one piece of fabric.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2053D%20BlueGold%20Chrysanthenums/DSCF5868.jpg

 

The Stitches

I wanted to use a 2-tone stitch becos I like the way it accentuates the stitch patterns on the spine.

The beauty of this double-needle coptic stitch is in the pattern it produces on the exposed spine.

For this reason, I seldom use black cords as the patterns are difficult to see although still there.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2053D%20BlueGold%20Chrysanthenums/DSCF5861.jpg

 

A closeup of the head of the book showing the nice stitch pattern.

Here you also see the ribbon pagemarker continuing the dark/light alternating pattern.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2053D%20BlueGold%20Chrysanthenums/DSCF5863.jpg

 

This is a closeup of one dark cord sewing station.

Here you also see the 7 signatures evenly spaced out and evenly aligned at their ridges, ie all the 7 ridges of the signatures are aligned. It means that the tension for each pull-thru' is consistent. This tensioning is something I am still trying to master in all my journals. I haven't found a fool-proof technique yet.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2053D%20BlueGold%20Chrysanthenums/DSCF5864.jpg

 

And this is the matching station with a light cord.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2053D%20BlueGold%20Chrysanthenums/DSCF5865.jpg

 

When shelved, it'll look like this with the dark tones at both ends.

The ribbon planted on the middle signature, also functions as a 'this-way-up' indicator.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2053D%20BlueGold%20Chrysanthenums/DSCF5867.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2053D%20BlueGold%20Chrysanthenums/DSCF5869.jpg

 

The Pocket Hinges

I continued employing the technique of trimming the pockets slightly in order to receive the tracing vellum hinges.

This way , the hinges don't protrude out from the journal like all my previous journals.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2053D%20BlueGold%20Chrysanthenums/DSCF5872.jpg

 

Here you see a closeup of that tiny notch that starts from where the pocket hinge starts.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2053D%20BlueGold%20Chrysanthenums/DSCF5873.jpg

 

The hinges don't protrude.

You see the fabric edge constant.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2053D%20BlueGold%20Chrysanthenums/DSCF5876.jpg

 

The corner bands

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2053D%20BlueGold%20Chrysanthenums/DSCF5877.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2053D%20BlueGold%20Chrysanthenums/DSCF5878.jpg

 

The lilac flyleaves and adjustable "anti-drop-out " flap.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2053D%20BlueGold%20Chrysanthenums/DSCF5870.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2053D%20BlueGold%20Chrysanthenums/DSCF5871.jpg

 

The inktestpage and Colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2053D%20BlueGold%20Chrysanthenums/DSCF5880.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2053D%20BlueGold%20Chrysanthenums/DSCF5881.jpg

 

7 signatures, 4 folios each.

Writing paper is NATURALIS Vanilla White (smooth) 135gsm .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TMLee]

4th batch of journals will be offered for sale soon here ...

 

 

[TMLee]

4th batch of handcrafted journals offered for sale here ...

 

 

 

 

[MegWesley]

All of these journals look lovely. I just have one question: how hard were they to make? I have been thinking of trying to make one of my own but I have no clue where to start.

[TMLee]

All of these journals look lovely. I just have one question: how hard were they to make? I have been thinking of trying to make one of my own but I have no clue where to start.

 

Thanks Meg?

Its not too difficult to learn how to bookbind.

Its the practice part that ensures desired results.

There's some earlier posts in this thread referring to internet websites teaching how to do the coptic stitch.

There's also mention of Keith Smith's books which are excellent reference sources.

I learnt (and am still learning) from both and from others here...

 

Rgds

Edited July 17, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

Namecard Slot

 

Trying out a new feature in the rear pocket.

 

Its a namecard (calling card) slot incorporated into the rear pocket.

 

Namecard inserted.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Namecard%20slot/DSCF5888.jpg

 

It can take a credit card too.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Namecard%20slot/DSCF5889.jpg

 

Bcos of the way the pocket is designed, the cards do not show on the inside of the pocket.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Namecard%20slot/DSCF5894.jpg

 

The adjustable "anti-drop out" flap works to keep everything inside from falling out.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Namecard%20slot/DSCF5892.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Namecard%20slot/DSCF5893.jpg

 

Of course, its not meant to carry many cards. Just a few for that occasion when its unexpectedly needed.

 

 

 

 

Edited July 19, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

as promised, 5th batch offered for sale here ...

 

Tks for looking ...

Edited July 22, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

This is part of the 'Ubud' series of journals.

 

I bought these 3 batik fabrics from Ubud.

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF5988.jpg

 

 

This is Journal #64 "Blue Batik-Ubud"

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2064%20Blue%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6019.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2064%20Blue%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6026.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2064%20Blue%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6025.jpg

 

I chose grey paper to match the beautiful covers.

 

And it contains the namecard slot as a newly added feature.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Namecard%20slot/DSCF5893.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Namecard%20slot/DSCF5894.jpg

 

 

 

 

[TMLee]

This is Journal #65 "Red Batik-Ubud"

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6030.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6034.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6042.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6043.jpg

 

I chose a red ribbon pagemarker to match the fabric.

 

I also chose a cream flyleaf to match the colours on the fabric too.

 

 

The fabric has a trimming pattern near one edge.

Bcos of the yardage bought, the trim is found only on the short edge.

Clothes are commonly seen with such trimmings on their lower edges such as shirts and sarongs.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF5988.jpg

 

 

The trim pattern is very nice. And I aim to incorporate it in larger A5 sized journals since its in such short supply.

I plan to only have the front covers with the trimming. The rear cover remains 'plain'.

Probably look like this ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF5992.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF5993.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF5991.jpg

 

 

 

Edited July 25, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

This is #65A (A5) "Red Batik-Ubud" which I am currently working on.

 

Only covers completed ...

It looks promising ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6047.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6048.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6046.jpg

 

I chose white for the corner bands.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6045.jpg

 

I am wondering what color flyleaves and whether to use Brown cords or Natural cords or both as in a 2-tone stitch...

:hmm1:

 

 

 

[gabby13]

I'd say both as a two tone...but you are the master... :clap1:

[TMLee]

I'd say both as a two tone...but you are the master... :clap1:

 

This journal is interesting bcos of the myriad of hues on the fabric print.

Bcos of the white corner bands, I am now thinking of :

- fully white stitches with white or red ribbon ; or

- white/dk brown 2-tone stitches with white or dk brown ribbon

- fully dark brown stitches with dk bwn ribbon.

 

I have settled on red flyleaves which have been mounted on the covers already.

 

either way, I think it will be handsome. (pretty?)

 

you need a nice FP to accessorize with it ...

No ... Wait, just wear a Batik sarong of similar design ! :roflmho:

Edited July 29, 2009 by TMLee

[SamToasty]

That's a good idea. I just finished up a collage I did for my grandson. I made it out of cardboard and duct tape I had laying around. Not quite what I had intended, but he loves it - has all of his baseball stuff on it.

[TMLee]

That's a good idea. I just finished up a collage I did for my grandson. I made it out of cardboard and duct tape I had laying around. Not quite what I had intended, but he loves it - has all of his baseball stuff on it.

 

:hmm1:

 

 

 

[TMLee]

This is the "#65A (A5) "Red Batik-Ubud" completed ...

 

Front

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6056.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6057.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6058.jpg

 

The Rear without the trim pattern ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6067.jpg

 

I chose a 2-tone stitch using a white/dk brown combo to match the white elastic bands.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6059.jpg

 

In effect , it looks like this ... when the bands are deployed.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6062.jpg

 

Full spread ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6063.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6064.jpg

 

A closer look at the stitches ...

The dark and light stitches alternate. The dark cords work with the dark ribbon as termination at both extreme ends of the spine.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6065.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6060.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6061.jpg

 

The red flyleaves with adjustable "anti drop-out " flap ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6066.jpg

 

The ink testpage and Colophon ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6069.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2065A%20A5%20Red%20Batik%20Ubud/DSCF6068.jpg

 

7 signatures. 112 pages.

Paper is NATURALIS Vanilla White (Smooth) 135gsm.

 

Hope the Owner likes it ...

Edited July 30, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

This is Journal #66 "Pots & Pans" - Recipe Journal

 

A journal for recipes, much like #17 "Rata" made some time ago.

 

The journal is tall and slim.

Its height is equal to the short side of an A4 size paper.

Its width is the resultant of cutting away the height of an A7 dimension from an A4 size.

When folded into a folio, the end result is a very pleasing proportion, testament to the remarkable proportions of the A series of paper sizes - a very well thought out paper size.

 

Its not unlike a chequebook holder kind of proportion.

 

The pots and pans motif was good material for a recipe journal.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2066%20Pots%20and%20Pans/DSCF6087.jpg

 

In revisiting the making of a recipe journal, I gave added consideration to its practical use like ensuring it stays open whilst cooking. And more importantly how to keep pages open and stay open at that page whilst cooking.

Unfortunately, the paper cover is not as washable or wipe-able as the leather covers on "Rata".

I guess there's a limit to everything.

 

The Front

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2066%20Pots%20and%20Pans/DSCF6070.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2066%20Pots%20and%20Pans/DSCF6077.jpg

 

Full spread

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2066%20Pots%20and%20Pans/DSCF6076.jpg

 

I chose white stitches to go with the white paper and white corner bands.

The ribbon was also chosen to be white. Red will probably do fine too.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2066%20Pots%20and%20Pans/DSCF6073.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2066%20Pots%20and%20Pans/DSCF6075.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2066%20Pots%20and%20Pans/DSCF6080.jpg

 

I chose grass green for the flyleaves.

The anti drop-out flap is added as standard.

A namecard slot is also added as a new feature.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2066%20Pots%20and%20Pans/DSCF6078.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2066%20Pots%20and%20Pans/DSCF6079.jpg

 

This is the front flyleaf which could be improved.

The next variant should see a pocket incorporated on the front cover as well just to hide the bulges seen here...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2066%20Pots%20and%20Pans/DSCF6090.jpg

 

The ink testpage and colophon ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2066%20Pots%20and%20Pans/DSCF6082.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2066%20Pots%20and%20Pans/DSCF6081.jpg

 

To make pages stay put. the corner bands are placed at opposite corners and on opposite covers like so ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2066%20Pots%20and%20Pans/DSCF6084.jpg

 

Front with band deployed.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2066%20Pots%20and%20Pans/DSCF6085.jpg

 

and rear with band deployed

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2066%20Pots%20and%20Pans/DSCF6086.jpg

 

By doing so, you can turn to the respective page and make that page stay open no matter what , by deploying the bands like so ...

The pages will not flip even if there's a draught ....

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2066%20Pots%20and%20Pans/DSCF6089.jpg

 

7 signatures, 112 pages

Paper is NATURALIS Soft White Smooth 120gsm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TMLee]

Journal #66 "Pots and Pans" being offered for sale here ...

 

tks for looking ...

 

 

 

[TMLee]

This is Journal #67 "Ideas" A6 size

 

A pattern formed of light bulbs.

(Nope .. it won't look half as good if it was the energy saving kind ..... )

 

The bulbs are also embossed on the paper so its a little bit raised and has a sort of gloss laminate film over it.

 

A nice journal for ideas ... yeah , a bit corny ...

 

Front with and without the band deployed...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2067%20Ideas/DSCF6101.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2067%20Ideas/DSCF6102.jpg

 

Rear

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2067%20Ideas/DSCF6103.jpg

 

Full spread

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2067%20Ideas/DSCF6108.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2067%20Ideas/DSCF6109.jpg

 

I chose grey paper to match the grey of the light bulb stems.

White stitches to complement the white band.

And the red ribbon to match the red of the bulb background.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2067%20Ideas/DSCF6110.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2067%20Ideas/DSCF6111.jpg

 

The golden yellow matches the yellow of the light bulbs.

Here shown with the adjustable anti "drop-out" flap , and

it comes with the new namecard slot feature ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2067%20Ideas/DSCF6104.jpg

 

The ink testpage and colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2067%20Ideas/DSCF6107.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2067%20Ideas/DSCF6105.jpg

 

7 signatures, 112 pages.

Writing paper is NACHI light grey 124gsm

 

 

[ismellarat]

These are the most spectacular journals that I have ever set eyes on. I am broke as it is, but in the event I was able to get an afterschool job (off the books at a family friend's shake shop, too young for a proper one right now) do you do custom jobs? Specifically, custom covers and custom elastic?

 

Also, if you got a book published (or just spiral bound for like $4.95 at kinkos, excluding print costs) on very detailed, step by step instructions with good pictures, on how to make these beautiful journals I, and I'm sure others, would be willing to purchase to, not only support a fellow fountain pen enthusiast, but to also learn a great trade from a master.

 

For the record, I think that ideas journal should go with a yellow safari, just saying

[TMLee]

These are the most spectacular journals that I have ever set eyes on. I am broke as it is, but in the event I was able to get an afterschool job (off the books at a family friend's shake shop, too young for a proper one right now) do you do custom jobs? Specifically, custom covers and custom elastic?

 

Dear ismellarat ...

Tks for your kind words ...

On custom jobs, I am not sure I know what you are referring to.

If its coming up with some themes, yes I have done so with others here before. Its just a matter of findng a journal with a cover that you'll be happy with.

Custom elastic - may be a little difficult, I only have these few that I regularly use, only bcos they offer better elasticity over the common lycra types you see. (there's more rubber in the kind I use.) If you mean a different kind of closure method, well thats a bit more challenging bcos I don't know what other methods will work and work neatly. You might have a good idea there.

You can contact me backchannel to discuss further and we can work something out.

 

Also, if you got a book published (or just spiral bound for like $4.95 at kinkos, excluding print costs) on very detailed, step by step instructions with good pictures, on how to make these beautiful journals I, and I'm sure others, would be willing to purchase to, not only support a fellow fountain pen enthusiast, but to also learn a great trade from a master.

 

Haha ... I am no master.

I have been making notes and observations but only in a personal way. Sort of like a log of ideas, and explanations on what works and what doesn't and more importantly - why .

I guess , subconsciously, I am leaving behind a record for anyone? who is equally interested (frustrated) in finding journals that work.

If I ever gonna make a book , it will likely be a 100% handdrawn / handwritten book - all in the name of the beauty and nostalgia of the handwritten form.

Actually, you can glean much tips and techniques from this thread here. I know its very long, but if you are patient , you will understand why I do what I do. As mentioned a few times before, its a journey of sorts. I guess the uniqueness here is that I have chosen to share my journey here, complete with unsuccessful attempts and more importantly, learning from mistakes which is not commonly explained in instructional books.

Lastly, there's no faster way to learn than to actually try it out yourself. Once that starts , the learning curve doesn't remain so steep anymore.

 

 

For the record, I think that ideas journal should go with a yellow safari, just saying

 

.... or red for that matter ...

 

cheers ....