... homemade journal ...

[ismellarat]

Red would be good too this weekend I finished a small journal. I Coptic stitched it with dental floss and made the whole journal out of stuff I already had. The only thing that I didn't have that I would have liked to have is grey board. For the substitution I used a box cutter to extract the inside of an old binder.

 

I don't have pictures right now but it's nothing to look at. The flyleaves are bright yellow, the cover is a tealish color, and the corners of the cover are yellow.

 

The only thing I didn't understand was how to sew the cover on. I ended up just gluing to the flyleaves.

 

I don't know if it would be too much of a hassel but would you consider making a video and posting on YouTube of sewing the front and back covers on? I am a very visual person and the only way I finally figured out the Coptic stitch method was through a YouTube video.

 

I would greatly appreciate it.

[ismellarat]

Ooooooh! That's the one thing you haven't done for a cover, duct tape! I think it would look fantastic! You could just overlap the edges just a little bit and then it wouldn't be too thick to cover on the inside with the flyleaves.

[txinsk]

TMLee,

 

What kind and size of thread are you using for your exposed spine notebooks.

 

I recently did my first trial. I printed out an answer key pdf in signatures, used cardstock as a (soft)cover and then did a coptic stitch binding with heavy duty thread. The results are functional but not great. I can see I did a good job of regular binding but its not tight enough. I know I need to get some other things for better materials, but thread has options and I want to know what your using.

 

Thanks,

Rick

[TMLee]

The only thing I didn't understand was how to sew the cover on. I ended up just gluing to the flyleaves.

 

Dear ismellarat,

Is your journal a caseback design ie hardcover , ie 3-board design?

If it is, then yes you are not wrong to glue it on , via the flyleaves.

 

The Coptic stitch you used - was it a single needle method ?

 

If its an exposed spine design, and a single needle method, you can take a look at my previous "Green Vines" journal #29. The covers can either be fully glued to the flyleaf or only along the spine where they come into contact. I have settled on this for all my later journals. The glue does not make the journal stronger. It just seals up the gaps between covers, signatures, flyleaves ...

 

I normally use dental floss for caseback designs where they can't be seen and mainly bcos they don't add thickness to the bookblock. It also comes in handy when you are stranded on an island , and you need to floss...

 

I don't know if it would be too much of a hassel but would you consider making a video and posting on YouTube of sewing the front and back covers on?

 

YouTube ? haha ... I am afraid not... I haven't figure out how to do it .... Perhaps one day.

Or conversely, have you checked YouTube? there may be some tutorials there already existing .... ?

 

Its not difficult to stitch the covers on. You'll figure out in no time.

When you exit a sewing station on the signature, just bring out the thread into the cover hole prepared beforehand.

Go round the cover as many times as you want for aesthetic effect.

When you have finished this step, you are now ready to re-enter the signature.

But .....

Before you re-enter that SAME station on the signature, remember to lock the stitch. This is a common mistake.

Enter the signature and proceed to the next station as you would normally do.

You will then exit that other station and sew into the covers at that station in the same way.

 

Yah, its hard to describe in words.....

Try to get hold of Keith Smith's books. It'll help much.

 

rgds

Edited August 13, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

Ooooooh! That's the one thing you haven't done for a cover, duct tape! I think it would look fantastic! You could just overlap the edges just a little bit and then it wouldn't be too thick to cover on the inside with the flyleaves.

 

 

Duct tape ... errr r ....

I don't like duct tape. Its not refined enough , aesthetically speaking of course.

Bcos of what it is, it will make your journal look hastily put togetehr ...

My opinion only of course.... no offense...

[TMLee]

TMLee,

 

What kind and size of thread are you using for your exposed spine notebooks.

 

I recently did my first trial. I printed out an answer key pdf in signatures, used cardstock as a (soft)cover and then did a coptic stitch binding with heavy duty thread. The results are functional but not great. I can see I did a good job of regular binding but its not tight enough. I know I need to get some other things for better materials, but thread has options and I want to know what your using.

 

Thanks,

Rick

 

Dear Rick,

Try linen thread - waxed.

Use heavy gauge thread but only for effect like in my exposed spine journals.

I use dental floss for my cased-in designs to keep the bookblock from suffering from bulk .

 

I use heavy waxed cords, not unlike those for repairing shoes or repairing rustic leather handbags etc.

My cords are 1mm wide.

0.8mm is ideal.

1.2mm wide is excessive.

I have a whole boxful of unsuitable threads. Finding the right one was a long struggle for me.

 

You shld be able to get them where you live, look in stores dealing with outdoor stuff ? Repairing tarpaulins, tents, sails ?

 

I can't even get linen thread here !!!!!

 

The one I use is flat in cross section , not round.

This helps a lot bcos I can clamp the book overnight and flatten the whole book. the flat cords get flattened and don't cause the papers to suffer from imprints.

 

Waxed cords make it easier to pull thru.

They also stay straight and don't tangle and twine easily. Very helpful for working without distractions and frustrations from 'disobedient' cords.

[txinsk]

TMLee,

 

What kind and size of thread are you using for your exposed spine notebooks.

 

I recently did my first trial. I printed out an answer key pdf in signatures, used cardstock as a (soft)cover and then did a coptic stitch binding with heavy duty thread. The results are functional but not great. I can see I did a good job of regular binding but its not tight enough. I know I need to get some other things for better materials, but thread has options and I want to know what your using.

 

Thanks,

Rick

 

Dear Rick,

Try linen thread - waxed.

Use heavy gauge thread but only for effect like in my exposed spine journals.

I use dental floss for my cased-in designs to keep the bookblock from suffering from bulk .

 

I use heavy waxed cords, not unlike those for repairing shoes or repairing rustic leather handbags etc.

My cords are 1mm wide.

0.8mm is ideal.

1.2mm wide is excessive.

I have a whole boxful of unsuitable threads. Finding the right one was a long struggle for me.

 

You shld be able to get them where you live, look in stores dealing with outdoor stuff ? Repairing tarpaulins, tents, sails ?

 

I can't even get linen thread here !!!!!

 

The one I use is flat in cross section , not round.

This helps a lot bcos I can clamp the book overnight and flatten the whole book. the flat cords get flattened and don't cause the papers to suffer from imprints.

 

Waxed cords make it easier to pull thru.

They also stay straight and don't tangle and twine easily. Very helpful for working without distractions and frustrations from 'disobedient' cords.

 

Thanks for the great answer. The thread I used looks to be about .4mm. It looks a little funny for the coptic stitch but I can clearly see that I did not make any sewing mistakes. I have more shopping to do. Thanks for the pointers.

 

Rick

[Copperbee]

HI Guys

A really good book on book binding is "bookbinding a manual of technigues by pamela richmond" she cover most of the basic styles of bookbinding but more importantly covers repairs book and paper. finishing ie good embossing but also go examples of the tools used both purchased and home made. has some great pitures of the equiment used which is very illuminating. it also says that for pressing boards you can go to your local wood merchant and ask for 3/8-5/8 plywood, and then get them cut to size for you. she advises to get them in pairs at least two pairs of sizes 12x18in(30x45cm), 9x12in(22.5x30cm), 9x6in (22.5x15cm). .. see if you libary has it as it seems to be discountiuned .

also check out website

 

www.bookbinding.co.uk

 

its near holbon tube station and Ive seen them do leather scraps for so much per weight. its also quite inerestiong as they cover everyting you might need and have some good links too]

www.societyofbookbinders.com

 

 

 

 

 

Lorna

[TMLee]

This is Journal #71 "Showers of Blessings" (A5 size) - my new favourite

 

Found this beautiful wrapping paper. Thought it would make a great cover. And I am happy with the way it turned out.

 

Front with and without the bands deployed...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2071%20Showers%20of%20Blessings/DSCF6222.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2071%20Showers%20of%20Blessings/DSCF6229.jpg

 

Back

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2071%20Showers%20of%20Blessings/DSCF6230.jpg

 

I liked the illustrations best ... they are just so nice ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2071%20Showers%20of%20Blessings/DSCF6226.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2071%20Showers%20of%20Blessings/DSCF6228.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2071%20Showers%20of%20Blessings/DSCF6227.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2071%20Showers%20of%20Blessings/DSCF6225.jpg

 

Full spread

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2071%20Showers%20of%20Blessings/DSCF6234.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2071%20Showers%20of%20Blessings/DSCF6237.jpg

 

The characters in the queue are very nicely done....

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2071%20Showers%20of%20Blessings/DSCF6238.jpg

 

I chose grey for the flyleaves

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2071%20Showers%20of%20Blessings/DSCF6233.jpg

 

and white for the stitches to complement the white elastic bands

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2071%20Showers%20of%20Blessings/DSCF6231.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2071%20Showers%20of%20Blessings/DSCF6232.jpg

 

the ink testpage and colophon ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2071%20Showers%20of%20Blessings/DSCF6240.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2071%20Showers%20of%20Blessings/DSCF6241.jpg

 

7 signatures , 112 pages

paper is 135gsm, Vanilla white smooth

Edited August 15, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

A trio of journals covered with SAIFU bookcloth .

Its said to be higher quality bookcloth.

Its certainly finer and thinner.

And the hues are very pleasant.

 

 

 

Journal #68 "Brown" Saifu Bookcloth

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2068%20Brown%20Saifu%20Bookcloth/DSCF6192.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2068%20Brown%20Saifu%20Bookcloth/DSCF6196.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journal #69 "Olive Drab" Saifu Bookcloth

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2069%20Olive%20Drab%20Saifu%20Bookcloth/DSCF6245.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2069%20Olive%20Drab%20Saifu%20Bookcloth/DSCF6251.jpg

 

In this one , I am trying out something new.

The middle signature is grey paper. For ocassions when you want some color code to categorize your notes.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2069%20Olive%20Drab%20Saifu%20Bookcloth/DSCF6247.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2069%20Olive%20Drab%20Saifu%20Bookcloth/DSCF6252.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journal #70 "Salmon" Saifu Bookcloth

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2070%20Salmon%20Saifu%20Bookcloth/DSCF6275.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2070%20Salmon%20Saifu%20Bookcloth/DSCF6286.jpg

 

The middle signature here is also light grey paper.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2070%20Salmon%20Saifu%20Bookcloth/DSCF6284.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2070%20Salmon%20Saifu%20Bookcloth/DSCF6287.jpg

 

All have 7 signatures, 112 pages.

Writing paper is NATURALIS Vanilla White Smooth 135gsm, and

NACHI Light Grey , 124gsm.

Namecard slots.

Edited August 18, 2009 by TMLee

[ismellarat]

The only thing I didn't understand was how to sew the cover on. I ended up just gluing to the flyleaves.

 

Dear ismellarat,

Is your journal a caseback design ie hardcover , ie 3-board design?

If it is, then yes you are not wrong to glue it on , via the flyleaves.

 

//No, It is an exposed spine book.

The Coptic stitch you used - was it a single needle method ?

 

//Yes it was. There was a kettle stitch between each sewing station.

 

If its an exposed spine design, and a single needle method, you can take a look at my previous "Green Vines" journal #29. The covers can either be fully glued to the flyleaf or only along the spine where they come into contact. I have settled on this for all my later journals. The glue does not make the journal stronger. It just seals up the gaps between covers, signatures, flyleaves ...

 

//I will look at that in a moment. The way I did it, since I had NO idea on how to stitch the cover on, I sewed the bookblock together, with a piece of colored paper at the beginning and end that were folded in half and sewn in like another signature. Then, I took the flyleaf (the colored paper) and glued it to the cover. This means that the only thing holding the cover to the book is the flyleaf, no stitching.

 

I normally use dental floss for caseback designs where they can't be seen and mainly bcos they don't add thickness to the bookblock. It also comes in handy when you are stranded on an island , and you need to floss...

 

I don't know if it would be too much of a hassel but would you consider making a video and posting on YouTube of sewing the front and back covers on?

 

YouTube ? haha ... I am afraid not... I haven't figure out how to do it .... Perhaps one day.

Or conversely, have you checked YouTube? there may be some tutorials there already existing .... ?

 

//I did and that is how I figured out the stitch itself. The only tutorial with the hardcover I can not figure out. I will watch it a few more times and try again.

 

Its not difficult to stitch the covers on. You'll figure out in no time.

When you exit a sewing station on the signature, just bring out the thread into the cover hole prepared beforehand.

Go round the cover as many times as you want for aesthetic effect.

When you have finished this step, you are now ready to re-enter the signature.

But .....

Before you re-enter that SAME station on the signature, remember to lock the stitch. This is a common mistake.

Enter the signature and proceed to the next station as you would normally do.

You will then exit that other station and sew into the covers at that station in the same way.

 

//Thanks I will work on it

 

Yah, its hard to describe in words.....

Try to get hold of Keith Smith's books. It'll help much.

 

rgds

Thanks!

[LDB415]

Do you do any A4? Do you do any with lined paper?

[TMLee]

Dear ismellarat,

best wishes ... I am sure you'll do just fine.

Just be a little patient and experiment.

:-)

rgds

[TMLee]

Do you do any A4? Do you do any with lined paper?

 

dear LDB415,

I have never done an A4 size journal before.

I don't think I can manage. It's too big.

 

I don't have lined paper. So that's why I have not done any journals with lined paper.

The exception was one time when I used Rhodia Pad paper in one of my journals.

 

I am now working on a commission using expensive Crane paper. It's plain too.

Rgds

[ismellarat]

Dear ismellarat,

best wishes ... I am sure you'll do just fine.

Just be a little patient and experiment.

:-)

rgds

I think that I will work on it.... I need to get some materials though. I cannibalized a binder for the substitute grey board.

[TMLee]

I think that I will work on it.... I need to get some materials though. I cannibalized a binder for the substitute grey board.

 

 

you shld be able to buy greyboards or strawboards(as they call it), at an art store near you.

Edited August 18, 2009 by TMLee

[ismellarat]

Really? Okay, I will look at Michael's and Hobby Lobby.

[TMLee]

This is Journal #72 "Dark Tan" Lambskin

 

As mentioned, I finally found the time to revisit making leather journals.

 

This leather is lambskin and soft and nearing bookleather thinness but not.

I wish it were thinner. Its about 0.6 to 0.8mm thick.

 

This time I decided to not cut the corner folds to try and achieve a more professional looking folded-in corner.

 

I skived the leather manually at the corners to make them even thinner - as thin as my confidence allowed.(not thin enuf :embarrassed_smile: )

 

I proceeded to fold in the corners without making any cuts. A series of small folds were made.

They were clamped flat overnight to flatten them as much as possible.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2072%20Dark%20Tan%20Lambskin/DSCF6357.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2072%20Dark%20Tan%20Lambskin/DSCF6363.jpghttp://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2072%20Dark%20Tan%20Lambskin/DSCF6365.jpg

 

After folding in , I decided to add a thin filler board to achieve a flush finish when the flyleaves are installed.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2072%20Dark%20Tan%20Lambskin/DSCF6358.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2072%20Dark%20Tan%20Lambskin/DSCF6359.jpg

 

Here you can see the fillerboard in place

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2072%20Dark%20Tan%20Lambskin/DSCF6360.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2072%20Dark%20Tan%20Lambskin/DSCF6362.jpg

 

The completed covers

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2072%20Dark%20Tan%20Lambskin/DSCF6361.jpg

 

cont'd / ....

[TMLee]

... cont'd/ ... Journal #72 Dark Tan Lambskin

 

The Front

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2072%20Dark%20Tan%20Lambskin/DSCF6384.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2072%20Dark%20Tan%20Lambskin/DSCF6386.jpg

 

I chose an all brown scheme

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2072%20Dark%20Tan%20Lambskin/DSCF6398.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2072%20Dark%20Tan%20Lambskin/DSCF6400.jpg

 

Brown stitches and matching ribbon pagemarker

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2072%20Dark%20Tan%20Lambskin/DSCF6389.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2072%20Dark%20Tan%20Lambskin/DSCF6390.jpg

 

The front flyleaf

I decided on non-plain flyleaves for this leather series of journals.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2072%20Dark%20Tan%20Lambskin/DSCF6394.jpg

 

The Rear Flyleaf and "anti drop-out" flap

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2072%20Dark%20Tan%20Lambskin/DSCF6393.jpg

 

I have made improvements to the namecard slot. It is now a slot instead of a slit previously.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2072%20Dark%20Tan%20Lambskin/DSCF6392.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2072%20Dark%20Tan%20Lambskin/DSCF6391.jpg

 

The ink testpage and colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2072%20Dark%20Tan%20Lambskin/DSCF6395.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2072%20Dark%20Tan%20Lambskin/DSCF6396.jpg

 

7 signatures , 4 folios each , 112 pages total.

Paper is NATURALIS Vanilla White Smooth 135gsm.

[TMLee]

This is Journal #88A "Wedgwood Blue Flowers" - one in a set containing 3 journals, made on commission which also called for Crane's paper to be used as the writing paper in the bookblock.

The completed set will have a near A5 size + this near A6 size and the mini near A7 size.

 

The Crane paper came in a box of 50 sheets.

It was Azure Blue and 100%cotton fibre. Kid finish.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2088A%20Wedgwood%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF6350.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2088A%20Wedgwood%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF6356.jpg

 

Every sheet was watermarked

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2088A%20Wedgwood%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF6373.jpg

 

After a few searches for an appropriate cover design, I settled on this print. It was a print of flowers in bloom something like it was sketched. The colour of the graphics were a greyish blue, or more accurately - Wedgwood Blue.

I realized the blue of this print complemented the Crane's Azure Blue writing paper perfectly.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2088A%20Wedgwood%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF6341.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2088A%20Wedgwood%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF6345.jpg

 

The print was not multi-directional. This meant that I had to pick the most attractive parts to be used on the covers. This also meant wastage inevitably , something I don't like ....

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2088A%20Wedgwood%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF6343.jpg

 

 

Crane paper only came in US Letter size. That meant that the journals' dimensions were a little different from the ISO 'A' paper sizes. These journals in letter sizes end up a little bit more squarish in proportions.

The Letter sized paper also meant that I had to source for larger , non-A4 pieces of paper to make the flyleaves.

I found a nice terracotta coloured paper that contrasted well with the pastel blue shades.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2088A%20Wedgwood%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF6375.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2088A%20Wedgwood%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF6412.jpg

 

the rear flyleaves with the anti drop-out flap

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2088A%20Wedgwood%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF6410.jpg

 

The namecard slot is now a regular feature in my A6 sized journals.

Recently i have made improvements, cutting a slot (instead of a slit) which facilitated easier use.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2088A%20Wedgwood%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF6409.jpg

 

... cont'd / - ...

Edited August 27, 2009 by TMLee