... homemade journal ...

[TMLee]

This is Journal #122A (A5 size) GEMATEX - Dark Purple

 

This is the A5 big version ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20122%20GEMATEX%20Dark%20Purple/Journal%20122A%20A5%20GEMATEX%20-%20Dark%20Purple/DSCF5301.jpg

 

Full spread

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20122%20GEMATEX%20Dark%20Purple/Journal%20122A%20A5%20GEMATEX%20-%20Dark%20Purple/DSCF5312.jpg

 

This one uses a rust orange waxed linen thread ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20122%20GEMATEX%20Dark%20Purple/Journal%20122A%20A5%20GEMATEX%20-%20Dark%20Purple/DSCF5304.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20122%20GEMATEX%20Dark%20Purple/Journal%20122A%20A5%20GEMATEX%20-%20Dark%20Purple/DSCF5305.jpg

 

and the matching orange ribbon as well ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20122%20GEMATEX%20Dark%20Purple/Journal%20122A%20A5%20GEMATEX%20-%20Dark%20Purple/DSCF5306.jpg

 

The matching flyleaves

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20122%20GEMATEX%20Dark%20Purple/Journal%20122A%20A5%20GEMATEX%20-%20Dark%20Purple/DSCF5309.jpg

 

 

The inktestpage and Colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20122%20GEMATEX%20Dark%20Purple/Journal%20122A%20A5%20GEMATEX%20-%20Dark%20Purple/DSCF5308.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20122%20GEMATEX%20Dark%20Purple/Journal%20122A%20A5%20GEMATEX%20-%20Dark%20Purple/DSCF5316.jpg

 

Paper is

NATURALIS Vanilla White SMOOTH 135gsm

[TMLee]

This is Journal #56 (A5L) "White on White on White"

 

The covers were completed a long time ago in May 2009.

I chanced upon a store selling this handmade paper from India - replete with all its handmade 'flaws'.

I decided to buy it without knowing what will become of it.

I just felt instinctively that it had good potential to adorn a journal cover.

 

It was after making the covers that I thought it was most suited to become a wedding guestbook.

The thing unresolved about this journal was how to incorporate ribbons into the journal.

i had in mind to have ribbons (white) somehow incorporated into the covers that would then become the ribbon closure when stowed away.

 

And now 2 years later , its done albeit embarrassingly, the ribbon closure remains un-attempted.

 

It was only this year that this couple came to know about this bookbinding hobby of mine and requested that I craft one such guestbook. I was more than happy becos I had this #56 just waiting to realize its 'destiny'.

 

I am amazed at the coincidence of the theme of the wedding which matched this journal cover most appropriately. It was a garden theme. lots of foliage , flowers etc.

I was particularly amazed that this journal had a similar theme of punched out leaves adorning its covers. Truly a marriage made in heaven !

 

Anyway,

the Front, pictured with an OMAS 360 Wild for scale.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%2056%20A5L%20White%20on%20White/DSCF5521.jpg

 

Rear

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%2056%20A5L%20White%20on%20White/DSCF5522.jpg

 

Full spread

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%2056%20A5L%20White%20on%20White/DSCF5534.jpg

 

Because the paper was fully handmade, it varied not only in its thickness throughout the entire sheet, but also in the motifs along the length of the paper.

The white and gold threads were stitched into the paper and again, becos it was handmade, it tended to be wavy at some parts.

Such 'imperfections' only add to its handmade charm.

 

I decided to cut one whole length to form the covers front and rear in one unbroken stretch.

Here you see the covers aligned carefully to catch the foliage top and bottom and the central stitches all lined up, because it will determine or affect the stitches that come next.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%2056%20A5L%20White%20on%20White/DSCF5538.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%2056%20A5L%20White%20on%20White/DSCF5539.jpg

 

The next challenge was how to incorporate the stitches in such a manner that would not destroy the patterns of the leaves motif.

I decided to plant the sewing stations just outside the edges of the motifs.

Its rather close to the book edge, the closest I have done, but its still workable.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%2056%20A5L%20White%20on%20White/DSCF5532.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%2056%20A5L%20White%20on%20White/DSCF5531.jpg

 

The completed stitches.

The centre pair is slightly wider than the edge pairs of sewing stations.

This is to spread the stations apart in an interval that would help keep the book from 'wobbling' as much as possible.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%2056%20A5L%20White%20on%20White/DSCF5535.jpg

 

another view

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%2056%20A5L%20White%20on%20White/DSCF5537.jpg

 

The stitches were of course - white ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%2056%20A5L%20White%20on%20White/DSCF5524.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%2056%20A5L%20White%20on%20White/DSCF5526.jpg

 

The flyleaves were selected in keeping with the white theme.

Appropriately, it had the fibres in silver embedded within the paper.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%2056%20A5L%20White%20on%20White/DSCF5530.jpg

 

I decided to create a pocket and this time I made the namecard slot and positioned it dead centre

The matching 'anti drop-out flap' is standard whenever there is a pocket.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%2056%20A5L%20White%20on%20White/DSCF5542.jpg

 

The Colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%2056%20A5L%20White%20on%20White/DSCF5540.jpg

 

This time there is no inktestpage.

 

Paper is NATURALIS Soft White Matte , 135gsm

112 writing pages.

The last I looked, the guestbook was pretty well filled up. Which was what I had hoped for.

 

This is a nice one.

It has earned its place amongst my favourites.

Edited May 23, 2011 by TMLee

[pen2paper]

TM This is Stunning!

Would be Perfect as a wedding, or wedding shower gift, or graduation, baby shower gift.

 

Young women at the turn of the last century had similar books, in which the details of their pre-wedding "tin shower" were recorded, friends and family signed best wishes, gifts were listed, with gift cards inserted by ribbons, or in pocket, Just as you have included there! : ) I have one of these gems from that period, utterly charming!

Just now realized those are silver fibers in the paper.. in the US 25th Silver Wedding Anniversay gift!

Lovely, as always!

 

 

[TMLee]

TM This is Stunning!

Would be Perfect as a wedding, or wedding shower gift, or graduation, baby shower gift.

 

Young women at the turn of the last century had similar books, in which the details of their pre-wedding "tin shower" were recorded, friends and family signed best wishes, gifts were listed, with gift cards inserted by ribbons, or in pocket, Just as you have included there! : ) I have one of these gems from that period, utterly charming!

Just now realized those are silver fibers in the paper.. in the US 25th Silver Wedding Anniversay gift!

Lovely, as always!

 

Thanks 'pen2paper',

I didn't know they have such a long history...

I would be interested to see what yours looks like

[TMLee]

This is Journal #135A "Deep Saffron Flowers"

 

In this journal, I tried a contrasting approach in terms of the hues involved.

I picked a strong blue for the flyleaves to match the matching blue stitches as well.

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20135%20Deep%20Saffron%20Flowers/Journal%20135A%20Deep%20Saffron%20Flowers/DSCF5464.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20135%20Deep%20Saffron%20Flowers/Journal%20135A%20Deep%20Saffron%20Flowers/DSCF5473.jpg

 

The waxed linen stitches , #18 gauge, 4-ply, Williamsburg Blue.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20135%20Deep%20Saffron%20Flowers/Journal%20135A%20Deep%20Saffron%20Flowers/DSCF5468.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20135%20Deep%20Saffron%20Flowers/Journal%20135A%20Deep%20Saffron%20Flowers/DSCF5467.jpg

 

 

Full spread

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20135%20Deep%20Saffron%20Flowers/Journal%20135A%20Deep%20Saffron%20Flowers/DSCF5470.jpg

 

Paper is NACHI Light Grey , Smooth, 124gsm.

[TMLee]

This is Journal 124C GEMATEX - Raw Umber

 

A variant , this time using a bright and cheery lime green to perk up the otherwise 'serious' Umber hue.

Pictured with a AURORA Green Auroloide <italic nib>

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20124%20GEMATEX%20Raw%20Umber/Journal%20124C%20GEMATEX%20-%20Raw%20Umber/DSCF5553.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20124%20GEMATEX%20Raw%20Umber/Journal%20124C%20GEMATEX%20-%20Raw%20Umber/DSCF5561.jpg

 

Sage coloured waxed linen thread

and

matching lime green ribbon pagemarker

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20124%20GEMATEX%20Raw%20Umber/Journal%20124C%20GEMATEX%20-%20Raw%20Umber/DSCF5559.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20124%20GEMATEX%20Raw%20Umber/Journal%20124C%20GEMATEX%20-%20Raw%20Umber/DSCF5560.jpg

 

Inktestpage and Colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20124%20GEMATEX%20Raw%20Umber/Journal%20124C%20GEMATEX%20-%20Raw%20Umber/DSCF5565.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20124%20GEMATEX%20Raw%20Umber/Journal%20124C%20GEMATEX%20-%20Raw%20Umber/DSCF5566.jpg

 

Fullspread

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20124%20GEMATEX%20Raw%20Umber/Journal%20124C%20GEMATEX%20-%20Raw%20Umber/DSCF5563.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20124%20GEMATEX%20Raw%20Umber/Journal%20124C%20GEMATEX%20-%20Raw%20Umber/DSCF5564.jpg

 

Paper is NACHI Light Grey Smooth, 124gsm

[Shaq]

Hi TMLee,

 

Have reached the end of this wonderful thread, and I want to congratulate on some stunning work! I've really enjoyed the evolution from your early attempts which were stunning, to the most recent attempts which are absolutely stonking!

 

Like many others that have read this thread, I too have been inspired to create my own, and I just wanted to ask what paper you were using for your flyleaves? In particular, I liked the textured flyleaves in Journal #122 - GEMATEX Dark Purple.

 

Many thanks, and keep up the great work!

 

Shaq

[fourseamer]

^^^ what he said. This is inspirational, TMLee. Fun thread to read, and you clearly have a knack for this. Well done!

[TMLee]

Hi TMLee,

 

Have reached the end of this wonderful thread, and I want to congratulate on some stunning work! I've really enjoyed the evolution from your early attempts which were stunning, to the most recent attempts which are absolutely stonking!

 

Like many others that have read this thread, I too have been inspired to create my own, and I just wanted to ask what paper you were using for your flyleaves? In particular, I liked the textured flyleaves in Journal #122 - GEMATEX Dark Purple.

 

Many thanks, and keep up the great work!

 

Shaq

 

Thanks Shaq and most of all , a very warm welcome to FPN

I use heavier paper for the flyleaves.

I try to select papers that are aesthetically pleasing and (in the more recent journals) something that can complement the covers/stitchcords/ribbon pagemarker.

Since I prefer plain solid colours, I select them for the particular shade and/or the texture of that paper itself.

The choice of the flyleaves can either make your journal look more 'classy' or the opposite.

 

The flyleaves in #122 is textured paper that is matte. That one is heavy at 170gsm.

You should be able to find them in art stores if they have a section selling assorted papers.

You can experiment with your own flyleaves, and perhaps use something that is really totally contrasting.

 

... And I know, the thread is getting super duper long ...

Thanks for your patience .....

Edited June 2, 2011 by TMLee

[TMLee]

^^^ what he said. This is inspirational, TMLee. Fun thread to read, and you clearly have a knack for this. Well done!

 

Thanks fourseamer,

And a very warm welcome to FPN too ....

[TMLee]

This is Journal #121 GEMATEX - Indian Red - the first in this GEMATEX bookcloth hue.

 

Again , in keeping with the concept of contrasting flyleaves.

I continued the use of the brightly coloured lime green ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20121%20GEMATEX%20-%20Indian%20Red/DSCF5661.jpg

 

The ribbon was selected to match the flyleaves

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20121%20GEMATEX%20-%20Indian%20Red/DSCF5667.jpg

 

I used the natural coloured heavy waxed cords becos I felt it didnt distract from the deep maroon...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20121%20GEMATEX%20-%20Indian%20Red/DSCF5670.jpg

 

Fullspread

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20121%20GEMATEX%20-%20Indian%20Red/DSCF5671.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20121%20GEMATEX%20-%20Indian%20Red/DSCF5672.jpg

 

Colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20121%20GEMATEX%20-%20Indian%20Red/DSCF5673.jpg

 

Paper is NACHI Light Grey 124gsm smooth

[Shaq]

 

Thanks Shaq and most of all , a very warm welcome to FPN

I use heavier paper for the flyleaves.

I try to select papers that are aesthetically pleasing and (in the more recent journals) something that can complement the covers/stitchcords/ribbon pagemarker.

Since I prefer plain solid colours, I select them for the particular shade and/or the texture of that paper itself.

The choice of the flyleaves can either make your journal look more 'classy' or the opposite.

 

The flyleaves in #122 is textured paper that is matte. That one is heavy at 170gsm.

You should be able to find them in art stores if they have a section selling assorted papers.

You can experiment with your own flyleaves, and perhaps use something that is really totally contrasting.

 

... And I know, the thread is getting super duper long ...

Thanks for your patience .....

 

Thank you for the welcome and the advice!

 

I am fortunate enough to be working only a short tube journey away from these guys http://www.bookbinding.co.uk/ and as soon as I can get some time out of work, I am planning on going there armed with my shopping list...

 

My first journals will be for my two boys - they are seven and eight, and I'm sure they will be able to help me... both of them really enjoy writing with my Esterbrook, and their own journals will only encourage them further. They'll also be more forgiving of any shortcomings!

 

I will then be making a work notebook which will be plain black cover, with Purple accents (flyleaves, thread and bookmark) - black and purple being the company colours.

 

Thanks again,

 

Shaq

[jniforat]

so, now that there is 26 pages, TMLee, do you have a way of telling us how you make all of this? I just found this page, and I want to make my own journals, too. I'd like to make something like this (with a folder in the back too), but I'm not sure how to go about and do this. suggestions?

[TMLee]

Thank you for the welcome and the advice!

 

I am fortunate enough to be working only a short tube journey away from these guys http://www.bookbinding.co.uk/ and as soon as I can get some time out of work, I am planning on going there armed with my shopping list...

 

My first journals will be for my two boys - they are seven and eight, and I'm sure they will be able to help me... both of them really enjoy writing with my Esterbrook, and their own journals will only encourage them further. They'll also be more forgiving of any shortcomings!

 

I will then be making a work notebook which will be plain black cover, with Purple accents (flyleaves, thread and bookmark) - black and purple being the company colours.

 

 

I am so envious of you - having a bookbindery there where you living. :clap1:

You will have ready access to proper material.

I am sure your boys will be delighted.

Edited June 3, 2011 by TMLee

[TMLee]

so, now that there is 26 pages, TMLee, do you have a way of telling us how you make all of this? I just found this page, and I want to make my own journals, too. I'd like to make something like this (with a folder in the back too), but I'm not sure how to go about and do this. suggestions?

 

 

Sorry 'jniforat' I think I have to disappoint you.

I dont have a threadpost that details all the stages of what I actually craft.

 

This threadpost sort of records my experience as I continue to experiment with various ideas as they evolve from time to time.

 

Interspersed in them posts are accounts of what works and what doesn't, purely from firsthand experience.

These , I feel are most valuable becos I try to describe why some techniques don't work , or the disadvantages encountered. Added to that, we have the input from our friendly community of FPNers, some of whom are better acquainted with bookbinding, and some are professionals at that.

 

I have also mentioned somewwhere in this thread that I learnt how to stitch first from the internet, then in more intricate methods from Keith Smith's books. (in particular, Vol 3 ) After that, I started experimenting with variations and such. You may wish to try your local library which I did.

Its been pretty much a trial and error endeavor for me and it all started with the frustration of not being able to find journals that work with FP ink, despite the amazing variety ! :bonk:

I wish I have some courses here so I can learn the proper techniques, especially how to work with leather which I am keenly interested in. (some more ideas awaiting execution )

 

Perhaps, you may want to whet your appetite by crafting some cahiers for yourself.

I posted a "How-to make your own cahier" some time back.

Its fun and it takes a very short time to produce one. Using tools you can find around the house.

You can do that with your 2 boys too .. a session of hobbycrafting ...

They can pick their favourite theme for their covers.

[TMLee]

I decided to glue the coverboard wetter than normal for two reasons :

- to prolong the glue drying time and

- i thought the fragile pieces would dislodge if I had brushed dryly as I usually do. (my usual gluing on the coverboards is at least twice or three times dryer than this. When the boards are too wet from too much glue like here or worse , it will create all sorts of problems in the subsequent stages)

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5091.jpg

 

The paper cover put into place

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5092.jpg

 

Sidelit view to show the relief ...

It was pretty dicey... the paper became very damp and seemed to threatened to give way or distort...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5095.jpg

 

About an hour later ...

still not too promising

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5097.jpg

 

A day after ...

somewhat better after a thorough drying out .....

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5100.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5101.jpg

 

The covers done

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5106.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5107.jpg

 

The Front flyleaf

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5108.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5109.jpg

 

 

I finally completed this journal.

Another addition to my white series of journals.

 

This is Journal #116A "Le Corbu- Ronchamp - embossed" A6 sized landscaped format.

 

Front with and without the band closure deployed

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5691.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5692.jpg

 

The back cover, bearing the floorplan - embossed

I decided to plant the emboss on the rear so that the elastic band won't interfere with it.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5693.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5700.jpg

 

 

An all-white journal , with white stitches too

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5701.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5694.jpg

 

Fullspread

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5703.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5699.jpg

 

The inside front flyleaf bearing the same floorplan

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5696.jpg

 

So this means that these two 'faces' match up one another nicely like so ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5704.jpg

 

The inktestpage and Colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5706.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5702.jpg

 

This paper is fantastic ...

ZETA Wove, Natural White . 150gsm

It'll have no problems with washes ...

Its heavier paper and as you can see, it gives great end results to the exposed spine becos the individual signatures are firmer and able to keep its shape.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/Journal%20116%20Le%20Corbu/Journal%20116A%20Le%20Corbu%20-%20Ronchamp%20-%20embossed/DSCF5695.jpg

[jniforat]

so, now that there is 26 pages, TMLee, do you have a way of telling us how you make all of this? I just found this page, and I want to make my own journals, too. I'd like to make something like this (with a folder in the back too), but I'm not sure how to go about and do this. suggestions?

 

 

Sorry 'jniforat' I think I have to disappoint you.

I dont have a threadpost that details all the stages of what I actually craft.

 

This threadpost sort of records my experience as I continue to experiment with various ideas as they evolve from time to time.

 

Interspersed in them posts are accounts of what works and what doesn't, purely from firsthand experience.

These , I feel are most valuable becos I try to describe why some techniques don't work , or the disadvantages encountered. Added to that, we have the input from our friendly community of FPNers, some of whom are better acquainted with bookbinding, and some are professionals at that.

 

I have also mentioned somewwhere in this thread that I learnt how to stitch first from the internet, then in more intricate methods from Keith Smith's books. (in particular, Vol 3 ) After that, I started experimenting with variations and such. You may wish to try your local library which I did.

Its been pretty much a trial and error endeavor for me and it all started with the frustration of not being able to find journals that work with FP ink, despite the amazing variety ! :bonk:

I wish I have some courses here so I can learn the proper techniques, especially how to work with leather which I am keenly interested in. (some more ideas awaiting execution )

 

Perhaps, you may want to whet your appetite by crafting some cahiers for yourself.

I posted a "How-to make your own cahier" some time back.

Its fun and it takes a very short time to produce one. Using tools you can find around the house.

You can do that with your 2 boys too .. a session of hobbycrafting ...

They can pick their favourite theme for their covers.

 

TMLee,

 

I really appreciate your response! Thank you. I'll start with a cahier, but I want to start making my own journals for my friends, family, and, of course, myself. i really like your first journal that you posted (the original one), and I hope to eventually work with leather too.

 

i'll post my first creation; hopefully, sooner rather than later

[jniforat]

that guy's books are kinda expensive that is, that Keith Smith's link you recommended

Edited June 4, 2011 by jniforat

[TMLee]

My better half enjoys baking ...

and she was all excited about visiting this new grocer selling very unique (premium) sauces and chilis and etc and so we found ourselves in that really cool little shop with their goods all neatly shelved in equally neat cupboards and displays ...

 

so while she was all eyes peeled on the interesting variety of stuff, I was immediately impressed with the packaging (what else !) of the products on display... They were all very very nice.

 

The graphics of the boxes and containers and tines and etc were all graphically very aesthetically well done.

 

she bought this , and I immediately wanted the box. I just imagined it to be very good material for a set of journal covers !!!

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20146%20Brownies/DSCF5707.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20146%20Brownies/DSCF5709.jpg

 

The kraft paper box seemed to me to be of a high quality. and I was more impressed with the printing on the box, which was definitely very high quality and well executed.

[TMLee]

A "cereal-box" kind of project ...

 

 

The box opened. Very good and thick Kraft paper ...

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20146%20Brownies/DSCF5712.jpg

 

 

I cut out the front and back panels.

They are very well printed. :clap1:

and

pretty thick Kraft paper - unlike cereal boxes with grey paper

and most of all very close to A5 dimensions.

Pasted them onto greyboards....

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20146%20Brownies/DSCF5714.jpg

 

The leftover side panels containing the nutrition info and such.

Now I am wondering how to incorporate these into the journal. :hmm1:

At the moment they are fitting bookmarks.

Its also possible to tie them to the ribbon pagemarkers but I think these bookmarks are too long ..

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20146%20Brownies/DSCF5718.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20146%20Brownies/DSCF5719.jpg

 

What the journal may look like ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20146%20Brownies/DSCF5720.jpg

 

The challenge now are the edges.

How to protect them? They are bare.

 

 

This one is Sugarcane bagasse paper at 80gsm, White