... homemade journal ...

[TMLee]

Fusible (iron-on) interfacing that's not woven is almost always made of synthetic materials, which I think may be the source of the problem - it would repel any attempts to stick it with water-based glue.

 

 

Yup.

I guessed as much.

Wonder what kind of glue to use with this?

[TMLee]

Some fresh cover designs on my workbench ...

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/DSCF7231.jpg

 

I like this one ...

Subtle ... from afar ..

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/DSCF7232_1.jpg

 

These are A6 size covers completed

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/DSCF7237_1.jpg

 

Must go with orange !

[TMLee]

Journal #153 "Dragonflies - Black" A5 size

 

Another dragonfly print pattern ...

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/DSCF7321.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/DSCF7324.jpg

 

Nicer band closures

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/DSCF7325.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/DSCF7331.jpg

 

I decided on a rust orange instead of the bright orange(as in the DDV)

A little more understated elegance ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/DSCF7330.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/DSCF7332.jpg

 

Paper is

ZETA Natural White , 150gsm, Wove

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/DSCF7335.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/DSCF7336.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/DSCF7322.jpg

[TMLee]

This is Journal #152 "Maroon Waves"

 

A6 size

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20152%20Maroon%20Waves/DSCF7342.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20152%20Maroon%20Waves/DSCF7345.jpg

 

I decided on a contrasting scheme of yellow stitches

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20152%20Maroon%20Waves/DSCF7344.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20152%20Maroon%20Waves/DSCF7346.jpg

 

 

with matching flyleaves

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20152%20Maroon%20Waves/DSCF7352.jpg

 

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20152%20Maroon%20Waves/DSCF7355.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20152%20Maroon%20Waves/DSCF7349.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20152%20Maroon%20Waves/DSCF7340.jpg

[mcg1355]

Wow that last batch looks amazing!!!

 

I think if that red one came in a blue or green version of the same pattern I might be in love. Hmm or cream, or tan, or brown...

 

Thanks,

-Nick

[Bogon07]

Hi TMLee,

The Journal #152 "Maroon Waves" has a very attractive cover. The matching yellow stitching and flyleaves is a very professional touch.

[TMLee]

Thanks Nick , thanks Bozon07

 

yes a green version or an ochre version would be stunning ...

 

my daughter went "eek ... ! looks like muscle tendons ..."

 

:roflmho:

[TMLee]

I like this cover design ...

 

Journal #153A "Dragonflies - Black"

 

A6 size

 

Pictured with an OMAS MoMA <B> in silver trim.

The most handsome FP in my books...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/Journal%20153A%20Dragonflies%20Black/DSCF7360_1.jpg

 

 

I decided on bright contrasting hues for accent.

This is deep yellow.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/Journal%20153A%20Dragonflies%20Black/DSCF7367_1.jpg

 

As are the stitches

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/Journal%20153A%20Dragonflies%20Black/DSCF7364_1.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/Journal%20153A%20Dragonflies%20Black/DSCF7365_1.jpg

 

The stitches match the flyleaves

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/Journal%20153A%20Dragonflies%20Black/DSCF7370_1.jpg

 

All other parts remain black , eg, the band closure and the ribbon pagemarker

 

Nicer bands

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/Journal%20153A%20Dragonflies%20Black/DSCF7369_1.jpg

 

Writing paper is

NATURALIS Vanilla White, 135gsm, Smooth

7 signatures , 4 folios each. 112 writing pages total.

The papers are printed with light grey dots at 5.56mm grids

The first and last signatures are plain.

The middle 5 signatures are dotted.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/Journal%20153A%20Dragonflies%20Black/DSCF7375_1.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/Journal%20153A%20Dragonflies%20Black/DSCF7376_1.jpg

 

The inktestpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/Journal%20153A%20Dragonflies%20Black/DSCF7371_1.jpg

 

The Colophon written with a PILOT Custom 742 <FA> in SAILOR Red Brown ink.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/Journal%20153A%20Dragonflies%20Black/DSCF7372_1.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/Journal%20153A%20Dragonflies%20Black/DSCF7362_1.jpg

[mcg1355]

I have been wondering where you get your paper from. I did some searching online but have been unable to find NATURALIS Vanilla White, 135gsm, Smooth. I suppose it could be because I'm in USA and the paper is not available here.

 

So far for my journals I have been using art paper (strathmore 400 series drawing paper) but have been looking for something smoother since the paper I have been using has a little tooth to it. I have been drawn to anything that is not pure white and would have a smooth surface, this has proven harden to find than I initially thought.

 

The dragonfly journal is looking nice, I like the subtle dark pattern and the contrasting stitching.

 

Thanks,

-Nick

[TMLee]

I have been wondering where you get your paper from. I did some searching online but have been unable to find NATURALIS Vanilla White, 135gsm, Smooth. I suppose it could be because I'm in USA and the paper is not available here.

 

So far for my journals I have been using art paper (strathmore 400 series drawing paper) but have been looking for something smoother since the paper I have been using has a little tooth to it. I have been drawn to anything that is not pure white and would have a smooth surface, this has proven harden to find than I initially thought.

 

The dragonfly journal is looking nice, I like the subtle dark pattern and the contrasting stitching.

 

Thanks,

-Nick

 

 

The strathmore paper is premium art paper , more for art applications.

Try looking beyond art stores.

My problem here is finding bookcloth !

[TMLee]

This is the orange variant ...

 

Journal #153B "Dragonflies Black"

 

A6 size

 

Orange and black is always very attractive...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/Journal%20153B%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/DSCF7377.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/Journal%20153B%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/DSCF7382.jpg

 

The stitches and flyleaves are both orange

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/Journal%20153B%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/DSCF7385.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/Journal%20153B%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/DSCF7392.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/Journal%20153B%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/DSCF7386.jpg

 

The inktestpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/Journal%20153B%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/DSCF7388.jpg

 

and Colophon

written with a PILOT Custom 742 <FA> nib in SAILOR Red Brown ink.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/Journal%20153B%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/DSCF7389.jpg

 

Paper is :

NATURALIS Vanilla White, 135gsm, Smooth

7 Signatures, 4 Folios each.

Total 112 writing pages, plain, unlined

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20153%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/Journal%20153B%20Dragonflies%20-%20Black/DSCF7387.jpg

[TMLee]

Completed this ...

 

I like this ...

 

Journal #149B "SAMPING - White/Gold Crosses"

 

A5 size

 

Pictured with a Pelikan M800 Demo Etched

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20149%20A5%20SAMPING%20%20White-Gold%20Crosses/Journal%20149B%20A5%20SAMPING%20-%20White-Gold%20Crosses/DSCF7403.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20149%20A5%20SAMPING%20%20White-Gold%20Crosses/Journal%20149B%20A5%20SAMPING%20-%20White-Gold%20Crosses/DSCF7408.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20149%20A5%20SAMPING%20%20White-Gold%20Crosses/Journal%20149B%20A5%20SAMPING%20-%20White-Gold%20Crosses/DSCF7404.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20149%20A5%20SAMPING%20%20White-Gold%20Crosses/Journal%20149B%20A5%20SAMPING%20-%20White-Gold%20Crosses/DSCF7405.jpg

 

Some close ups.

I like the composition.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20149%20A5%20SAMPING%20%20White-Gold%20Crosses/Journal%20149B%20A5%20SAMPING%20-%20White-Gold%20Crosses/DSCF7406.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20149%20A5%20SAMPING%20%20White-Gold%20Crosses/Journal%20149B%20A5%20SAMPING%20-%20White-Gold%20Crosses/DSCF7407.jpg

 

Full spread

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20149%20A5%20SAMPING%20%20White-Gold%20Crosses/Journal%20149B%20A5%20SAMPING%20-%20White-Gold%20Crosses/DSCF7410.jpg

 

 

Having more crosses above the base is just about right here ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20149%20A5%20SAMPING%20%20White-Gold%20Crosses/Journal%20149B%20A5%20SAMPING%20-%20White-Gold%20Crosses/DSCF7412.jpg

 

The natural coloured stitches match the gold embroidery

And I chose a gold coloured ribbon to match.

This journal has a double ribbon pagemarker.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20149%20A5%20SAMPING%20%20White-Gold%20Crosses/Journal%20149B%20A5%20SAMPING%20-%20White-Gold%20Crosses/DSCF7411.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20149%20A5%20SAMPING%20%20White-Gold%20Crosses/Journal%20149B%20A5%20SAMPING%20-%20White-Gold%20Crosses/DSCF7415.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20149%20A5%20SAMPING%20%20White-Gold%20Crosses/Journal%20149B%20A5%20SAMPING%20-%20White-Gold%20Crosses/DSCF7414.jpg

 

The flyleaves are also gold coloured

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20149%20A5%20SAMPING%20%20White-Gold%20Crosses/Journal%20149B%20A5%20SAMPING%20-%20White-Gold%20Crosses/DSCF7418.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20149%20A5%20SAMPING%20%20White-Gold%20Crosses/Journal%20149B%20A5%20SAMPING%20-%20White-Gold%20Crosses/DSCF7423.jpg

 

The inktestpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20149%20A5%20SAMPING%20%20White-Gold%20Crosses/Journal%20149B%20A5%20SAMPING%20-%20White-Gold%20Crosses/DSCF7419.jpg

 

and Colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20149%20A5%20SAMPING%20%20White-Gold%20Crosses/Journal%20149B%20A5%20SAMPING%20-%20White-Gold%20Crosses/DSCF7420.jpg

 

Paper is :

ZETA Natural White , 150gsm, Wove

Plain (unlined)

7 signatures in 4 folios each. 112 writing pages total.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20149%20A5%20SAMPING%20%20White-Gold%20Crosses/Journal%20149B%20A5%20SAMPING%20-%20White-Gold%20Crosses/DSCF7424.jpg

Edited December 10, 2011 by TMLee

[mcg1355]

Wow that last one is looking real nice . That paper looks heavenly from that writing sample, perhaps I need to take a look at brilliant brown as well...

 

Now you're just showing off with two page markers . I tried one and it ended up tearing through the pages. I think my ribbon was too thick, or it could have been the hole placement. Oh well, learning is part of the fun!

 

-Nick

[TMLee]

Wow that last one is looking real nice . That paper looks heavenly from that writing sample, perhaps I need to take a look at brilliant brown as well...

 

Now you're just showing off with two page markers . I tried one and it ended up tearing through the pages. I think my ribbon was too thick, or it could have been the hole placement. Oh well, learning is part of the fun!

 

-Nick

 

 

Thanks nick,

I haven't tried before, but for double ribbons, you may wish to try piercing two separate Signatures instead of one.

[candidvn]

TMLee, I wonder how you cut the smooth round corner of the papers and the covers?

[TMLee]

TMLee, I wonder how you cut the smooth round corner of the papers and the covers?

 

 

Hi 'candidvn',

Firstly, a warm welcome to FPN

 

I use a corner punch.

It looks like this.

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/Corner%20Punch/DSCF7457.jpg

 

The corner radius comes in several sizes.

This one is small at 5mm radius.

There is a larger one at 10mm radius.

[candidvn]

Thank you, TMLee, I will Find a punch like that.

[candidvn]

TMLee, I have one more question. I'd like to make a fabric cover journal but I don't know how to glue it to the hard cover. Can you intrucstion me in detail.

 

I've tried to use gift paper for my second journal and I'd like to make my third with fabric.

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6511387921_1ec342f9e7_z.jpg

Need some advice here ...

 

Re- attempting applying interfacing on fabric.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20151%20Plain%20Green%20Cotton/DSCF7224.jpg

 

I find that its very difficult to glue the interfaced fabric onto the bookbinder's board.

The white material of the interfacing is synthetic and doesn't stay put.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20151%20Plain%20Green%20Cotton/DSCF7226.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20151%20Plain%20Green%20Cotton/DSCF7228.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20151%20Plain%20Green%20Cotton/DSCF7229.jpg

 

I had to wait till the glue is almost dry before executing the foldovers or turn-ins.

Very difficult.

 

This is the result of a very slow process.

Waiting for the glue to dry on each edge, doing edge by one edge.

 

After everything is in place, its clamped overnight - the corners.

Even so, they are thickish becos the white synthetic interfacing does not flatten even under clamping.

 

How do you guys do it?

Any suggestions?

 

 

 

 

Still, I like the end result very much.

It is different.

It has that slight padded feel to it.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20151%20Plain%20Green%20Cotton/DSCF7230.jpg

[TMLee]

TMLee, I have one more question. I'd like to make a fabric cover journal but I don't know how to glue it to the hard cover. Can you intrucstion me in detail.

 

I've tried to use gift paper for my second journal and I'd like to make my third with fabric.

 

It's similar to gluing paper covers.

Same principle :

Always apply glue on the thicker , denser material.

In this case, the greyboards.

 

But fabric has its own characteristics.

Fabric is porous.

Which means that glue can penetrate through to the finished side.

So the correct way is to put some intermediate layer between the fabric and the board.

The example above is done using what we call an 'interface'.

It has it's own disadvantages which I have yet to master. :-(

 

Another in-between material is tissue paper.

I haven't tried this but I am going to.

Essentially, it is gluing very thin paper to the fabric.

In other words, it becomes bookcloth !

Try searching YouTube on how to make your own bookcloth.

 

Since I don't or can't have either of these two methods ,

I work around this by gluing my fabrics very carefully.

The thing to watch out for is not to allow whatever glue to penetrate through the porous fabric and end up as a stain on your finished side.

I achieve this by gluing my covers very dry.

 

Apply as little glue as possible,

But as much as is only necessary .

 

If you have applied too much glue,

Let the glue dry off until it becomes less wet.

If The glue is visibly wet , you can be sure it will penetrate 'naked' fabric.

Wait till it looks dull under reflection. In This state it is not wet but still tacky.

But A few more moments, it will become dry !

 

You will learn this thru experience.

 

HTH

 

Another way is to change your glue.

Spray glue is possible.

It is not wet at all.

But it makes a huge mess in your work area !

 

Good luck and don't stop crafting.

After each completed journal, take a very close look and think hard about how to improve on your next one.

This is how you improve.

Very often the 'answers' are there before your eyes. You only need to spend a little more time thinking about how a good technique can be made better.

[candidvn]

Dear TMLee,

 

Thank you for your precious advices, I will try to glue fabric for my next journal.