... homemade journal ...

[TMLee]

I mix my PVA glue with Methyl Cellulose at about 60% PVA and 40% Methyl Cellulose which helps slow the dry time of PVA glue and also helps it spread on the paper easier. At this mixture the dry time is about 10 minutes workable 30 minutes full dry, but I still leave projects over night in my makeshift press.

 

Not sure if anyone has tried using that, but I pick it up from a local Paper Source shop, but Hollanders also has them. Its a powder mixed with water.

 

On a side note to that I've heard stories of people getting mold in old mixes. I haven't had that problem and my current mix is more than 6 months old. I mix the PVA and Methyl into smaller containers. I also mixed my Methyl Cellulose with filtered water instead of tap water, although I don't know if that made any difference really.

 

 

Thanks for sharing.

[TMLee]

Journal #155 Wedding Guestbook "t&s" - finally completed - A5 landscape.

 

 

Front

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20155%20Wedding%20Guestbook/DSCF7687.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20155%20Wedding%20Guestbook/DSCF7688.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20155%20Wedding%20Guestbook/DSCF7689.jpg

 

With the band deployed.

I found a nice red elastic band.

Decided to incorporate only one instead of two becos two was too much.

The single corner band closure looked more dynamic.

And clues in on the right way up.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20155%20Wedding%20Guestbook/DSCF7690.jpg

 

Closeup.

It has some pattern on one side.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20155%20Wedding%20Guestbook/DSCF7695.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20155%20Wedding%20Guestbook/DSCF7694.jpg

 

The commission had a specific colour scheme.

Black , red , silver.

Red stitches with red flyleaves was chosen.

The grey swirls were not silver but close enough.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20155%20Wedding%20Guestbook/DSCF7698.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20155%20Wedding%20Guestbook/DSCF7699.jpg

 

As usual, the edges notched , so that the stitches sit inside them and dont protrude beyond the edges of the spine and cover.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20155%20Wedding%20Guestbook/DSCF7700.jpg

 

Full spread ...

The covers are wrapped in such a manner that the spine taken up by the bookblock is exactly the fabric that is missing, ie folded over.

Doing this , ensures the graphic, especially one like this, on one cover flowing into the next.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20155%20Wedding%20Guestbook/DSCF7701.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20155%20Wedding%20Guestbook/DSCF7702.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20155%20Wedding%20Guestbook/DSCF7703.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20155%20Wedding%20Guestbook/DSCF7704.jpg

 

 

The front flyleaf bearing the embossed initials.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20155%20Wedding%20Guestbook/DSCF7708.jpg

 

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20155%20Wedding%20Guestbook/DSCF7709.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20155%20Wedding%20Guestbook/DSCF7706.jpg

 

The rear pocket

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20155%20Wedding%20Guestbook/DSCF7710.jpg

 

I decided to centralize the namecard slot.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20155%20Wedding%20Guestbook/32e3a51b.jpg

 

The inktestpage

STIPULA Etruria Alter Ego <0.9> Stub

Pelikan Brilliant Brown ink.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20155%20Wedding%20Guestbook/DSCF7714.jpg

 

 

The Colophon page

written with a

PILOT Custom 742 <FA> nib

SAILOR Red Brown ink.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20155%20Wedding%20Guestbook/DSCF7711.jpg

 

Writing paper is

ZETA Wove Natural White 150gsm

5 Signatures, 4 folios each , total 80 writing pages.

 

I am happy with the end result.

The guestbook becomes personalized becos of the embossed initials.

[TMLee]

This is Journal #148A (A5 size) "Basic Black - Chevron" crafted on order.

 

Front

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20148%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/Journal%20148A%20%20A5%20%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/DSCF7715.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20148%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/Journal%20148A%20%20A5%20%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/DSCF7716.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20148%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/Journal%20148A%20%20A5%20%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/DSCF7717.jpg

 

 

These are nicer black bands I found...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20148%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/Journal%20148A%20%20A5%20%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/DSCF7718.jpg

 

 

Orange and Black is always a winning combo ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20148%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/Journal%20148A%20%20A5%20%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/DSCF7721.jpg

 

Waxed linen thread , Orange Crush

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20148%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/Journal%20148A%20%20A5%20%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/DSCF7722.jpg

 

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20148%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/Journal%20148A%20%20A5%20%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/DSCF7720.jpg

 

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20148%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/Journal%20148A%20%20A5%20%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/DSCF7725.jpg

 

 

Full spread

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20148%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/Journal%20148A%20%20A5%20%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/DSCF7724.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20148%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/Journal%20148A%20%20A5%20%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/DSCF7723.jpg

 

Orange flyleaves

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20148%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/Journal%20148A%20%20A5%20%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/DSCF7727.jpg

 

Inktestpage

STIPULA Etruria Alter Ego <0.9> Stub

Pelikan Brilliant Brown ink

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20148%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/Journal%20148A%20%20A5%20%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/DSCF7728.jpg

 

The Colophon page

PILOT Custom 742 <FA> Falcon nib

SAILOR Red Brown Ink

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20148%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/Journal%20148A%20%20A5%20%20Basic%20Black%20-%20Chevron/DSCF7732.jpg

[Earthdawn]

Hey the book above this post is my books big brother !

 

Wow that looks great...

 

I really have to break down and start writing in mine lol

 

& order me a second book

[TMLee]

Hey the book above this post is my books big brother !

 

Wow that looks great...

 

I really have to break down and start writing in mine lol

 

& order me a second book

 

 

Thanks Earthdawn ,

Yes you need to use yours !!!!

Otherwise it'll just sit pretty ....

[TMLee]

This is Journal #87 "Scallops"

 

A6 size.

 

This was a fabric print from the Japanese indigo print series. It had been lying away in cold storage for sometime now.

Japanese prints are one of my favorites.

They have a certain charm of their own.

 

Front

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2087%20Scallops/DSCF7740.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2087%20Scallops/DSCF7741.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2087%20Scallops/DSCF7742.jpg

 

I decided on an orange scheme

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2087%20Scallops/DSCF7745.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2087%20Scallops/DSCF7757.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2087%20Scallops/DSCF7747.jpg

 

 

Full spread

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2087%20Scallops/DSCF7754.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2087%20Scallops/DSCF7746.jpg

 

 

The flyleaves are a nice heavy orange paper that is textured

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2087%20Scallops/DSCF7748.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2087%20Scallops/DSCF7752.jpg

 

 

Inktestpage by

STIPULA Etruria Alter Ego <0.9> Stub

Pelikan Brilliant brown Ink

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2087%20Scallops/DSCF7755.jpg

 

Colophon page

by

PILOT Custom 742 <FA> Falcon nib

SAILOR Red Brown Ink

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2087%20Scallops/DSCF7749.jpg

 

 

Writing paper is NATURALIS Vanilla White , 135gsm, Smooth

7 Signatures, 4 Folios each, total 112 writing pages

Plain, Unlined.

Edited May 8, 2012 by TMLee

[muskets]

Beautiful journal cover!

 

I have a question regarding your engraving coloring of the pens. What type of crayon are you using? I have un-successfully searched for a crayon that isn't waxy. I tried the children's crayons but it just smeared over the imprint and really didn't go into the grooves. If you don't mind, please be specific so I can search for the same item. I have frustrated myself to no end in trying to find a crayon that will give me the results you have shown.

 

Thanks!

 

I don't know if you're still reading this thread, but I've had good results with a china marker/chinagraph pencil, literally just scribbling over the imprint and wiping away the excess with my thumb.

[RodneyOK]

Very nice! You inspired me to attempt my own. I went with a hard cover design and 6 page signatures made of 24lb. premium ink jet paper. I made the pages ruled for copperplate as a practice journal. It's not perfect, but it's the first for me! What do you think?

 

 

 

 

[Angry__Panda]

Oooo Rodney I really like the red suede. Well done!

[TMLee]

Very nice! You inspired me to attempt my own. I went with a hard cover design and 6 page signatures made of 24lb. premium ink jet paper. I made the pages ruled for copperplate as a practice journal. It's not perfect, but it's the first for me! What do you think?

 

 

 

 

 

Great effort for a first journal.

Just keep making more and you'll improve.

Yes the velvet material looks good and must feel great too.

You might want to pay more attention to the fold over edges and corners, though.

They look a bit wavy from what I can only see from the pics.

Keep it up !

 

I find hardcover binding a bit more challenging personally.

The need to keep all three boards perfectly square and perfectly squared in their spacing apart.

Try using an appropriately sized dowel or rod for your French groove as you clamp the book, to achieve a more pronounced groove.

Edited May 9, 2012 by TMLee

[KCat]

It IS gorgeous and i AM thrilled with the result! Can't wait to get it!

 

I'm not big on red but that is one stunning journal.

[TMLee]

This was an idea from long ago....

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075B%20Choco%20Lambskin%20Red%20Accents/DSCF7778.jpg

 

I couldnt execute cos I couldnt resolve, in my mind, how to

- cut the 3 strips of red accent leather to fit in exactly.

- make the leathers flush at the same level , if the leathers were to be different in thicknesses.

 

Last night, in a rare spurt of wanting to DO something BEFORE having a detailed plan of execution, I decided to "Just Do It" ...

 

I hastily did a sketch of the 3 stripes on the naked greyboard covers.

Then proceeded to transfer the markings onto the leather.

The leather is a nice thin Chocolate colour.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075B%20Choco%20Lambskin%20Red%20Accents/DSCF7761.jpg

 

Cut out the strips carefully...

(At first I thot of laying the 2 leathers one atop the other to achieve exactness of fit. But abandoned the idea cos the rolling blade may not cut thru the thickness. The red stripes were cut separately.)

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075B%20Choco%20Lambskin%20Red%20Accents/DSCF7763.jpg

 

The strips couldnt fit and had to be trimmed down to size.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075B%20Choco%20Lambskin%20Red%20Accents/DSCF7765.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075B%20Choco%20Lambskin%20Red%20Accents/DSCF7767.jpg

 

The underside ...

The red looks nice

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075B%20Choco%20Lambskin%20Red%20Accents/DSCF7769.jpg

 

Keeping things in place before gluing.

My TAMIYA yellow masking tape is amazing in quality, at least 20 years old and it still works perfect. The glue on the tape remains perfect, tacky and removable but not melted sticky like you usually find in deteriorated tape. I am amazed but not surprised at Japanese quality.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075B%20Choco%20Lambskin%20Red%20Accents/DSCF7771.jpg

 

 

After gluing and clamping overnight ...

The Front cover, done ..

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075B%20Choco%20Lambskin%20Red%20Accents/DSCF7773.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075B%20Choco%20Lambskin%20Red%20Accents/DSCF7777.jpg

 

Closeup

The red stripes are almost flushed at the same level as the chocolate leather

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075B%20Choco%20Lambskin%20Red%20Accents/DSCF7774.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075B%20Choco%20Lambskin%20Red%20Accents/DSCF7775.jpg

Edited May 12, 2012 by TMLee

[timjthomas]

I received my journal today (#148a on page 19) and absolutely love it! The size is perfect as is the weight of the journal. It's very solid and well constructed. The attention to detail is first class. Furthermore the paper, is just fantastic -- the best paper I have ever used!!!

 

I highly recommend these journals!!!

 

-Tim

[Sheepy]

Been going through all of these forum pages one by one. Skipping to the end, I'm really happy to see that TMLee is STILL making them. I came across this thread after I became a bit obsessed with finding the perfect journal and realised the only way I'd get one is custom made by myself. Don't really have many materials on hand. I did make a single signature, figure 8 stitched jotpad last night with some leftover embroidery thread I had. It was a good thread but far too thick. Used cardstock from an old file organiser and covered with an art museum pamphlet. I couldn't get the exact arrangement of the art from the pamphlet I wanted so I ended up using an old exacto knife and made a bit of a mess with it lol

 

Found some people on ebay selling bookcloth, irish waxed linen (i am skeptical of floss as it does seem to have stretch ) and conqueror 100gsm paper. Those will probably be my materials of choice once I decide to make the jump.

 

http://i.imgur.com/lGAid.jpg?1

Edited May 18, 2012 by Sheepy

[TMLee]

I received my journal today (#148a on page 19) and absolutely love it! The size is perfect as is the weight of the journal. It's very solid and well constructed. The attention to detail is first class. Furthermore the paper, is just fantastic -- the best paper I have ever used!!!

 

I highly recommend these journals!!!

 

-Tim

 

Thanks Tim,

Enjoy your journal

[TMLee]

Been going through all of these forum pages one by one. Skipping to the end, I'm really happy to see that TMLee is STILL making them. I came across this thread after I became a bit obsessed with finding the perfect journal and realised the only way I'd get one is custom made by myself. Don't really have many materials on hand. I did make a single signature, figure 8 stitched jotpad last night with some leftover embroidery thread I had. It was a good thread but far too thick. Used cardstock from an old file organiser and covered with an art museum pamphlet. I couldn't get the exact arrangement of the art from the pamphlet I wanted so I ended up using an old exacto knife and made a bit of a mess with it lol

 

Found some people on ebay selling bookcloth, irish waxed linen (i am skeptical of floss as it does seem to have stretch ) and conqueror 100gsm paper. Those will probably be my materials of choice once I decide to make the jump.

 

http://i.imgur.com/lGAid.jpg?1

 

 

Keep experimenting ...

All the best ...

[Sheepy]

 

Keep experimenting ...

All the best ...

 

Hey TMLee, Conqueror paper is the only widely available paper I can seem to find (although I haven't found any brick and mortar stores) and I was wondering if you could give me some advice. I've never used Laid before so I was going to order the Smooth Wove, but then I was wondering if it was TOO smooth. I've seen you use laid a lot. It is a very strong texture or is a subtle? Cheers

[TMLee]

 

Keep experimenting ...

All the best ...

 

Hey TMLee, Conqueror paper is the only widely available paper I can seem to find (although I haven't found any brick and mortar stores) and I was wondering if you could give me some advice. I've never used Laid before so I was going to order the Smooth Wove, but then I was wondering if it was TOO smooth. I've seen you use laid a lot. It is a very strong texture or is a subtle? Cheers

 

 

Conqueror Laid has ridges running across the paper. Some find these annoying when handwriting on it.

More often it's used to print business letters.

 

For some reason , I can't find Wove here where I live. Every time I ask for it, they would always look bewildered.

I don't know why ...!!!

 

Anyway, I long to use Wove becos it doesn't have ridges. And I know it's smoother than, if not as smooth as ordinary copier paper.

 

I believe both kinds are watermarked.

 

Conqueror never fails to take ink flawlessly.

At least in my experience.

No feathering , no bleedthru.

Highly reliable paper.

 

I think it's $cost has risen. (like all things I suppose)

 

I would recommend you order Wove.

And pick something off-white or Cream.

(that way you eliminate show thru)

If you are not averse to grey paper, you can pick Oyster - I think it's a warm grey tint. With this you have zero show-thru. But you also have a problem seeing the guidelines underneath if you use that.

Edited May 19, 2012 by TMLee

[Sheepy]

Yes! I was actually going to get Conquerors 100GSM Ivory Cream Smooth Wove. Its actually only $5.30 + $8.20 shipping for a pack of 50 for me from eBaY. (Shipped from the UK)

 

Also I saw they have another smooth paper called CX22 but I believe it's even smoother, which I don't really want.

[melissa59]

I mentioned to another FPN member that one day I'd like to learn how to make my own journal. She pointed me to this thread. All I can say is WOW!!!

 

The beauty, the shared knowledge ... WOW!

 

Thank you TMLee for starting this wonderful thread! It will take me awhile to read through it and I know that I'll be back to view it again and again!