... homemade journal ...

March 11, 2014

Hi T M Lee

That is a good starter set you have there I take it you already have an awl I don't know which awl bookbinders use but a diamond shaped awl is best for leather as it allows the holes to close around the thread.

I have the same set of punches I use them to mark holes now rather than punch all the way through as they make quite large holes compared to the thread.

I hope this information is of use to you as you have inspired me.

Regards

Michael

March 12, 2014

Hi T M Lee
That is a good starter set you have there I take it you already have an awl I don't know which awl bookbinders use but a diamond shaped awl is best for leather as it allows the holes to close around the thread.
I have the same set of punches I use them to mark holes now rather than punch all the way through as they make quite large holes compared to the thread.
I hope this information is of use to you as you have inspired me.

Regards

Michael

Thanks Michael for your encouragement

Yes the diamond-shaped - tipped awl , i think i must have remembered then decided to forgo it , using a large diamond-shaped-tipped needle instead.

Will see how it goes.

Punch.

I dont understand,

I thought you need to punch right thru the leather ?

Edited March 12, 2014 by TMLee

March 12, 2014

Okay, now I'm getting inspired. I've played with making my own paper before, now I think I want to step it up a little and try some binding too. This is wonderful work!

March 12, 2014

Sorry if I have confused you I will try to make things clearer.

Leather needles do not have points they are used to draw the thread through the hole.

Holes are marked out using either a marking wheel or a stitch punch you could use a wheel to mark and then punch but both must be exactly the same stitches per inch.

Making holes you want the holes to be just large enough for the thread and the head of the needle to pass through the hole will start to close as soon as it is made.

Punches in my experience make a larger hole that does not close as well as a hole made by a diamond shaped awl.

I always use a punch to mark out my stitches as it gives me more control and I always place one of the prongs in the last hole marked to give the correct position,

When I start sewing I use an awl to push the hole all of the way through I do five holes at a time because I have limited use of my right hand.

I have included a link to Nigel Armitages tutorial I have watched most of his videos and learnt a lot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ue3zBg0bdA

I hope this information helps you in your quest I may well be placing an order with you soon myself.

Michael

March 14, 2014

Sorry if I have confused you I will try to make things clearer.

Leather needles do not have points they are used to draw the thread through the hole.

Holes are marked out using either a marking wheel or a stitch punch you could use a wheel to mark and then punch but both must be exactly the same stitches per inch.

Making holes you want the holes to be just large enough for the thread and the head of the needle to pass through the hole will start to close as soon as it is made.
Punches in my experience make a larger hole that does not close as well as a hole made by a diamond shaped awl.

I always use a punch to mark out my stitches as it gives me more control and I always place one of the prongs in the last hole marked to give the correct position,
When I start sewing I use an awl to push the hole all of the way through I do five holes at a time because I have limited use of my right hand.

I have included a link to Nigel Armitages tutorial I have watched most of his videos and learnt a lot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ue3zBg0bdA

I hope this information helps you in your quest I may well be placing an order with you soon myself.

Michael

Thanks for explaining.

Yes. NA's videos are very well presented.

They are useful indeed.

I am looking for an edge burnisher.

What do you use?

( I like the DREMEL version , but the shipping is just too expensive.)

March 14, 2014

My hi tec method involves beeswax and an old piece of canvas although I like this one

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Leathercraft-Wood-Edge-Slicker-Multi-Size-Burnisher-Round-Veg-Tan-Leather-Craft-/140951968718?pt=UK_Crafts_Other_Crafts_EH&hash=item20d1645bce

I have seen them from China for £1 I just have not got around to ordering one.

As I understand it you apply a wax type substance and then create heat through friction which melts the wax and flattens the fibres giving a smooth finish.

I also use an edge beveller to knock the corners off the leather before I add the wax.

I hope this helps in some small way

Michael

March 15, 2014

Thanks Michael ,

Yes the wax method.

I also just read somewhere that you can use water to wet the edge too then burnish.

Maybe I shld try it too although I don't quite understand how it works in making the edge smooth.

March 15, 2014

Water will only work with veg tanned leather it has no finish or colour I think the leather you are using is chrome tanned the best edge solution would be something like edge coat which I have used on chrome tanned before.

This is one of my first cases I made with chrome tanned leather together it to hold this shape I glued a piece of suede inside and used pressure to form it and waited for the glue to dry.

IMG_5437_1 by my0771, on Flickr

This is my second attempt at a round case in veg tanned leather which I soaked briefly in water and then formed to the required shape by hand and allowed to dry once. Sealed with wax or similar it will hold the shape.

IMG_6780 by my0771, on Flickr

Sorry if I am telling you thing you already know but I thought it might be useful to understand the different properties of the two leathers.

Michael

March 15, 2014

Water will only work with veg tanned leather it has no finish or colour I think the leather you are using is chrome tanned the best edge solution would be something like edge coat which I have used on chrome tanned before.

This is one of my first cases I made with chrome tanned leather together it to hold this shape I glued a piece of suede inside and used pressure to form it and waited for the glue to dry.
IMG_5437_1 by my0771, on Flickr

This is my second attempt at a round case in veg tanned leather which I soaked briefly in water and then formed to the required shape by hand and allowed to dry once. Sealed with wax or similar it will hold the shape.

IMG_6780 by my0771, on Flickr

Sorry if I am telling you thing you already know but I thought it might be useful to understand the different properties of the two leathers.

Michael

Thanks for the info.

I have heard of the main two tanning processes , although I dont quite understand it.

Thanks again

March 15, 2014

The emboss / deboss feature is a success so I have decided to keep that idea.
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20101%20SHINWAZOME%20CHIYOGAMI%20%20Maple%20Leaves/101F%20SHIN%20CHIYO%20Maple%20Leaves%20Spine%20Deboss%20Emboss/012.jpg

I will do orange stitches ,
slanted...
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20101%20SHINWAZOME%20CHIYOGAMI%20%20Maple%20Leaves/101F%20SHIN%20CHIYO%20Maple%20Leaves%20Spine%20Deboss%20Emboss/016.jpg

Completed ...

This is Journal 101F "SHINWAZOME CHIYOGAMI - Maple Leaves - Midnight Blue Bkcloth Spine Emboss / Deboss "

A6 size .

Front

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20101%20SHINWAZOME%20CHIYOGAMI%20%20Maple%20Leaves/101F%20SHIN%20CHIYO%20Maple%20Leaves%20Spine%20Deboss%20Emboss/001-1.jpg

Back

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20101%20SHINWAZOME%20CHIYOGAMI%20%20Maple%20Leaves/101F%20SHIN%20CHIYO%20Maple%20Leaves%20Spine%20Deboss%20Emboss/007-1.jpg

Band deployed

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20101%20SHINWAZOME%20CHIYOGAMI%20%20Maple%20Leaves/101F%20SHIN%20CHIYO%20Maple%20Leaves%20Spine%20Deboss%20Emboss/011-1.jpg

Band by BIRCH

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20101%20SHINWAZOME%20CHIYOGAMI%20%20Maple%20Leaves/101F%20SHIN%20CHIYO%20Maple%20Leaves%20Spine%20Deboss%20Emboss/012-1.jpg

I decided to try waxed linen stitches to see what it finally looks like , even tho I am quite certain , the linen stitches are superior both in quality and aesthetics.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20101%20SHINWAZOME%20CHIYOGAMI%20%20Maple%20Leaves/101F%20SHIN%20CHIYO%20Maple%20Leaves%20Spine%20Deboss%20Emboss/015-1.jpg

As usual , the orange scheme worked best to complement the beautiful Japanese paper.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20101%20SHINWAZOME%20CHIYOGAMI%20%20Maple%20Leaves/101F%20SHIN%20CHIYO%20Maple%20Leaves%20Spine%20Deboss%20Emboss/016-1.jpg

Linen threads form nicely ,

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20101%20SHINWAZOME%20CHIYOGAMI%20%20Maple%20Leaves/101F%20SHIN%20CHIYO%20Maple%20Leaves%20Spine%20Deboss%20Emboss/018.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20101%20SHINWAZOME%20CHIYOGAMI%20%20Maple%20Leaves/101F%20SHIN%20CHIYO%20Maple%20Leaves%20Spine%20Deboss%20Emboss/042.jpg

Full spread

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20101%20SHINWAZOME%20CHIYOGAMI%20%20Maple%20Leaves/101F%20SHIN%20CHIYO%20Maple%20Leaves%20Spine%20Deboss%20Emboss/019.jpg

Now with the ribbon and flyleaves in view ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20101%20SHINWAZOME%20CHIYOGAMI%20%20Maple%20Leaves/101F%20SHIN%20CHIYO%20Maple%20Leaves%20Spine%20Deboss%20Emboss/022.jpg

I am quite happy with this motif so far , done in embossed / debossed effect.

The bookcloth is Midnight Blue Bkcloth.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20101%20SHINWAZOME%20CHIYOGAMI%20%20Maple%20Leaves/101F%20SHIN%20CHIYO%20Maple%20Leaves%20Spine%20Deboss%20Emboss/020.jpg

The spine accent in bkcloth is flushed level with the cover wrap ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20101%20SHINWAZOME%20CHIYOGAMI%20%20Maple%20Leaves/101F%20SHIN%20CHIYO%20Maple%20Leaves%20Spine%20Deboss%20Emboss/029.jpg

The front flyleaves

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20101%20SHINWAZOME%20CHIYOGAMI%20%20Maple%20Leaves/101F%20SHIN%20CHIYO%20Maple%20Leaves%20Spine%20Deboss%20Emboss/030.jpg

The rear pocket & namecard slot

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20101%20SHINWAZOME%20CHIYOGAMI%20%20Maple%20Leaves/101F%20SHIN%20CHIYO%20Maple%20Leaves%20Spine%20Deboss%20Emboss/032.jpg

Inktestpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20101%20SHINWAZOME%20CHIYOGAMI%20%20Maple%20Leaves/101F%20SHIN%20CHIYO%20Maple%20Leaves%20Spine%20Deboss%20Emboss/031.jpg

Colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20101%20SHINWAZOME%20CHIYOGAMI%20%20Maple%20Leaves/101F%20SHIN%20CHIYO%20Maple%20Leaves%20Spine%20Deboss%20Emboss/034.jpg

Paper is

MELLOTEX , Natural White , 100g , Smooth.

7 Signatures, 5 Folios each

Total 140 writing pages

This is a nice one ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20101%20SHINWAZOME%20CHIYOGAMI%20%20Maple%20Leaves/101F%20SHIN%20CHIYO%20Maple%20Leaves%20Spine%20Deboss%20Emboss/026.jpg

Waxed linen thread vs waxed polyester thread ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20101%20SHINWAZOME%20CHIYOGAMI%20%20Maple%20Leaves/101F%20SHIN%20CHIYO%20Maple%20Leaves%20Spine%20Deboss%20Emboss/005-1.jpghttp://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2011%20JOURNALS/Journal%20147%20Jet%20Black%20Bookcloth/147L%20Jet%20Black%20Bookcloth/003-2.jpg

Edited March 15, 2014 by TMLee

March 17, 2014

With the arrival of fresh bookcloth colours ,

this one's an attempt on bookcloth over bookcloth ...

Using the recent emboss / deboss pattern newly developed...

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o704/tmleem4/JOURNALS/2014/185%20GEMATEX%20-%20Orange/DSCF8954_zpsfe0ecea4.jpg

Tried a bright orange scheme , exploring possibilities ...

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o704/tmleem4/JOURNALS/2014/185%20GEMATEX%20-%20Orange/DSCF8957_zps1acb67d0.jpg

Orange and black is always alluring ...

So here is the black bookcloth laid over ...

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o704/tmleem4/JOURNALS/2014/185%20GEMATEX%20-%20Orange/DSCF8963_zpsc64e122e.jpg

Here , that little tip of the triangle becomes obvious....

which is what I wanted...

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o704/tmleem4/JOURNALS/2014/185%20GEMATEX%20-%20Orange/DSCF8962_zps83111e84.jpg

I am thinking

this triangular tip needs to be a little more pronounced.

hmmmm ...

This means more work ,

more attention on the thicknesses of the underlays...

March 18, 2014

At long last ...

it finally arrived ...

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o704/tmleem4/LEATHER%20STUFF/Tabletop%20Stitching%20Pony/DSCF8973_zpsf691f3b1.jpg

assembled

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o704/tmleem4/LEATHER%20STUFF/Tabletop%20Stitching%20Pony/DSCF8975_zpsc56eff28.jpg

All the corners are smoothed to prevent thread tangles ...

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o704/tmleem4/LEATHER%20STUFF/Tabletop%20Stitching%20Pony/DSCF8976_zpsf905b08b.jpg

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o704/tmleem4/LEATHER%20STUFF/Tabletop%20Stitching%20Pony/DSCF8977_zps881a0995.jpg

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o704/tmleem4/LEATHER%20STUFF/Tabletop%20Stitching%20Pony/DSCF8981_zpsd8b13c3a.jpg

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o704/tmleem4/LEATHER%20STUFF/Tabletop%20Stitching%20Pony/DSCF8978_zps58e4d18d.jpg

Jaws closed

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o704/tmleem4/LEATHER%20STUFF/Tabletop%20Stitching%20Pony/DSCF8985_zps7cf763fe.jpg

now begins a new chapter on learning how to stitch ....

wish me luck ...

March 18, 2014

Before you start stitching, you might want to stick some scrap leather over the jaws of your pony to prevent them from marking the work piece.

Looking forward to seeing your what you produce.

Michael

March 19, 2014

Before you start stitching, you might want to stick some scrap leather over the jaws of your pony to prevent them from marking the work piece.
Looking forward to seeing your what you produce.
Michael

That's an excellent idea !

Will experiment :-)

I am also wondering what I can produce !!!!

Edited March 19, 2014 by TMLee