I spent a portion of yesterday trying out one of the journal binding styles that I learned in the class I told you about yesterday. I had some very interesting paper I purchased from a very cool place in Ann Arbor whose name I've totally forgotten, but it is a store where you never know what will be there and appears to be factory overruns or something like that. At any rate the last time I was there they had some paper priced by the inch and the paper I chose had the appearance of leather on one side and suede on the other. It looks like this on the leather-look side:
I had purchased some Offray ribbon at JoAnn's for this very purpose quite some time ago and was pleased with the look of the varied stripes against the paper. I used a dull reddish waxed linen thread to sew it and am quite pleased with the result.
The journal is super light and easy to carry. It measures approximately 8" in height and 6" in width. It has three signatures with five folios in each one for a total of 60 pages. It is not perfect, but then part of the fun of a handmade journal is that you can tell that it was made by hand.
Here is what it looks like:
Because I have had the pleasure of being home alone for a couple of days, I used the dining room table as my bookbinding work station and was able to leave it set up for today.
The hubster is due home today so I won't feel like I should leave this so conveniently set up after today, but I am enjoying it while I can.
I spent a bit of time yesterday afternoon preparing hard covers for my next book which I hope to get done today. I am planning to make a hard cover coptic stitched journal today. Here are some of the covers I have available:
And here is the one I plan to use today. I just have to decide on a design for the inside of the covers, the color of thread I will use and see if I can punch holes with my awl. I think I may use yellow thread to bring out that color in the pattern of the cover.
I want to get started right now, but I promised myself that I would get on the treadmill today, so making this journal will have to wait to be my reward for doing my exercise. Meanwhile, it is time for my second cup of coffee and then I have to eat a banana before doing the treadmill.
I hope to see you tomorrow.....
xoxo
Congratulations! I find bookbinding to be addictive - and 6 by 8 is my favorite journal size - although I did love using my first square journal this summer. Please post all you make I love the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteWonderful job! I love making books ... finally I had to stop myself and start using what I made ... you are off to a beautiful start. I love that paper and that blue cover!!!
ReplyDeleteGonna have to try it..will let ya know what it looks like. Love the inner cover!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks
Debby
Yellow thread for your next book would be great! You should be totally thrilled about how your first one came out, that ribbon looks great against the book cover.
ReplyDeleteWell done, my friend! It looks wonderful - the ribbon is perfect with it! hugs, nancy
ReplyDeletegreat work...do come and play at Whimsical Wednesday: http://dthaase.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI really like your book, how long did it take?
ReplyDeleteWell done - this looks so good! I do hope you will show us the next one?
ReplyDeleteWell done, Vicki. I love making journals too!
ReplyDeleteThanks all.
ReplyDeleteCathy, except for time to allow the glue to dry at the end of the process, this probably took about an hour start to finish.
xoxo
Very nice. I think it is Creative Papers Online in Ann Arbor. Enjoyed seeing you yesterday!!!
ReplyDeleteCool. I've always wanted to make my own sketchbook but never took the time. Love the old book covers you have. They will make great sketchbook covers!
ReplyDelete