Remember my springback book? I’m still working on it. It’s exciting to see it come along though so I’m not really complaining. I’m just anxious to see the end result. Anyway, today I worked on the spine of the book.
To make sure the spine has that “spring” to it, we have to make it very strong. This means gluing strips of cardstock to the spine – I’m only at five strips and have to build it up to about 15 strips. You have to glue it down well though and that takes time. It’s very important to smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles because either will show through the leather or not let the book have the flexibility when it opens. I didn’t take my camera to class today but maybe next week I’ll take it and show you more pics of the book in progress.
In the meantime, I did take pictures of a favorite little journal I learned to make several years ago. This beaded journal is the perfect size for notes or carrying around with you. I’ve given a couple of those away as gifts and giveaways through my blog so stay tuned, you’ll never know when I have another giveaway.
Now I’m off to catch up with the latest John Neal Bookseller catalog. I have to fight my husband for it as he’s interested in seeing the calligraphy supplies and I want to take a better look at some of the new books on bookbinding. I was going to order some Irish linen thread anyway so maybe I should add a book to the shopping cart…
I don’t know what I’d like more, to win one of those journals or to learn to make them! So gorgeous.
I just LOVE reading about your book binding. So freakin’ nifty. And I do lurv that journal.
I was just perusing your book art page, and was just so impressed by the work you’ve done! They are so creative and beautiful – definitely works of art!
What a perfect craft for a booklover 🙂
That beaded journal is so cool. How many different kinds of journals have you mande now? It would be too tempting to be a book maker and look at that catalog!!
You’re so cool Iliana! I love reading about your book making too. 🙂
Forgive my ignorance, but when you say “This journal has five signatures”, what is a signature ? I’m sure it doesn’t mean you’ve signed the book 5 times 🙂
Dew – That’s often my thought when I go check book art exhibits! 🙂
Andi – Thank you. So glad you guys don’t get bored hearing about my adventures!
ravenous reader – Thank you. It is a great companion craft for a bookworm.
Danielle – I think I’ve tried about 10 different techniques. I try to practice each one so I won’t forget but there are some bindings I like more than others so those I practice more often.
Eva – Thank you bunches!
Gavin – Forgive me, I tend to go off in bookspeak sometimes 🙂 A signature is a group of pages. So in this case there are five groups making the whole of the book. As the pages are folded, you basically get 10 pages per signature. so the book has 50 pages total. I hope that didn’t sound too confusing!
That journal is so so lovely. It’s so cool that you make them!
Nymeth – Thank you! I really have a great time doing bookbinding.