Spent last week making a book from the cake box from last year’s birthday. I saved it saying, "I’m going to make a journal out of this," then didn’t.
At the #californiapenshow, there was a couple selling books they’d made. He was just SO ENCOURAGING about doing it. He suggested classes in San Francisco. He also suggested YouTube, which is where I ended up.
Book two is already designed. I’ll likely give it a week, then dive in.
Here was a Belgian Secret Stitch sketchbook I made for my spouse. I wanted to try making another one of these books because they were so much fun. I also experimented in using less sketch paper in each signature (bundle of paper) and it worked much better. I did the same on the smaller sketch book in the next post.
Here are two long-stitch books with different patterns. The first (the black one) is a long-stitch sketch book and the other is a criss-cross pattern. Both look awesome! The red threads on the second one at the top and bottom were actually to cover up the fact that I made the book too long for the paper and only realized after making the holes
This one is a variation of a Coptic Stitch and, though it looks really easy, it is deceptively difficult to make because you need to learn just how much tension to give the thread. It is one that I will be trying to do again when I get some new thread.
Finally, when I was making two of the books, I realized that I did not have paper big enough for the inside panel. Then I remembered that I had these old calendars from Paper Source. I had used some for covers but realized that they would be perfect for the insides!
Finally, I just wanted to thank you for reading this thread - I've enjoyed learning bookbinding and have enjoyed sharing my projects here on Mastodon with you. I've really appreciated all the encouragement!
Here are a few more projects I've done over the past few months:
We had our first quiet Saturday in a long time. This afternoon we made some time for art and creativity! @dohappybelove did the watercolor painting and @seanbala made a long-stitch book. The inside of Sean's book was made from an old calendar that we had lying around.
Last two books for my Bookmaking Class at Lillstreet! First one is a French chain long stitch book. I LOVE the cover and the pattern on spine but had some trouble with the paper.
The second one is a Belgian Secret Stich. This was such a fun one to make - and it feels so professional, too!
When we visited Portland last summer, the only place we went many times was Powell's City of Books. It is the best bookstore in the world. I grabbed an extra bag because I knew I wanted to make a book out of it.
Craft Project! I have a beloved Kobo Libra H2O. It has a proprietary case covered in a blue fake leather that began to flake. I took it off and for a while went with the cloth underneath. But that was beginning to fray and so I decided to fix it with my ninja bookmaking skills. Probably should have used a thinner cloth for the magnet but it looks beautiful!
Today it is a butterfly stitch book. It is a bit loose and rests open pretty easily. Similar to a Coptic stich but a bit easier on the hands...and I love the interwoven threads 🤗
Second week of class at Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago - next week is learning Longstitch Books!
Started a new #bookmaking class on Visibly Sewn Books at Lillstreet Art Center in #Chicago. I’ll definitely post new projects when they are completed!
Here are some old pamphlet stitch #books that are some late Christmas presents.
The left one has a bookmark from Powell’s in #Portland, the middle is from an old calendar, and the one on the right has a sticker from Death Wish #Coffee. Amazing how rounding corners makes things look better!