Thursday, April 24, 2008

My first book bind


This is my new sketchbook and first sketchbook I have ever bound. Of course now I want to bind more. After the first you have so many ideas of what you can do. Initially I used inexpensive coverstock in case I royally screwed up. :) I am trying a new size out also. I went a little larger this time. I found the moleskine was a bit to narrow. This is 7" x 10". Bound on the long edge (so it fits in to a new leather cover) I will probably use it most in the landscape format. It has a nice two page spread with minimal breaks when you open it. I am trying out Arches 90lb CP this time. So we'll see how that goes.

10 comments:

Bill said...

That looks quite nice, neatly done! Good work. I've done some book binding, using existing covers (like gutted Moleskine covers and hardbound sketchbook covers), and I know how it's challenging to keep it uniform and neat in construction.
I would like to hear how the Arches 90 lb. CP works out for you. To me there are two factors: (1) how the surface takes ink and watercolor. And, (2) how does it hold up being folded and opened and close several times, as happens in a book, that is does it crack in the fold?
I answered your email to my Flickr, found it late.
Martha at www.trumpetvine.com prefers 90 lb. hot press Fabriano.
As I mentioned in my email--she has the best instructions I've found on doing the coptic stitch.
http://www.trumpetvine.com/sketchblog/moleskine-reloaded/

Jenny said...

It's beautiful. You went all-out and stylish! Enjoy your new sketchbook!

Anonymous said...

Very nice! Isn't it fun to make?

PNH said...

Looks really good.

Sandy said...

Oh how I love to see the results of others efforts! This looks fabulous. What method of binding did you use ? Coptic, or longstitch? The size sounds good and I also want to know how you like the paper for washes etc. so keep us informed. ;-) Now the Dreaded first sketch!!

Margaret McCarthy Hunt said...

great job..wasnt it fun???!

Anonymous said...

It looks wonderful! Enjoy it and share lots of the sketches with us.

Quilt knit said...

This is gorgeous. Will you hold my hand while I do mine? Wish I could start today. Have to get the apartment ready for Work at home.

Sherrie R.

Robyn Sinclair said...

Looks very professional. You must be delighted and the leather cover is a great idea. I have to make a book for a sketchbook exchange and I'm extremely nervous.

You have a great lot of sketches here, Genine, I just worked my way back to November, enjoying them.

Genine said...

Thanks for all the comments, This was fun to make. Not as hard as I thought too.Oh and I just got my leather cover and it is awesome!!!