It’s another What’s on Your Workdesk Wednesday and I’m enjoying working on my first handmade book.
This is something I’ve wanted to have a go at for a long time whilst finding a million and one reasons not to get started. Then, whilst writing my blog post on Monday it turned into “I Will Make A Book” and I decided to just get on with it.
I am thoroughly enjoying the process so far and it’s progressing nicely.
I’ve been buying up old board games for my stash so they were an obvious choice for the cover. Not wanting to procrastinate a moment longer I decided I’d use the third board from the top of the pile, no matter what it was. It turned out to be Pictureka.
I’m making the pages from different papers taken from a variety of sources. Some will be plain some will have symbols or word prompts on them. I’ve also included old maps, book pages, music, handmade backgrounds etc. The idea is to inspire people whilst doodling, scrapbooking or art journaling.
I’m up to about 30 pages so far and am aiming for 50.
Soon I will need to choose the binding method. It will definitely be hole punched, as opposed to stitched, but I’m not sure whether to buy a machine that can do it for me or to do it by hand. My preference is the latter because I’m not keen on spending more money on tools at this point and I already have a hand tool that can make the holes.
Then I’ll need to decide what to bind it with. The machines use wire or plastic coils and I think I’ll have to do the same in order to make it robust enough. Not sure . . . so, for now, I will put that challenge to one side and work on getting the pages finished. In other words I’ll just “Take The Next Step”.
Post 15 of 30 blogs in 30 days
You could either use ribbon through the holes or perhaps some book rings? I’ve used book rings in the past because they can be bought at a variety of sizes and you can fit quite a lot in them. I’m in the middle of making a couple of books for my kids to take on holiday so I’m debating the same things 🙂
Hi Lisa-Jane. Sorry to see from your website that you’ve not been well but glad you’re on the mend. Fab name for a blog by the way. I’m definitely with you on that one! Thanks for your suggestions. I’m not sure I fancy the book rings as they always look a bit loose to me. Some of the pages are a bit fragile and I think if they move around too much they’ll tear. Ribbon or something similar is a possibility. Can I tie it so the pages lie flat but don’t move too much I wonder? I’m going to need to experiment and find out works best. Have a great holiday!
What a fabulous project! Love the whole idea. have a great week, hugs Shaz #125 xx
Wow that is a huge task and sure to be awesome when its finished
Bridget #11
As an art journaler who makes/binds her own books all the time I would say: the Japanese bookbinding method seems like you might like that! Too bad my workshop “let it loose” is at the end – you would have loved it. But if you google ‘japanese bookbinding’ you will probably find online tutorials – check it out if you like. Good luck and have fun making your own book! Happy, belated, woyww and a hug from Holland, Marit #109
Awesome idea to make your book cover from an old board game, I just love that! Can’t wait to see it all finished! OK, I am asking my WOYWW folks to rally behind me and I truly need your support. I am in a contest and the voting ends today so it’s now or never. PLEASE go vote for me ( the camera )….yes, I am begging, lol https://www.genuinelyjanestudios.com/genuinelyblog/gjs-design-a-book-contest-top-three-finalists-announced/
waving hi from the hills of North Carolina ♥ ( #19 )
Hi Sandee. Thanks for the comment. Sorry I didn’t get to your competition before it closed. 🙁 I’ve been busy with visitors and a family Christening. Looks like you did really well though. Well done!