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TMLee Antique

TMLee

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Whilst working with leather at the moment, I dug out those cover pieces awaiting to be turned into covers.

 

This is genuine ostrich leather. Bought many years ago.

I was indulgent at that time, spent a small fortune acquiring a whole intact ostrich hide which was high grade - premium - with very little to nil blemishes.

 

The leather is very thick. About 2.5 to 3mm thick.

 

I had a pair of pieces cut out to try converting into covers.

They remained in cold storage for a long time, cos I didnt had the patience to work on them, until recently , when I tried anew ...

 

Had to skive them down.

Made better progress with fresh (extremely sharp) razor blades...

Tedious work.. Just two small pieces ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20166%20Ostrich%20Leather/002.jpg

 

Took me a long time to reach this stage ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20166%20Ostrich%20Leather/0032.jpg

 

the right side up

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20166%20Ostrich%20Leather/0042.jpg

 

closeup

its the part of the bird where the thighs meet the body,

I havent garnered enough courage to start on the part of the hide with the quill dots which is really beautiful...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20166%20Ostrich%20Leather/0052.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20166%20Ostrich%20Leather/0062.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20166%20Ostrich%20Leather/0082.jpg

Edited by TMLee

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

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TMLee Antique

TMLee

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Covers glued ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20166%20Ostrich%20Leather/010.jpg

 

Corners turned in and clamped overnight.

It's much flatter , a result of patience in skiving the hide down as thin as possible.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20166%20Ostrich%20Leather/027.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20166%20Ostrich%20Leather/028.jpg

 

The edges of the 4 sides all trimmed and cut straight to receive the filler boards later.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20166%20Ostrich%20Leather/029.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20166%20Ostrich%20Leather/026.jpg

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

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TMLee Antique

TMLee

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The thinness of the leather after skiving , posed a challenge.

 

It was thinner than a thin greycard.

 

I couldnt find an exact thickness of heavy paper to form the fillerboard.

I used a good quality heavy paper but it wasnt thick enough.

Then I decided to build up the thickness required, by padding it underneath with thinner sheets of paper till it formed the required thickness...

 

Here you see a first layer of good quality paper - from a magazine

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20166%20Ostrich%20Leather/031.jpg

 

Closeup ... the depth not achieved yet.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20166%20Ostrich%20Leather/032.jpg

 

Darn, i forgot to take a pic of the other heavier paper which finally filled up the remaining depth, achieving a flush level with the leather.

 

The completed covers ...

After applying some leather finishing lotions ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20166%20Ostrich%20Leather/036.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20166%20Ostrich%20Leather/037.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20166%20Ostrich%20Leather/038.jpg

 

Next comes the selection of the flyleaves ...

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

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WOBentley Collectors Item

WOBentley

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TM do you ever make A4 sized journals?

I am the owner of your spectacular matched Pelikan set :cloud9: which continue to bring great joy, and live permanently on my desk! I would love a large size Journal of yours too....and that Ostrich Leather is calling to me... :embarrassed_smile:

Edited by WOBentley

This post contains 100% recycled electrons

http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae8/Catriker/Pen%20Pics/SmallCzarNikolai.jpg

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TMLee Antique

TMLee

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TM do you ever make A4 sized journals?

I am the owner of your spectacular matched Pelikan set :cloud9: which continue to bring great joy, and live permanently on my desk! I would love a large size Journal of yours too....and that Ostrich Leather is calling to me... :embarrassed_smile:

 

 

Hi "WOBentley" ,

Thank you :D

It's good to hear from you :D

And its great to hear that the Pelikan set is much cherished :D

 

Unfortunately, I haven't made an A4 journal (yet).

There have been many requests from folks here and I continue to get them every once in a while, but my reply is the same in that I don't think I can manage that large size for the type of bookbinding that I do.

Essentially , everything is doubled in size , and it becomes pretty unwieldy during the various stages of crafting them.

My large journals remain unchanged at A5 size.

 

I haven't decided what to do with the Ostrich Leather journal yet, whether to keep or sell or gift it away ....

It's pretty unique. :D

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

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TMLee Antique

TMLee

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After mulling over several options, I finally decided on a green theme.

The Lime Green shade seemed most attractive ...

 

Here, the flyleaves already installed , complete with the rear pocket ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20166%20Ostrich%20Leather/001-1.jpg

 

I keep wondering how the final product will look like...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20166%20Ostrich%20Leather/002-1.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2012/2012%20Journals/Journal%20166%20Ostrich%20Leather/003-1.jpg

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

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TMLee Antique

TMLee

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This is the other variant of the #75C Dark Chocolate Lambskin ...

 

Here glued onto the 1mm thick white cards

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/025.jpg

 

This time round, I skived the leather down much , much thinner ...

here only one pair of corners were turned in first and clamped overnight....

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/007.jpg

 

After complete drying, the other pair of corners were folded in and clamped overnight ..

I am very happy with the results,

this time round, the corners were very very flat

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/009.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/011.jpg

 

For this journal, I tried to make some improvements on the flyleaves,

I chose this patterned card, at least 200g...

I felt it could complement the Dark Choc Brown covers...

Here the flatness of the corner fold-ins show their importance, the end result is very flat corners. The bump, if any, is very unnoticeable.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/071.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/072.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/073.jpg

 

The flyleaves installed ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/061.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/063.jpg

 

I am thinking of using rice coloured stitches ...

It should match quite nicely ...

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

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TMLee Antique

TMLee

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Completed ... This is Journal #75D "Dark Chocolate Lambskin" A6 size.

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/001.jpg

 

I chose rice coloured stitches ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/008-1.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/009-1.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/010-1.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/004.jpg

 

Full spread ..

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/006.jpg

 

The flyleaves

Front ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/012.jpg

 

Rear with pocket as usual ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/013.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/014.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/015.jpg

 

Nice matching brown band

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/005.jpg

 

Writing paper consists of

NATURALIS Vanilla White , 135gsm, Smooth

and

NACHI Grey , 124gsm, Smooth which occupies the middle signature ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/011-1.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/002.jpg

 

Inktestpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/001-1.jpg

 

Colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075D%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/002-1.jpg

Edited by TMLee

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

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TMLee Antique

TMLee

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HOW I FOLD IN LEATHER CORNERS

 

The recent few leather journals I crafted, allowed me to improve upon some techniques. Kinda common-sense kind of improvement , but no matter, any improvement is better than none at all.

 

Folding in Leather corners usually ends up with a bump on the inside.

This is due to the thickness of the leather, being folded upon each other.

 

I think there are several ways of turning in leather corners.

Some techniques involve cutting them in a radial pattern resulting in several 'spikes' sticking out from the corner before folding them in.

 

I used to do that but I wasn't satisfied with the outcome. Didn't look good.

I settled on this my present technique which is to leave all corners uncut.

Then I just fold them in , kinda like making pleats, one next to the other.

 

Anyway, even after doing so, you still get a bump on the inside corners.

 

This post is about flattening these bumps.

 

This is a recent example of a pair of leather covers recently completed.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Leather%20Corners/015.jpg

 

here are closeups of the corners successfully flattened out ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Leather%20Corners/010.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Leather%20Corners/012.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Leather%20Corners/011.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Leather%20Corners/013.jpg

 

Here are the sharp ninety degree corners.

These are excellent examples - really flat !

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Leather%20Corners/016.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Leather%20Corners/014.jpg

 

 

These pics above are the result of overnight clamping.

 

BEFORE this clamping and before folding them in, you need to skive all the leather corners down to really paper thin.

I also learnt recently that you must use fresh blades when you embark on this stage. A supersharp blade will help you skive down the leather really nice and neat. The better end results speak for themselves.

 

1) Wetting the corners

After turning the corners in, I wet them with a brush, just before clamping them. Wetting, makes the material collapse upon itself, and really increases the clamping efficiency.

 

2) I use really flat and smooth MDF boards as backing to the clamping.

 

3) Then I place a really flat and smooth piece of rigid plastic on the corners before placing the clamp in position.

 

I do this for bookcloth, and cloth and leather.

Paper covers are thin so this process is not needed.

 

 

I use to do this ...

One MDF board

then wait overnight...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Leather%20Corners/025.jpg

 

With leather, its stubborn, and needs a prolonged period of clamping.

 

But I realised I can increase the clamping pressure simply by increasing the thickness of the clamping boards ... ie make the jaws clamp open wider.

When this happens, the corners get flattened faster - saving hours.

Here you see several MDF boards stacked up to approximate the limit of the clamping jaws at wide open position.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Leather%20Corners/024.jpg

 

In this arrangement, the clamping pressure is alot higher.

I had to watch over this clamping, lest it becomes overdone, causing unwanted imprints from anything that comes into contact with the finish leather surface.

I learnt that only a few hours , say 2 or 3 hrs was enough to produce that flatness.

 

This method is pretty primitive...

Of course, those with proper bookbinding presses wont need this technique at all. :roflmho:

You probably would be chuckling at this post ... :embarrassed_smile:

 

The other thing to watch for is WHERE you place the jaws of the clamp.

If not placed properly, you can cause an undesired imprint on your covers.

The pics above show the jaw sitting exactly over the corner folds. Neither too far in nor too far out.

Again, hard to explain in words....

 

These are 6 inch (spring) clamps you see pictured.

Steel, coated with rubber at the jaws and handles.

I dont know what kind are they but I think they are some sort of automotive clamps....

These are very strong clamps.

Edited by TMLee

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

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TMLee Antique

TMLee

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Trying out something different again ...

 

I usually grab something when I see that its aesthetically attractive and promising to be used in my journal crafting.

 

This was an A5 size diary featuring the sketches of MC Escher ...

His artworks are really mesmerizing ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/001.jpg

 

I decided to use this particular page ...

A sketch entitled "Whirlpools"

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/002.jpg

 

Since it was near approaching the cover size of A5, I decided I had to reduce its size.

I separated the graphic from the caption...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/003.jpg

 

The idea was to lay this artwork into a recess on the front cover.

 

So this meant I had to create that recess .

 

I used a high quality magazine cover that was thickish enough ...

To form that recess ...

This is the cover that will carry the caption,

Here the magazine cover has been glued onto the greyboard already

and that window cutout that forms the recess for the caption

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/007.jpg

 

This one is the front cover , with the artwork laid onto position...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/006.jpg

 

I used this dark grey paper 120gsm

and glued onto the coverboard.

I chose this grey becos it matched the tinge of grey on the artwork...

Letting the reds stand out.

 

The rectangular recess formed - this time I used my newly acquired Teflon bonefolder ...

Its really amazing - no glue can stick on it. None at all.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/011.jpg

 

Of course the recess must be bigger than the actual graphic to be pasted on.

That will form a border ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/014.jpg

 

The Teflon bonefolder is excellent.

 

Here , this is the front cover ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/015.jpg

 

Laid onto the covers ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/017.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/018.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/020.jpg

 

Closeup

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/022.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/027.jpg

 

 

The corners showing the depth of the recess ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/023.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/024.jpg

 

This shows the recess deep enough to receive the paper featuring the artwork.

Its deep enough so that it doesnt stick out beyond the surface of the cover.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/028.jpg

 

 

 

Now I am wondering what colour stitches to use?

White?

Red ?

Edited by TMLee

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

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TMLee Antique

TMLee

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http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2021%20Joys%20of%20Xmas/8b80ab7c.jpg

 

 

Last night, I was delighted to see this Journal #21 again - but this time , it was written in.

It was used as a travel journal.

 

The leather spine and the fabric cloth covers wore wonderfully !

Seasoned ! but not dilapdated ...

 

It looked good filled.

And the paper performed flawlessly to boot ... :thumbup:

 

the owner said it was a very nice size to carry around in her handbag as she made her walkabouts.

 

seasoned (used) journals are a beauty ... B)

 

Made my day. :cloud9:

Edited by TMLee

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

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  • 2 weeks later...
TMLee Antique

TMLee

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I think I am going thru a 'leather' phase ...

 

Of late , I have been revisiting crafting leather journal covers.

 

This is another piece of premium leather that I recently garnered enough courage to do make a prototype attempt.

 

I believe this is goatskin (kidskin) in British Tan.

It looks like Harmatan leather, although I cant confirm.

Similar to that used by bookbinder RL Allan for his Bibles. Those Bibles are really something.

 

I opted to use parts in a symetrical fashion, trying to maximize its usage.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/Journal%20169%20Goatskin%20British%20Tan/001.jpg

 

The two pieces cut out

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/Journal%20169%20Goatskin%20British%20Tan/004-1.jpg

 

They are really beautiful ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/Journal%20169%20Goatskin%20British%20Tan/005-1.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/Journal%20169%20Goatskin%20British%20Tan/006-1.jpg

 

I proceeded to skive them down.

This I find most challenging and most tedious, and fraught with all kinds of risks of damaging the leathers.

Took me a long time to skive them down bit by bit, using a razor scraper , which I know is not the right tool.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/Journal%20169%20Goatskin%20British%20Tan/001-2.jpg

 

I somehow find this leather very tolerant of skiving down.

It seems easier to skive this piece of leather down.

I have heard before , people saying that certain leathers are easier to skive down than others.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/Journal%20169%20Goatskin%20British%20Tan/002-1.jpg

 

Here you can see its been skived down very thin, as thin as heavy paper.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/Journal%20169%20Goatskin%20British%20Tan/003-1.jpg

 

Wrapped around 1mm boards.

Here you see the filler boards, well these are actually cards rather than boards becos the leather has been skived down very thin - less than 0.5mm.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/Journal%20169%20Goatskin%20British%20Tan/001-1.jpg

 

The corners were folded in,

then wetted,

than clamped tightly

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/Journal%20169%20Goatskin%20British%20Tan/002.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/Journal%20169%20Goatskin%20British%20Tan/003.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/Journal%20169%20Goatskin%20British%20Tan/004.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/Journal%20169%20Goatskin%20British%20Tan/016.jpg

 

The completed covers

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/Journal%20169%20Goatskin%20British%20Tan/035.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/Journal%20169%20Goatskin%20British%20Tan/036.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/Journal%20169%20Goatskin%20British%20Tan/037.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/Journal%20169%20Goatskin%20British%20Tan/038.jpg

 

And the leather smells really good ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/Journal%20169%20Goatskin%20British%20Tan/046.jpg

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

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TMLee Antique

TMLee

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

Due to a request, I rummaged thru my shoebox of "didnt quite made it covers" and found this nice cover that was slightly blemished.

 

I decided to try to restore, revive this cover....

 

It had some bubbles ... the pitfalls of my technique of gluing my covers very dryly.

The bubbles are the result of those dried spots before the cover material had the chance to be laid onto the greyboard covers.

 

Its visible here ... one on the edge at left and some bubbles on the centre upper half...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20119%20GEMATEX%20Dark%20Olive%20Green/Journal%20119B%20GEMATEX%20Dk%20Olive%20Green/001.jpg

 

I then proceeded to use a hot iron to repair it.

Laid a piece of cloth over , set the iron to medium heat and ironed over ....

 

VOILA ... !

the bubbles are gone !!!

I am so happy I salvaged one cover... :cloud9:

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20119%20GEMATEX%20Dark%20Olive%20Green/Journal%20119B%20GEMATEX%20Dk%20Olive%20Green/002.jpg

 

another view ...

perfect ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2010%20JOURNALS/GEMATEX%20SERIES/Journal%20119%20GEMATEX%20Dark%20Olive%20Green/Journal%20119B%20GEMATEX%20Dk%20Olive%20Green/003.jpg

 

I learnt this tip from another forum called the Book & Paper Arts Forum....

Apparently, there are some bookbinders who employ this technique of laying pVa glue on greyboard covers, then letting it dry completely, then lay the cover material over it, then iron over with a hot iron.

 

The hot iron melts the glue , letting it do its work. :thumbup:

 

Interesting technique, I feel , especially with fabrics that are prone to distort during the stage of laying on the cover material.

Edited by TMLee

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

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oilhenn New

oilhenn

Posted
Posted

Wow your works are excellent. You must do it with your passion. Every detail is flawless. I am also living in Singapore and trying bind book for myself. But I cannot find where to buy elastic band you use :(. It seems rare in Singapore.

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TMLee Antique

TMLee

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Wow your works are excellent. You must do it with your passion. Every detail is flawless. I am also living in Singapore and trying bind book for myself. But I cannot find where to buy elastic band you use :(. It seems rare in Singapore.

 

Thank you.

Yes, interest helps a lot.

And as long as there is encouragement from demand too. :-)

 

I am still on the lookout for nicer bands.

I am not too satisfied with these bands that I am using. :-(

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

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jesse.bo Near Mint

jesse.bo

Posted
Posted

trying out the various colour combinations for the flyleaves...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075C%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/023-1.jpg

 

I wanted something bright to contrast the dark covers ...

I lean more towards the fresh greens

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075C%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/024-1.jpg

 

I preferred this shade ... more natural ....

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075C%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/025-1.jpg

 

The flyleaves installed ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075C%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/003-3.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075C%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/004-3.jpg

 

Fortunately, The brown rubber bands I have match perfectly ... :D

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075C%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/005-3.jpg

 

Here is a closeup of the flyleaves glued onto the covers.

Whatever is underneath , can still show up even though the flyleaf is thickish . This flyleaf is 137gsm.

Thats why the earlier post showed the preparation stage of filling up all the gaps before receiving the filler board.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075C%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/001-5.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075C%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/003-5.jpg

 

 

The bumps in corners can afford to be a little flatter...

:hmm1: ... room for improvement ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075C%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/002-5.jpg

 

 

Next comes the selection of the stitches ..

 

I found that giving a firm press the bone folder where the blue still wet will flatten the corners pretty good.

Jesse Aston - Bookbinder

"The lover of books hath chosen wise friends."

 

My blog about paper and books and stuff

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TMLee Antique

TMLee

Posted
  • Author
Posted

 

 

The bumps in corners can afford to be a little flatter...

:hmm1: ... room for improvement ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2075%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/Journal%2075C%20Chocolate%20Lambskin/002-5.jpg

 

 

Next comes the selection of the stitches ..

 

I found that giving a firm press the bone folder where the blue still wet will flatten the corners pretty good.

 

Thanks, I shall try that. Though I doubt it will work. :blush:

Becos its leather, it doesn't stay put. The glue is still wet.

My usual way is to clamp for a few hours at least.

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

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  • 2 weeks later...
TMLee Antique

TMLee

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

This is Journal #168 "Escher - Whirlpools" completed.

 

A5 size.

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/001-1.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/006-1.jpg

 

Bands deployed. by CLOVER

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/005-1.jpg

 

I used white stitches ..

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/010-1.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/008-1.jpg

 

I was hesitating whether to use 0.8mm or 1.0mm size of stitches.

I decided to go with the 1.0mm size , to give the stitches more body.

Also for the size of the journal, I felt it could do with thicker stitches.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/009-1.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/014-1.jpg

 

Full spread ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/012-1.jpg

 

I kept the colours to a minimum.

Only white, and maroon.

The maroon ribbon matches the dark red on the artwork print.

I felt that red stitches would compete with the artwork, so went for white instead.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/013-1.jpg

 

The flyleaves are also maroon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/021-1.jpg

 

Nice heavy paper, lightly textured.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/015-1.jpg

 

The inktestpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/017-1.jpg

 

The Colophon ..

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/020-1.jpg

 

Escher's artwork

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/022-1.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/023-1.jpg

 

M.C.Escher

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/024-1.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/025-1.jpg

 

The original artwork is 17 1/4 x 9 1/4 inches

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/007-1.jpg

 

Fascinating ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/026-1.jpg

Edited by TMLee

... 671 crafted ... one at a time ... ☺️

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jesse.bo Near Mint

jesse.bo

Posted
Posted

This is Journal #168 "Escher - Whirlpools" completed.

 

A5 size.

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/001-1.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/006-1.jpg

 

Bands deployed. by CLOVER

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/005-1.jpg

 

I used white stitches ..

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/010-1.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/008-1.jpg

 

I was hesitating whether to use 0.8mm or 1.0mm size of stitches.

I decided to go with the 1.0mm size , to give the stitches more body.

Also for the size of the journal, I felt it could do with thicker stitches.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/009-1.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/014-1.jpg

 

Full spread ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/012-1.jpg

 

I kept the colours to a minimum.

Only white, and maroon.

The maroon ribbon matches the dark red on the artwork print.

I felt that red stitches would compete with the artwork, so went for white instead.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/013-1.jpg

 

The flyleaves are also maroon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/021-1.jpg

 

Nice heavy paper, lightly textured.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/015-1.jpg

 

The inktestpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/017-1.jpg

 

The Colophon ..

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/020-1.jpg

 

Escher's artwork

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/022-1.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/023-1.jpg

 

M.C.Escher

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/024-1.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/025-1.jpg

 

The original artwork is 17 1/4 x 9 1/4 inches

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/007-1.jpg

 

Fascinating ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/2011/2013/2013%20Journals/Journal%20168%20Escher%20-%20Whirlpools/026-1.jpg

 

As always, absolute perfection. One of these days I'll do a Coptic bind.

 

Cheers

Jesse Aston - Bookbinder

"The lover of books hath chosen wise friends."

 

My blog about paper and books and stuff

Facebook Fan Page

Etsy Shop

http://astonhandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/FPN_banner.png

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