... homemade journal ...

[TMLee]

This is Journal #29 Green Vine

 

Continuing my break from the series of white journals .... Albeit due to the (pleasant) distraction from the yellow sewing cord and newfound knowledge of how to do coptic stitches with finished covers, I proceeded to use the beautiful handmade paper I was talking about earlier.

This pic is taken after cutting a piece out to journal size.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3534.jpg

 

The paper is thick about A1 in size.

I thought of doing the spine cover in a ragged edge bcos a clean straight edge won't look nice, due to the organic design of the green vine laid on motif. I am not sure of the material of the vines but its raised from the surface. It feels rubbery like latex.

I tore the edges carefully according to the right size.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3533.jpg

 

I also tore the edge of the Olive Drab "EFALIN New Linen" paper 120gsm that will form the spine. I chose this hue to let the bright yellow cord stand out when completed. I felt the jagged edges would accentuate the design of the handmade paper.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3535.jpg

 

Glued onto the greyboards front and back.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3536.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3537.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3538.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3539.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3541.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3543.jpg

 

 

This is the first journal I am making that is in landscape format. Becos of this the spine is not tall at all to accommodate many stations. I felt 3 wasn't sufficient to hold the bookblock steady. I decided on 4 stations. The corners are rounded too, everysheet punched with a corner punch.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3542.jpg

 

I decided to use red as the flyleaves. This time I used "EFALIN New Linen" Red - 120gsm paper. It contrasted nicely with the yellow cord. And it was matte in finish. They were cut to exact A6 size and glued carefully onto the covers.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3575.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3573.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3576.jpg

 

The cover paper is thick. It wd have been good if I used a filler sheet.

 

Started stitching the coptic stitch.

Bummer ... :bonk: ... I underestimated the length of thread needed.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3577.jpg

 

Seeing other samples, I finally figured out how to create the 3 cords on the cover hole. It was straightforward. I liked this 3 cord design as it looks sorta 'beefier' compared to the single cord in my Journal #28 above .

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3591.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3578.jpg

 

What it looks like on the inside cover

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3586.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3585.jpg

 

Stays flat open.

Here its opened between pages

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3592.jpg

 

... between signatures

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3593.jpg

 

and a closeup

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3594.jpg

 

... cont'd / - ....

Edited January 11, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

... cont'd/ - ...

 

The finished product with an Etruria Alter Ego for scale.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3582.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3584.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3587.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3595.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3581.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3589.jpg

 

I haven't done the inktestpage and the pocket and colophon yet. Still wondering what layour it shld take.

 

The bookblock is the NATURALIS V/White Smooth 135gsm which is my latest discovery of a great FP friendly paper.

 

The spine is not glued this time. Allowing it to be in its unsupported state as it shld be. I think an elastic band in such future types of journals wd come in handy to keep it closed tight, avoiding deforming that comes from twisting since the spine is unsupported.

 

After finishing the journal, I felt that perhaps a dark maroon spine would look better.

Edited January 11, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

Coming back to my series of white journals.

 

This is Journal #30 - "Plumber's Nightmare" (or paradise . depending on how you look at it...)

 

Using my sketch from before .... A5 size ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2030%20Plumbers%20Nightmare/DSCF3603.jpg

 

The cover done.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2030%20Plumbers%20Nightmare/DSCF3531.jpg

 

I used another sketch for the flyleaves. "Taps"

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2030%20Plumbers%20Nightmare/DSCF3597.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2030%20Plumbers%20Nightmare/DSCF3602.jpg

 

Matching pocket

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2030%20Plumbers%20Nightmare/DSCF3601.jpg

 

 

 

The finished product

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2030%20Plumbers%20Nightmare/DSCF3618.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2030%20Plumbers%20Nightmare/DSCF3617.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2030%20Plumbers%20Nightmare/DSCF3614.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2030%20Plumbers%20Nightmare/DSCF3610.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2030%20Plumbers%20Nightmare/DSCF3616.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2030%20Plumbers%20Nightmare/DSCF3608.jpg

 

The bookblock is made of 6 signatures. 4 folios each. Coptic stitched. glued spine with mull and headband. Paper is CONQUEROR Laid paper 100gsm Brilliant White. Stitched with ORAL-B Dental Floss waxed.

Edited January 12, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

Journal Summary #26 to #30

 

 

Journal #26 - "Handphones" White hardback

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20summary%2026%20-%2030/DSCF3393.jpg

 

 

Journal #27 - "Pencils" White hardback http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20summary%2026%20-%2030/DSCF3458.jpg

 

 

Journal #28 - "Letters"

Open spine coptic stitched. Board covers wrapped in "letters'

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20summary%2026%20-%2030/DSCF3504.jpg

 

 

Journal #29 - "Green Vine"

Open spine coptic stitched.

Board covers wrapped in handmade paper 'Green Vines'

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20summary%2026%20-%2030/DSCF3581.jpg

 

 

Journal #30 - "Plumber's Nightmare" White hardback http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%20summary%2026%20-%2030/DSCF3617.jpg

Edited January 12, 2009 by TMLee

[GonZoneStudio]

Thank you TMLee I posted in the correct thread.

 

These things happen when you run some windows with threads of the same forum at the same time. Thank you!!

[TMLee]

Journal #29 Green Vine continued.

 

After some planning, I added the pocket and an elastic band closure.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3624.jpg

 

The pocket here is deep since it is running in a landscape format. It needed a paper longer than A4. It would also mean that the mouth of the pocket needed to be open wider due to its depth. So I decided to make the accordian side hinges tapered like so ...

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3620.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3621.jpg

 

It worked... !

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3625.jpg

 

The elastic band closure I decided to add in order to 'help' the journal stay its shape. Its glued between the pocket and the flyleaf.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3626.jpg

 

This is how it looks like with the band deployed.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3627.jpg

 

The colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3629.jpg

 

The ink testpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3622.jpg

 

No bleedthru , no feathering, extremely smooth. Courtesy of a very wet Etruria 0.9mm stub.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2029%20Green%20Vine/DSCF3623.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Blades]

You are making some great looking journals. Amazing.

Thanks for sharing the pics.

[TMLee]

You are making some great looking journals. Amazing.

Thanks for sharing the pics.

 

 

Tks Blades,

I am seeking to improve the look of the stitches on my recent exposed-spine creations, and I have found some solutions in Keith Smith's books.

I hope to be able to try out some new stitching methods.

 

 

 

 

[escribo]

Hi Mr. Lee,

Which of his books shows how to do the stitching you used on book #29?

(I love it!) His "glueless" book?

I use the coptic stitching for my bookblocks, but haven't a clue as to how

you attach the covers using it on your exposed-spine books. :/

TIA

-jon

[TMLee]

Hi Jon,

Why the formality ? :embarrassed_smile:

 

The book is his first book - Volume 1 - " Non-Adhesive Binding " Books without Paste or Glue. Look at page 210.

 

Those instructions yielded the stitch on Journal #28 - "Letters"

 

Journal #29 is slightly different in that it has 3 cords running thru the stations on the coverboards. If you are referring specifically to this effect, then this is what you do :

To get the '3 cord look' , pass the thread thru that station (on the coverboards) 3 times.

Likewise 2 times to get 2 cords and so on.

 

This of course would mean that you have to ensure the hole (the station) is large enough to accommodate 3 cords that will eventually sit in it without bunching up over each other.

 

You can also come up with creative variations like perhaps more holes per station, or several holes that form a pattern of yr design. Many variations if you jus think about it.

 

On hindsight, I think 3 cords thru for my Journal #29 was a wee bit overkill . I shld think 2 cords would suffice, aesthetically , that is.

 

I hope you'll enjoy the experience (and satisfaction) as much as I have.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[escribo]

Well, that tears it. Looks like I'll have to bite the bullet and go ahead and order

at least Vol. I of Keith Smith's books. I love the look of your exposed-spine,

sewn-on cover books; I guess they're akin to the ancient codex binding. Must try

one soon, but for now I have no experience or knowledge of any kind in that area.

 

Thanks,

-jon

[TMLee]

Well, that tears it. Looks like I'll have to bite the bullet and go ahead and order

at least Vol. I of Keith Smith's books. I love the look of your exposed-spine,

sewn-on cover books; I guess they're akin to the ancient codex binding. Must try

one soon, but for now I have no experience or knowledge of any kind in that area.

 

Thanks,

-jon

 

You may want to try searching Youtube first. They might have the info you are looking for.

 

 

 

 

[TMLee]

This is Journal #31 - Cobalt Blue Bookcloth - Open spined stitch

 

Decided to use the Cobalt Blue Bookcloth now that I have the deep yellow cord to contrast against it.

Proceeded to first complete the front and rear covers.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3637.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3643.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3648.jpg

 

I am gaining confidence in turning in rounded corners.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3646.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3638.jpg

 

My corners have become flatter and not so high a bump.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3645.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3644.jpg

 

The right angled corners

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3642.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3640.jpg

 

As mentioned, I wanted the stitch to look better. So I followed instructions for the 2-needle Coptic stitch. Essentially 2-needle but 1 thread.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3650.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3651.jpg

 

This time I decided to have 2 cords exposed on the coverboard.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3652.jpg

 

The stitching required some dexterity. Not easy. Or shld I say I haven't got the hang of it yet.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3653.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3654.jpg

 

My first attempt , so there are mistakes in the stitching.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3661.jpg

 

But I think the stitches look better than my first exposed spine sewing. See journal #28

 

I selected a bright lemon yellow flyleaf

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3664.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3665.jpg

 

The stitches look more substantial

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3663.jpg

 

The first 2 stations - some errors here

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3661.jpg

 

The last 2 stations where I got it right

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3662.jpg

 

The 2-cord look

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3666.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3667.jpg

 

 

 

... cont'd / -

Edited January 17, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

... cont'd / -

 

 

The finished product

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3658.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3682.jpg

 

What it would look like with the elastic band deployed

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3680.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3657.jpg

 

Matching yellow pocket

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3677.jpg

 

The ink testpage with an Etruria Alter Ego 0.9mm stub, Pelikan Brilliant Brown ink.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3685.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2031%20Cobalt%20Blue%20Bookcloth/DSCF3684.jpg

 

Bookblock was 6 signatures of 4 folios each.

Paper was NATURALIS V/White Smooth 135gsm. Very good paper for FPs.

Exposed Coptic stitched with yellow cotton cord.

Flyleaves are EFALIN New Linen 120gsm Yellow.

Pocket is Yellow cardstock probably 130gsm or 160gsm.

Black elastic band closure added.

No glue on spine.

Edited January 17, 2009 by TMLee

[JediGamer]

Wow, that is great. I really need to learn how to do this....

[TMLee]

Exposed spines compared

 

Journal #28 at the back. Then #29 in the middle and the blue #31.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Spines%20compared/DSCF3707.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Spines%20compared/DSCF3706.jpg

 

 

A comparison showing the different effects of 1 cord, 2 cord and 3 cords thru each station.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Spines%20compared/DSCF3704.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Spines%20compared/DSCF3701.jpg

 

 

A comparison showing the different kinds of Coptic stitches.

The single thread single needle common method for the bottom two journals.

The first and last station is different from the middle ones.

I didn't quite like the variation of this stitch and was pleasantly surprised when I found that there's a solution to this, viz the 2-needle method.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Spines%20compared/DSCF3699.jpg

 

The blue one on top is a 2-needle coptic stitch.

Some errors but I know the subsequent ones will be correctly sewn.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Spines%20compared/DSCF3700.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TMLee]

This is Journal #32 - "Happy Dogs (and 1 Cat) "

 

Coming back to my white series of journals - cased-in.

 

This is using this sketch from long ago, posted here...

It was my sketch copied from a kid's book. I forget the name already.

 

The sketch was colour-photocopied onto EFALIN paper and the 3-board cover prepared.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2032%20Happy%20Dogs%20and%201%20Cat/DSCF3670.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2032%20Happy%20Dogs%20and%201%20Cat/DSCF3671.jpg

 

The cover completed

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2032%20Happy%20Dogs%20and%201%20Cat/DSCF3672.jpg

 

I decided to use another sketch from the same series for the pocket.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2032%20Happy%20Dogs%20and%201%20Cat/DSCF3673.jpg

 

I used the same EFALIN white paper for the flyleaves

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2032%20Happy%20Dogs%20and%201%20Cat/DSCF3693.jpg

 

The pocket glued

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2032%20Happy%20Dogs%20and%201%20Cat/DSCF3691.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2032%20Happy%20Dogs%20and%201%20Cat/DSCF3690.jpg

 

The finished product with an Etruria Alter Ego 0.9mm stub for scale.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2032%20Happy%20Dogs%20and%201%20Cat/DSCF3695.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2032%20Happy%20Dogs%20and%201%20Cat/DSCF3696.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2032%20Happy%20Dogs%20and%201%20Cat/DSCF3687.jpg

 

The ink testpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2032%20Happy%20Dogs%20and%201%20Cat/DSCF3697.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2032%20Happy%20Dogs%20and%201%20Cat/DSCF3698.jpg

 

The Bookblock is 6 signatures with 4 Folios each.

Paper is CONQUEROR Laid Brilliant White 100gsm watermarked.

Covers wrapped in EFALIN New Linen 120gsm White. Flyleaves are the same.

 

This journal is for - dogs who love their masters !

Edited January 18, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

This is Journal #33 Blue Flowers

 

I hesitated using this cotton fabric bocs I thought it didn't look nice enough.

Its the exact same motif as that in Journal #24 which was in deep red instead.

I was wrong. This blue / beige one turned out great and was well liked by those who saw it.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2033%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF3708.jpg

 

Glued it onto the coverboards

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2033%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF3712.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2033%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF3713.jpg

 

The bookblock was 6 signatures , 4 folios each.

Paper was CONQUEROR Laid , Brilliant white 100gsm, watermaked.

I used the 2-needle coptic stitch method. The stitches look much better than the usual 1-needle method. I used the 2 cord look running thru the stations.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2033%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF3730.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2033%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF3731.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2033%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF3797.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2033%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF3735.jpg

 

I chose red for the flyleaves. It contrasted well against the yellow cord.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2033%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF3733.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2033%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF3734.jpg

 

Decided to make a matching red pocket . Bought an elastic band, deep Prussian Blue with one side that seems shimmering.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2033%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF3791.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2033%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF3795.jpg

 

I left the spine unglued.

a view between signatures

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2033%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF3799.jpg

 

centre of the signature

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2033%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF3801.jpg

 

between folios

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2033%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF3802.jpg

 

The finished product

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2033%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF3725.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2033%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF3793.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2033%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF3808.jpg

 

With the band deployed

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2033%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF3794.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2033%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF3728.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2033%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF3729.jpg

 

The colophon

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2033%20Blue%20Flowers/DSCF3806.jpg

 

 

 

[TMLee]

This is Journal #34 "Black Tie "

 

Using paper by BASIC GREY , I covered the coverboards.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3714.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3723.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3743.jpg

 

Some details of the corner folds

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3718.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3719.jpg

 

I chose an orange flyleave that would accent the covers.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3741.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3742.jpg

 

Marked the holes and drilled with a 1.5mm twist drillbit. The orange accent worked nicely against the staid "black tie" pattern.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3738.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3739.jpg

 

The Stitching

Before starting the stich, I decided to notch the edge of the coverboards to allow the thread to sit in slightly to reduce its exposure (to abrasion) . Its my first try and I dented with the bone folder.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3744.jpg

 

I used the double-needle coptic stitch to achieve same sized stitches on all stations. The cord is the same yellow 100% cotton cord. This time I executed all 4 needles at the same time. Which I later found out that it yielded a slightly better finish in terms of snugness of the stitches. (A little perspiration doing all 4 at one go !!! )

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3745.jpg

 

I stuck with the same '2-cord-thru-the-station' pattern, which I think looks just right on this A6 sized journal.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3746.jpg

 

I added an orange pocket of the same A6 height so that the elastic band sits nicely whether deployed or not. This way, the band can stay inside the cover or outside neatly without affecting the pocket.

The pocket is made of MALMERO Orange 145gsm cardstock. The elastic band had a velvety sheen on the right side. Not that heavy duty an elastic but it works.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3758.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3764.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3765.jpg

 

The completed stitching

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3819.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3818.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3824.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3825.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3822.jpg http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3766.jpg

 

I cannot find waxed Irish linen thread here where I live It would have been perfect in showing off the beautiful pattern of this kind of stitching.

 

... cont'd / -

Edited January 24, 2009 by TMLee

[TMLee]

Journal #34 cont'd / -

 

The finished product - No glue on the spine, so it opens and stays flat even easier and without resistance..

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3762.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3759.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3757.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3763.jpg

 

The ink testpage

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3813.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3816.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Journal%2034%20Black%20Tie/DSCF3811.jpg

 

Paper is GALGO Ivory Laid watermarked 100gsm.

6 signatures , 4 folios, total 96 pages.

Edited January 24, 2009 by TMLee