I'm Doing It! - Part III The Assembly

[Hokemon]

Hello all:

 

I'm back with the final installment along my journey to make a homemade journal. This post will illustrate how I've taken the great directions provided by robeck: Homemade Notebook (Hand-Stitched, A5-size), General Pen Topics > Paper and Pen Paraphernalia > DIY / How-to Guides and Resources, to attach the hand-sewn bookblock to the cover for my custom journal.

 

If you remember, I used HP 32 lb Premium Laser paper (folded in half) for the bookblock and implemented the Coptic Stich to bring 12 signatures (192 pages) together. The cover was a combination of heavy card stock and photo mat board brought together to form the cover base, which was then covered with tissue paper. Most of the items were purchased at my local hobby store.

 

Please refer to my previous threads for how to sew the bookblock and create the cover of your choice:

 

Bookblock: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...showtopic=73708

Cover: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...showtopic=75898

 

First (drumroll), I wanted to post a few photos of the final product. I'll post my process (which differs a bit from robeck) as soon as I can find time.

 

Anyway, here they are! In between my hectic schedule, I've been able to create 3 covers so far. All with mulberry tissue paper; 1 with a funky blue-gold-black paper, and 2 with more traditional fiber-based cranberry color. For size comparison, I've included a Pelikan M400 and a Gentlemen's Pen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think they came out pretty nice for a first time attempt. I'm already getting requests for my journals as XMas presents! Thanks again to robeck for great directions to follow.

 

Hope you like them!

 

 

[drifting]

They look fantastic! Nice work.

 

Out of curiosity, how many hours total would you say you put into their manufacture?

 

Ryan.

[Hokemon]

Thank you!

 

I'm guessing for each element:

 

Bookblock = 2.5 hr (folding, punching, sewing)

Making the cover = 3 days (cutting cardstock and matboard, drying time for decoupage, and 2 coats of varnish)

Assembly = 4 hr (just need the glue to dry)

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Total time ~ 4 days / journal

 

 

[sph33r]

The finished product looks great! Please do post your changes to robeck's steps as I'm still planning on doing this... one day. ;-)

[robeck]

Excellent. Particularly like the mottled blue cover. I'd also be keen to see what improvements and changes you made to the process...

 

Regards,

Dean