I recently bought some non-standard sized cartridge and
watercolour paper with the intention of making books out of them. I have been
wanting to make more sketchbooks (to sell and for myself), but also, I really
want to try new book binding techniques and improve my skill at it.
The two styles I have used are called Accordion-Fold and
Secret Belgian Binding. I got both patterns from the book
Making Handmade Books by Alisa Golden, which gives really clear,
comprehensive instructions, in step-by-step format, and a whole lot of
inspiration!
I started simply with the Accordion-Fold books, made with
cartridge paper. I decided to make two sized: A7 and a square (one had 7 folds
and the other with 5 folds). I made hardcovers covered with my painted papers
and fixed them on to the outside page of each of the concertinas. These books
are really simple to make (as long as you have paper long enough) but I think
create a really nice style sketchbook.
The second technique was much more complicated and required
several attempts at binding (and unbinding and binding again) before I got it
right! One sketchbook is made with watercolour paper and the other with
cartridge paper. I made a mistake with the first book I tried making by putting
holes in the wrong edge of the covers, meaning I had to cut new paper to fit
the dimensions, which was a little frustrating, but all part of the process.
What I like most about this binding style is that it looks like a side
bound/stab bound book, but opens flat, which makes it ideal for a sketchbook.
It also has a covered spine, which I think helps protect the book better. Also,
in the construction of the book, you sew the cover first and then add in the
signatures one by one, which I have found makes it a lot easier, at least for
me, to keep the binding tight.
All of the sketchbooks are now available to order on
Etsy. Click the links above or go
here for the full range of sketchbooks.
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