Because I can…because I can’t just leave it alone…because curiosity is going to kill me…..
After attending the bookbinding workshop just about a month ago now….I was intrigued and wanted to try to make more books but use existing bindings….repurpose. These books are down and dirty…there is NOT a bookbinding supply company on every corner…but honestly, I don’t need them to last an eternity. I found the process to be a little overwhelming….cutting the paper being the most tedious. I think it is helpful to go into this knowing it is going to take time, days or a week or so….not try to do everything in one day. And making a few at a time is a better use of time as well. I am really pleased with these. I will definitely make more and the most special part is the cover, the history of the cover, what was inside, the worn edges and graphics and discoloration gives a character that a brand new (sketch)book cannot.
And then there is the $$….I know someone is curious about that….well, the books were free(but in my mind priceless)…giveaways. The paper was roughly 225 kronor total = $25 (Fabriano 200gsm) Other supplies, clamps and wood panels, binding tape and glue were under 140 kronor = $16 and will be used again….the fabric is actually an old sheet I cut up free….thread I had….so…for roughly $40+ dollars I made these. And in Sweden that is a bargain!
Very nice tutorial, thank you for sharing!
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Great tutorial! Thank you.
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Hey thanks Teri….you know…I really didn’t mean for it to be a tutorial….so there are holes in this one….any questions…please ask….
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How wonderful to take old and make new. Love the new sketchbooks.
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Hey thanks so much!!! Really nice to hear from you…..I need to visit you….;)!!!
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These are really cool! I used to make something similar, but much simpler (wire bindings using a simple binding/punching machine). Bookbinding like you did looks like fun, although a lot of work – I’m sure it’s worth it in the end to have such a cool sketchbook!
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oh, it is a lot of work….but yes I think it is worth it…..your bindings sound cool too ….wire and all. I used to work at a printer and we did a spiral type of binding….did not care for that. Thanks for stopping by….I really enjoy the comment!!!
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Brilliant! Thank you for sharing the process, very inspiring. My mind is just buzzing with how cool this is, already love sketchbooks, but ‘hidden’ sketchbooks with unusual or vintage covers? Awesome.
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That’s my daughter! Great work and know how expensive art supplies are in Sweden, so this should keep you in stock for a few months…maybe until you return to the states!.! Love you
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Beautiful book binding Rebecca. I’ll look forward to seeing how you fill the pages.
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This looks like a lot of fun, Rebecca, but I have to ask . . . Have you started to use your little red book that you made in the class?
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😉 yes….maybe I should do a post about it soon….it is not complete yet, but it will take a lot of time…..so sweet to inquire….thank you!
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Oh I love these books! It makes me want to create stuff!
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