bibliotheca's topics - tribe.net

northwest book arts conference

doug — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 22:00:17 GMT

coming up in less than 2 weeks will be the focus on book arts conference in forest grove oregon, just outside of portland. lots of great classes and there is always a good selection of vendors to buy supplies from. go to their website to get details. i highly recommend looking into this event, even if just to shop, for anyone in the northwest.

http://www.focusonbookarts.org/

posted in bibliotheca - 0 replies

DIY Bookbinding Zine

skuz — Fri, 19 May 2006 18:06:00 GMT

This is a instructional Zine a friend and I put together. Let me know if you would like a printable pdf version (or if you can host the PDF for us):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/skuz/sets/72057594139449927/show/

posted in bibliotheca - 9 replies

Do people still write?

safadancer — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 21:00:49 GMT

I was selling a bunch of my handmade books at an indy craft fair this past weekend...and was speculating as to why people weren't buyin'. It could be because my books suck. But everyone remarked on the quality of them...just nobody purchased. Lots of people apologetically mentioned how they write on computers now, and it occurred to me: so do I!

Whereas once I kept a journal faithfully in a lovely book of creamy pages, now I hardly ever write journal entries at all, relying instead on short essays and fiction on my (still lovely) Macintosh Powerbook. Do you think people have Stopped Writing? Whither goest the future of the book?

Although the language is a bit flowery, I really am serious: are we hand bookbinders becoming obsolete?

posted in bibliotheca - 9 replies

Christmahanukwanzaa trade?

safadancer — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 18:22:08 GMT

Anyone want to set up a trade for the holidays? I have a few handbound blank journals sittin' around and would love to see the sorts of things other people are working on. If you're interested...post away!

posted in bibliotheca - 2 replies

Digital/Analogue

skuz — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 19:17:49 GMT

Anyone have any good examples of the cross over between digital and analogue in the book arts? Examples of creative digital presentation of books, or digital material captured into book form?

posted in bibliotheca - 4 replies

Help with Bookmaking class at college

Tracy — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 22:21:26 GMT

Hello!

I proposed my idea for an independent bookmaking class at the college where I work and it was accepted! I have previously made my own hand made zines, and enjoyed the process. A few years have passed and I want to teach others how to do it now, does anyone have any tips? I specifically am having difficulty about how to tell the students to construct their own binding. Does anyone have a book reccomendation or link? Finding this tribe website has already been a great help. Thanks!

Peace, Tracy

posted in bibliotheca - 3 replies

Bellydancer Bookworks!

safadancer — Sun, 25 Dec 2005 01:08:57 GMT

I've just put up a gallery and listing of hand-bound books for sale -- you can get to it at www.khafif.com/safadancer/gallery and click on "Bellydancer Bookworks". Prices are listed, along with descriptions.

These are all handmade books, handmade by me, using a variety of techniques. If you see a sold one that you like or have an idea for a special order, I'd love to hear about it! If you have any suggestions for things I haven't tried, lemme know. I'll put some pics up in the gallery.

posted in bibliotheca - 3 replies

Book Cloth?

Krissy — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 05:17:37 GMT

Hi everyone. I am new to this tribe and also relatively new to bookbinding. I have made a few books but a few things have been stumping me.
My dilemma at the moment is what I use to cover my books. I want to do a book cloth covered one, but here in Perth Western Australia I haven't been able to find anywhere that sells book cloth.
Anyone have any suggestions about what I can use instead?

posted in bibliotheca - 6 replies

Covering your book

monet — Sun, 07 May 2006 19:38:56 GMT

I'm interested in what you cover your books with. Most of my books are made hard-bound with covered spines and basic codex stitching. I try to find interesting, sturdy fabrics to cover the board with. I've used fake leather, velvet, canvasy materials, and clippings from my curtains. One of my main obstacles is glueing the material to the board without having the glue seep through the fabric and make a messy, crusty edge on the inner rim of the book.

What do you cover your books with? What do you use to attatch those materials to your book?

And just for fun, my book work is here:
http://lunarfusion.com/bibliophilia

posted in bibliotheca - 2 replies

Made my first book on Sunday

Wed, 30 Nov 2005 05:11:59 GMT

I don't know what got into me on Sunday, but I decided to make a book. I used blank notecards as the pages and cardboard for the cover. I posted a pic of it. Pretty crude, but I'm damn proud of myself.

I look forward to learning more refined bookmaking techniques from you guys.

posted in bibliotheca - 5 replies

Wikibook on bookbinding

polyparadigm — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 19:32:09 GMT

Hey, there,

I'm new to this tribe, but decided to joing because I think that Wikimedia projects should include an instruction manual on how to bind their content into book form. I also think it's worthwhile to put out a primer on the art form in general, but I don't know so much about that.

To those ends, I started the Wikibook on bookbinding:

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Bookbinding

Please contribute to this project, if you feel it's important. It's easy to join the Wikibooks project (easier than joining Tribe, by far). You can contribute anonymously if you want, but membership will help everyone on the project build trust in your work (and has some other benefits, too).

http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Userlogin

Many important sections are still missing, and it's in need of some free license (e.g., cc-by-sa, GFDL, etc.) images of books being bound, as well as descriptions of the process and tips on technique. To upload images or video, go to

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

and figure out the upload process. Feel free to write me a note if you have any questions, or if you want to contribute by email rather than using the websites.

posted in bibliotheca - 0 replies

Shhhhhhhh!!!

Deet Man — Fri, 28 Oct 2005 07:56:29 GMT

you guys are making way to much noise in here

posted in bibliotheca - 0 replies

new

Deet Man — Thu, 25 Aug 2005 00:51:06 GMT

hi I am new here
I have always wanted to make my own books
not sure when I will get the time...but I will someday :)

posted in bibliotheca - 0 replies

Gustave Dore 1881 Bible

deviant_sagacious — Mon, 20 Jun 2005 07:13:37 GMT

I'm sorry to bother but this place seemed like a good place for this. When you have a few seconds, plz click on this link.

Trying to find a home for some beautiful original Gustave Dore prints (Not reproduction or reprinted) in a very large Deluxe Edition 124 year old Family Bible: http://www.burkephoto.com/ddorfbible/dorebible.htm

posted in bibliotheca - 0 replies

Book Photos and Current Projest

Sat, 23 Apr 2005 17:50:29 GMT

First post here. I finally took the time to load some photos of books to my profile.

I'm working on a new book this weekend. Its for a co-worker. She's planning on giving it to her daughter upon her first menes. It will contain letters from wormen who are friends and family. These letters include insights on being a woman. I'm excited about being able to provide this for my co-worker and her daughter. I'll post pictures when its done.

angie

posted in bibliotheca - 0 replies

my book promotion!

Zora Snides — Wed, 16 Mar 2005 01:11:17 GMT

http://theluxartillery.chaosmagic.com/

posted in bibliotheca - 0 replies

im a newbie | coptic journals

ulan25 — Sun, 30 Jan 2005 00:38:59 GMT

hi there. i just found this group. im new at making handmade books and could use inspiration/advice/instructions =) all i've made have been regular long-stitch journals with soft covers. But I've recently tried my hand at coptic binding.

I used illustration board for the cover, which i covered with handmade paper. I attached a piece of elastic to the back cover which could go over the entire book to keep it closed.

The book looks ok, I think, but when you open it, there are gaps between the signatures. Is this normal? How do I keep this from happening the next time I make a coptic journal?

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

=)

posted in bibliotheca - 15 replies

a button hole journal

Jen — Mon, 03 Nov 2003 07:30:27 GMT

Hi everyone, here's some photos of a recent project That I was quite happy with the design of (the execution of the button sticth is a bit messy but I liked the design I chose).

(also I've put up instructins for making a bound cd wallet at my website, just click the craft projects link at http://jen.f1-comics.com)

<img src="http://jen.f1-comics.com/made/black_red.jpg">
<img src="http://jen.f1-comics.com/made/black_red_int.jpg">
<img src="http://jen.f1-comics.com/made/black_red_cover.jpg">

posted in bibliotheca - 6 replies

Holiday Humor!

esoterica3 — Tue, 14 Dec 2004 05:37:58 GMT

Greetings all,
Well, it's about that time of year that one should receive at least 1 humorous holiday element, this was sent to me awhile back, so, hope you all enjoy it and have some happy holidays!

A Visit from St. Nicholas...
For Readers in Their 23rd Year of Schooling

‘Twas the nocturnal segment of the diurnal period preceding the annual Yuletide celebration, and throughout our place of residence, kinetic activity was not in evidence among the possessors of this potential, including that species of domestic rodent known as Mus musculus. Hosiery was meticulously suspended from the forward edge of the wood-burning caloric apparatus, pursuant to our anticipatory pleasure regarding an imminent visitation from an eccentric philanthropist among whose folkloric appellations is the honorific title of St.Nicholas.

The prepubescent siblings, comfortably ensconced in their Respective accommodations of repose, were experiencing subconscious visual hallucinations of variegated fruit confections moving rhythmically through their cerebra. My conjugal partner and I, attired in our nocturnal cranial coverings, were about to take slumbrous advantage of the hibernal darkness when upon the avenaceous exterior portion of the grounds there ascended such a cacophony of dissonance that I felt compelled to arise with alacrity from my place of repose for the purpose of ascertaining the precise source thereof.

Hastening to the casement, I forthwith opened the barriers Sealing the fenestration, noting thereupon that the lunar brilliance without, reflected as it was on the surface of a recent crystalline aqueous precipitation, might be said to rival that of the solar meridian itself - thus permitting my incredulous optical sensor to peruse a miniature airborne runnered conveyance drawn by an octet of diminutive specimens of the genus Rangifer, piloted by a miniscule, aged chauffeur so ebullient and nimble that it became instantly apparent to me that he was indeed our anticipated caller.

With his undulate motive power traveling at what may possibly have been more vertiginous velocity than patriotic alar predators, he vociferated loudly, expelled breath musically through contracted labia, and addressed each of the octet by his or her respective cognomen ... “Now Dasher, now Dancer...” et al. – guiding them to the uppermost exterior level of our abode, through which structure I could readily distinguish the concatenations of each of the 32 cloven pedal extremities.

As I retracted my cranium from its erstwhile location, and was performing a 180-degree pivot, our distinguished visitant achieved - with utmost celerity and via a downward leap - entry by way of the smoke passage. He was clad entirely in animal pelts soiled by the ebon residue from the oxidations of carboniferous fuels which had accumulated on the walls thereof. His resemblance to a street vendor I attributed largely to the plethora of assorted playthings which he bore dorsally in a commodious cloth receptacle.

His orbs were scintillant with reflected luminosity, while his submaxillary dermal indentations gave every evidence of engaging amiability. The capillaries of his molar regions and nasal aptenance were engorged with blood which suffused the subcutaneous layers, the former approximating the coloration of Albion’s floral emblem, the latter that of the Prunus avium, or sweet cherry.

His amusing sub- and supralabials resembled nothing so much as a common loop knot, and their ambient hirstute facial adornment appeared like small, tabular and columnar crystals of frozen water. Clenched firmly between his incisors was a smoking piece whose Gray fumes, forming a tenuous ellipse about his occiput, were suggestive of a decorative seasonal circlet of holly. His visage was wider than it was high, and when he waxed audibly mirthful, his corpulent abdominal region undulated in the manner of impectinated fruit syrup in a hemispherical container.

Without utterance and with dispatch, he commenced filling the aforementioned hosiery with articles of merchandise extracted from his aforementioned previously dorsally transported cloth receptacle. Upon completion of this task, he executed an abrupt about-face, placed a single manual digit in lateral juxtaposition to his olfactory organ, inclined his cranium forward in a gesture of leave-taking, and forthwith affected his egress by renegotiating (in reverse) the smoke passage.

He then propelled himself in a short vector onto his conveyance, directed a musical expulsion of air through his contracted oral sphincter to the antlered quadrupeds of burden, and proceeded to soar aloft in a movement hitherto observable chiefly among the seed-bearing portions of a common weed.

But I overheard his parting exclamation, audible immediately prior to his vehiculation beyond the limits of visibility: “Ecstatic Yuletide’s to the planetary constituence, and to that self-same assemblage my sincerest wishes for a salubriously beneficial and gratifyingly pleasurable period between sunset and dawn.”

Happy Holidays!
Esoterica3

posted in bibliotheca - 0 replies

Pettingell Book Bindery (Berkeley, CA)

Waltzing Matthea — Wed, 17 Nov 2004 18:10:19 GMT

Not certain I spelled the name right. It's on Bancroft....Anyone ever been there? Opinions? I'm probably going to check them out in the next day or two.

I need supplies for a project and would prefer not to go the mail-order route (wishful thinking, I'm sure), so if they're any good, I may be buying paper, book cloth, etc. from them.

posted in bibliotheca - 2 replies

coptic bindings

safadancer — Thu, 27 May 2004 18:50:23 GMT

i have been experimenting with coptic bindings lately, and have not found a good way to tie off the threads when i'm done sewing the covers on so they aren't incredibly visible somewhere on the book (either on the spine or inside one of the signatures). any suggestions? anybody got some good coptic binding techniques or tips they'd like to share?

posted in bibliotheca - 3 replies

Simulated leather book cover

Glen — Tue, 13 Jul 2004 03:13:26 GMT

I'm searching for information about faux leather material for book covers. The look I am trying to obtain is similar to that used by Paperblanks for their old leather journals. I was told by a rep at that company that they simply use paper with debossed/foil ink. Can anyone tell me where I might find this type of paper? Thanks.

posted in bibliotheca - 0 replies

I need guest book help

m. — Tue, 04 May 2004 21:07:41 GMT

I am making a guest book for a wedding. The bride would like the people attending to write a little note/advice on a piece of paper and then put them in envelopes which will be in the guest book. Does anyone have any ideas on a neat way to attach the envelopes in the book, how many to have on a page, any ideas really. She wants the book to close nicely and not pop open with the envelopes inside. I have done a bit of book binding and plan on making this from scratch but any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

posted in bibliotheca - 3 replies

Book Exchange

Mon, 26 Apr 2004 04:16:15 GMT

So I've decided to take some initiative and see if anyone here would be willing to take part in an exchange of book arts projects. I'm thinking that perhaps we coudl get a group of 5-10 people together, come up with a theme, and then do books that speak to that theme. WE coudl either do things that coudl be editioned so that everyone coudl have a copy of each person's work-- or we could just make one-of-a-kinds and send them away to another member.

The particulars are unimportant. If you'd be interested, reply to this thread and give any thoughts. Perhaps we can better develop a project based on how many people there would be.

eric

posted in bibliotheca - 5 replies

Art from Vandalized Books

margaret-anne — Mon, 19 Apr 2004 19:13:31 GMT

Be sure to see some images/interpretations and read the text from
"Art From Vandalized Books" at the San Francisco library.
Awesome.

http://www.artsjournal.com/publishing/redir/20040418-44538.html

marg

posted in bibliotheca - 1 reply

Somerset Studios and resources

safadancer — Mon, 29 Mar 2004 02:21:25 GMT

Hs anybody seen this marvelous magazine? I was just wondering what people thought of it as a resource? Do you find their tips, etc. interesting? Have you ever heard of it? What are your favorite other resources for bookmaking?

Claire
www.khafif.com

posted in bibliotheca - 3 replies

New Book Photos

Tue, 30 Mar 2004 21:39:32 GMT

Hello everyone.

Just posted 2 pics of my new miniature book. It measures 2.75 inches square. I've never worked so small before-- very fun.

Its 18 pages with 3 fold out pages similar to the one pictured. Cased in boards and hand sewn. More info is available at my press website: www.magicfishpress.com if your'e interested.

comments? anyone else here have recent work to show off?
Eric

posted in bibliotheca - 2 replies

Getting the community going

Jen — Fri, 13 Feb 2004 03:59:29 GMT

Hi everyone,
well i starte the community then went away for a month on holidays and it went real quiet.

Lets share our work and get feedback and share the work of our favourite binders here, feel free to create topics and chat about anything binding related.

I'd also love your feedback on a series of community projects (book swaps) I was thinking of organising.

I was thinking small groups of foru or five each making a small book a month and sending one to each of the other participants, would you rather do it by binding style or more artist book like working around themes?

we can either run the swaps sending one to each person or one month 1 send to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4 and 4 to 1 thn rotate the numbers so everyoine gets examples of each others work.

let me know what you think and what you'd like to see in the community, we re limited by the tribe format so I may consider moving to a differnet board format if enough interest is generated.

I'll also need more paople to help out if we move to a differnent board.

look forward to hearing what you all have to say.
jen

posted in bibliotheca - 4 replies

Hi friends!

Vadi — Mon, 09 Feb 2004 18:03:54 GMT

New member alert :)
Lots of people from
bay Area here?

posted in bibliotheca - 1 reply

FS: 2 bookbinding kits

Ann — Sat, 07 Feb 2004 02:24:23 GMT

This is probably not the best place to post this, since most members probably already know what they're doing, but if you have friends who are wannabe bookbinders, this might be a good thing for them -- or if you want to learn a new type of binding, maybe one is right for you.

I have 2 fabulous bookbinding kits that I received for Christmas two
years ago and never used. Each kit contains clear instructions and
all of the materials you need to make 2 complete books. Even glue and
thread are included. The only things you need are a bone folder (or
other smoothing object) and some weights (they suggest bricks wrapped
in paper).

The boxes are open, but all of the materials are intact as they were
packaged (I never even unfolded the paper or 'unbundled' the
supplies). Each kit retails for $49.95. I will sell for $35 each
plus shipping (each kit weighs 2 lbs. 10 oz. from zip code 02703).

The first kit is called The Book of Ages ... this kit makes 2
medieval style open-back binding books. See it here:
http://www.plickityplunk.com/bookofages.html

The second kit is called The Bookmaker ... this kit makes 2
traditional 'quarter bound' books. See it here:
http://www.plickityplunk.com/bookmaaker.html

I accept non-credit card PayPal (preferred), money order, or
Visa/MasterCard through my business' secure server. Please email.

Thanks!
Ann Kingman
Ann Kingman Books -- handmade books of paper, leather, and polymer
clay
http://www.annkingman.com

posted in bibliotheca - 2 replies

Year of the Monkey book

Khajha — Thu, 29 Jan 2004 22:21:16 GMT

I just saw the new photo that someone uploaded of the year of the monkey book. Who's fantastic work is that?? It's wonderful. I'd love to see the endpapers.

-Khajha

posted in bibliotheca - 4 replies

Bookbinding update to website

lesleydavies — Thu, 01 Jan 2004 20:57:42 GMT

Hi all - and a Happy New Year!

Just a note to say that we've been busy over the Christmas holiday and our website has now been updated to include some Handmade Book galleries.

http://www.lesleydavies.co.uk

Enjoy!
Lesley

Lesley Davies
Kingston upon Hull, UK

"Let the beauty we love be what we do" .... Rumi

posted in bibliotheca - 0 replies

New Website

Jen — Thu, 01 Jan 2004 05:50:13 GMT

Hi everyone I wanted to show you my websites, I've divided my work into two categories, http://skullduggery.f1-comics.com which is home to our small edition work and http://www.janicemarie.id.au which is home to my more commercial binding (albums, folios etc).

I'm having the blazes of a time with the quote form on the commercial site, if anyone knows anything about coding, help would be greatly appreciated!

posted in bibliotheca - 0 replies

definitions

snarkoutqueen — Wed, 31 Dec 2003 04:20:44 GMT

i know this is long . . . but . . .
im organizing a book portfolio exchange with a group of people who are all creative and motivated, but some of which have no previous book making experience. im slightly concerned because we are working with a non-traditional form, in that the book must be encased within a jar/bottle, and i dont have a solid defitition of what a book is to provide for people who have had little or no experience with a book "as art object". i have full confidence in the people im going to work with, but im anticipating a lot of questions as to what the peramiters of a "book" can be. for the most part, im going to tell people to just do what they want, but i do want to be able to provide a definition if asked. i know this can turn into serious debate since everyone has a difference of opinion when it comes to the intricacies of what seperates a "book" from a "book as art object" (im trying to stay away from the idea of an "artist book" because i think that gets even more complicated), but what would you guys consider a good general definition for people who may have some questions about it??

heres what ive come up with so far:

books as "art objects" can take on any form or style. what is important about distinguishing an art object as a book can really be quite simple:
*it should be something that is meant to be physically manipulated, and creates an intimate physical relationship with the viewer (in other words, it should be handled and NOT viewed from a distance).
*it should reveal pieces of information (visual or textual) in a specific order, OR with the INTENT of no order (but something needs to be revealed after or during the manipulation)
things to think about when creating a book as "art object" are:
*the message can be entirely text, entirely image, entirely texture, entirely object oriented, ect.
*it can be bound, or unbound, have hinges, or not
*it can be paper, or not, have pages or no
t
what distinguishes a regular old book from a book as art object? craftmanship and content (that part stays ambiguous).

what do you think?

posted in bibliotheca - 0 replies

waxed thread

snarkoutqueen — Sun, 09 Nov 2003 19:59:11 GMT

Does anyone know of a good place to order waxed thread from? the stores in my area only sell leather working waxed thread, which is too heavily waxed for binding, and has only 4 colors.
thanks

posted in bibliotheca - 9 replies

Introducing myself...new to site

Cathy — Mon, 22 Dec 2003 13:29:59 GMT

Hello everyone. New to site but not new to bookbinding. I love anything Paper Art related, starting out scrapbooking over 5 yrs. ago and with the accumulation of supplies, I ventured into other Paper Art crafts such as rubberstamping/mixed media/altered books and on to bookbinding/handmade books for the last two years.

No current website; however, I hope to have some thoughts, ideas, and books to share soon. I look forward to getting to know others and learning along the way.
Cathy

posted in bibliotheca - 2 replies

Book Arts Web - Answer for Kristen

Khajha — Thu, 11 Dec 2003 19:53:57 GMT

hi kristen-

i'm a lurker at the book arts website and saw you were asking about making lined pages for a journal. i have had some success with modifying a store bought brayer. i just score straight lines around the roller that will become the lines and then slice out some of the rubber with an exacto knife. you can decide your own spacing this way, wide lines, skinny lines, lines close together, lines far apart. it was kind of...rustic. with a little more effort and practice or a steadier hand you may be able to get more polished results.

i'd be very interested to see what you come up with, maybe you'll share your successes and your trials, too.

-khajha

posted in bibliotheca - 2 replies

www.mobilivre.org

Caitlin — Wed, 26 Nov 2003 20:32:49 GMT

Our application form is available on our website:
www.mobilivre.org

2004 Submission Deadline: Feb. 1st, 2004
Call for Submissions

You are invited to submit your bookworks, zines, and independent publications to be juried for the 2004 North American tour of projet MOBILIVRE-BOOKMOBILE project. The collection will be selected based on inventive explorations of the book as a system and creative manipulations of its form. Works that are politically engaging, collaboratively produced and works that challenge conventional conceptions of "the book" are encouraged. A jury will be held in March to determine the 2003 selection. Good luck!

_Warning:
As the collection will be traveling on bumpy roads and handled by many readers, your bookwork may suffer a little wear and tear during the tour. Please keep this in mind when you submit a one of a kind bookwork.

_Limitations:
Space in the Airstream is limited so extremely large submissions may not be appropriate. There is no limit to the number of submissions per person.

_Send it:
To submit, please complete the APPLICATION FORM. Print a copy for each additional submission. SUBMISSIONS WITHOUT APPLICATION FORMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Send the book work with an APPLICATION FORM, and a self addressed envelope to:

CANADA
project MOBILIVRE-BOOKMOBILE project
PO Box 42062
Montreal, Que, H2W 2T3
U.S.
project MOBILIVRE-BOOKMOBILE project
c/o Space 1026
1026 Arch Street
Philadelphia PA 19107

_Reply:
If your work is selected we will contact you by e-mail or mail. If your work is not selected we will return it to you safely in the self addressed envelope that you totally sent us. Thanks for your participation!

posted in bibliotheca - 0 replies

davey chip board

jennifer — Tue, 28 Oct 2003 00:27:02 GMT

hi -

i have been using davey chip board for years, but i've been searching the web for a new source to buy it from (cheaper per board, better shipping etc...)
i somehow just discovered davey red label binder's board -
is this different then the usual acid free davey chip board?

thanks!

jennifer

posted in bibliotheca - 5 replies

Paper making

Jen — Sun, 28 Sep 2003 07:04:52 GMT

Well i just brought a mould and deckle, I would have made one but I can't seem to find the time lately, and I'm about to embark on my first attempts at papermaking since I was about 13 (grey, lumpy, thick sheets).

I've got all my instructins, I've got some liquid starch as size, has anyone got any other tips/experiences or photos of their own work to share?
.jen

posted in bibliotheca - 5 replies

turning a paperback into a lay-flat hardback

kbk — Thu, 13 Nov 2003 16:37:23 GMT

hellooo everyone. yes, i have been lurking a bit. silly "work" has been interfering with my tribe.net time.

i'm starting my first binding project in a while, and i thought i'd ask for some advice. the project is this: turn a paperback cookbook that does not lay flat into a hardback cookbook that does lay flat.

the book is about 7inches by 6inches, and has the typical paperback binding -- looks like signatures, but not sewn, just glued. i think this is "burst" binding...?

what i'm thinking of doing is following this guide:

http://temperproductions.com/QJ-how-to/adhesive%20quarter-jointe.htm

and just leaving the old spine of the book on the inside of the new spine. perhaps color copying the spine and then glueing it down over the hardback spine.

it sounds pretty ghetto, but really, the book needs to be more functional than beautiful.

anyone got any caveats? ideas? tips? tricks?

posted in bibliotheca - 0 replies

Leather Spine

Rain — Sun, 02 Nov 2003 17:23:47 GMT

I was just wondering if there are good reference books or articles out there for raised leather spines on books. I've fallen in love with the idea of making a handbound book with marbled paper and a rich, leather spine that has those raised bumps at certain intervals.

Oh, if anyone could let me know where to get leather as well, that would be great.

Thanks!

posted in bibliotheca - 1 reply

Leaf book

emmajane — Wed, 05 Nov 2003 16:39:13 GMT

For those who are interested, I finished a new book this past weekend at a demonstration in Toronto.
http://www.strangelittlegirl.com/books/coptic/leaf01.html

http://www.strangelittlegirl.com/books/coptic/leaf01b.jpg

The stitching for the "bird toes" is done by punching three holes into the board for each row of stitching along the spine. The top two "toes" and the bottom two toes share a middle hole.

To sew the book:
start with your needle inside the first signature.
push it out and go around the outside of the cover and into the first hole (the one closest to the spine)
go down through one toe and back through the hole closest to the spine (repeat for each of the toes)
now go back into the signature through the same hole you came out. but this time go on the other side of the board. move along to the next hole and repeat this stitching for each toe on the cover

add a new signature by doing a kettle stitch at each hole along the book. Basically: push your needle out of a hole, kettle stitch it to the previous section and put your needle back in the hole. A curved surgical or upholestery needle will help you immensely. Make sure to bring the thread back in after doing a kettle stitch so that none of it shows along the spine from the outside of the book.

When you get to the cover, attach it the same way you did the front cover. End on the inside of a signature and tie off using "half hitches" (loop your thread around one of the finished sewing loops and pull tight).

I know the directions will be hard to follow without diagrams, but I'm not sure my diagrams would make it any clearer. ;)

posted in bibliotheca - 3 replies

Poster Art Tribe

dij — Thu, 06 Nov 2003 15:54:31 GMT

http://posterart.tribe.net

posted in bibliotheca - 0 replies

examples of e-text printing/binding

Michael — Wed, 05 Nov 2003 16:03:58 GMT

Further to my previous posts re. 'turning any e-text into "real" books'... I have just updated my website to include graphics, etc. from a recent commission and e-text. Advice and comments are always appreciated.
Michael Keller
Bookbinder

posted in bibliotheca - 1 reply

Sewing pattern please!

Fri, 24 Oct 2003 04:28:42 GMT

Coptic binding is my favorite, but I haven't managed to figure out how to sew them correctly. I end up having to go twice in the same holes and that's not very nice. How do I figure out the number of signatures and of holes in them that will allow me to sew them cleanly? And what should the actual pattern be? Help would be very much appreciated.

posted in bibliotheca - 6 replies

Glue and/or adhesives

margaret-anne — Wed, 15 Oct 2003 22:38:31 GMT

I'm new here and am not able to get PVA glue in my small town. What have you found that's a good substitute? Elmers? Aleene's?

I know the white glues have various formulas with some mimicking the true PVA, however I've tested them and they are globby and thick. So what would you recommend in the line of a good white glue?

posted in bibliotheca - 8 replies

Introducing myself

Lee — Thu, 23 Oct 2003 00:35:08 GMT

Hi folks,

I just joined a couple of days ago at the invitation of Jen, who saw my link in the book arts group at Yahoo. I'm half of Long Meg Press, occasional publishers of Fine Artist's Editions. At the moment, we're very occasional because we're still working on our first book, which will be a chapbook of poems by Elizabeth McDade called Moon Algebra Ice.

I did kind of a dry run of this insanity last year when I authored and helped design and produce Stories from the Ruins: 16 poems about 9/11. Our biggest coup with that so far is that the Detroit Institute of Arts bought a copy and is displaying it in the exhibit reopening their graphic arts galleries around Thanksgiving.

Here are some links to my sites, in case you feel like visiting:

My personal site is here:
http://home.mindspring.com/~lee_kottner/index.html

The Long Meg Press site is here:
http://home.mindspring.com/~longmeg/index.html

and the Long Meg Production Blog is here:
http://leekottner.typepad.com/long_meg_press_production/

Comments are always welcome.

I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone else is up to.

Cheers!

Lee

posted in bibliotheca - 3 replies

Pop-Up References??

Megan — Sun, 19 Oct 2003 20:41:36 GMT

I don't normally go in for pop-up books, but I'm just wondering if anybody knows of any web resources/how-to's online for pop-up books?

I have a project that I'm working on and I think a pop-up might be a possibility for this one.

posted in bibliotheca - 1 reply

Books about books

lesleydavies — Mon, 29 Sep 2003 17:25:16 GMT

Hi all!
I'm a compulsive book buyer and can't resist books about making books. I keep telling myself I have enough and that it's time to actually make something from them!
However I am considering getting Keith Smith's Vol 3. I've heard (and seen) it's very good for coptic bindings. Would you recommend it for any other techniques? Is it easy to follow?

Go on - give me an excuse for buying it!!
Lesley

.... and what are your favourite books about books?

posted in bibliotheca - 5 replies

turning any e-text into 'real' books

Michael — Thu, 25 Sep 2003 14:11:12 GMT

This is Michael Keller, a hand-bookbinder in Ontario, Canada. Forgive my ignorance if this message is in any way inappropriate - as I am still trying to figure out the mechanics of messaging within the "TRIBE" format. I just received/replied to an e-mail from another member of Bibliotheca, and now realize that some messages are not automatically posted to all members as in other 'Groups'. So, with apologies to the original poster, I am sending my reply to all, in the hopes that someone else in Bibliotheca may have something to add to the topic...
_______________________
"I ran across you by looking through the membership on bibliotheca, and I see you say you're working on printing books in signatures. I have been looking for applications that do this nicely. I'm told Word2003 will be able to do it in some limited way at least. But other than that, it all seems to be expensive addons for page layout programs. "
"Have you found any good programs for doing this more easily than the tedious page-at-a-time methods? I've been expecting this as a feature of word processors for a decade now. sigh."
_______________________
R***,
This is a pretty big forest you've stepped into [re.: signature formatting with a word processor]. Briefly, I believe this is the single greatest problem standing between all of us who actually know how to make 'real' books, and being able to use all of the recent technological advances currently available (at least in the Western world) to the average person - to do just that.
After much experimenting and gnashing of teeth, I settled on Word Perfect (ver. 6 / windows). Besides being one of the most complete word processors around (IMHO), its "booklet" printing option will automatically juxtapose the pages. It does require some extra fiddleing however...
Primarily, I subdivide the finished text into 16-page smaller files; adjust the justification of first and last paragraphs appropriately; adjust pagination, etc. . Then it is just a matter of printing each signature file seperately as an individual *booklet*.
I have just completed Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" [in an aesthetic manner consistent with 18th Cent. printing - but thats another story] and am very pleased with it. My greatest difficulty right now is trying to come up with language to accurately (yet concisely) describe this new concept to the general public. I will be adding a "turn any e-text into a 'real' book" section to my binding website soon; and find myself hard-pressed to explain this *electronic-fine-printing-unique-single-copy* thing in vernacular English. For example: any word that implies multiple copies (i.e. edition, publish) is necessarily misleading - as each 'copy' is made-to-order and therefore unique [presentation page(s), date of printing in colophon, etc.].
I would be most grateful for any ideas / arguments towards accurate and descriptive promotional wording.
_______________________
"Thanks in advance. Good to meet you. Hmm. I should also ask... you have "fine / private press" as one of your interests: are you a printer as well? I've done some fine press work, and becoming a fine press printer is one of my dreams."
_______________________
Good to *meet* you too, R***, but I must never be confused with someone who actually does 'real' fine letterpress printing. Other than a personal interest, and the occassional small project with a few fonts and my little Kelso clamshell, I hold no claim whatever to that Craft / Art Form... and applaude anyone who does (or aspires to it).
Regards,
Michael Keller
Bookbinder
Walsingham, Ontario
CANADA

posted in bibliotheca - 11 replies

looking to create magazine!

Natasha — Tue, 14 Oct 2003 05:12:08 GMT

does anyone know where i can get the paper that magazines use, such as People etc? Aslo I would like to know once it is created how would I go about binding the magazine? Or should I go to a place such as Kinko's

Natasha

posted in bibliotheca - 1 reply

why no ABs?

tammy — Fri, 10 Oct 2003 11:18:01 GMT

I'm just curious. I love book art as well as altered books, and I noticed in the description of this group that it says (not altered books). Is there a reason for this that I'm missing? I'm fairly new to both art forms, so forgive me if I'm uninformed here.

~ Tammy

posted in bibliotheca - 2 replies

Ethiopian Binding

Paul — Thu, 09 Oct 2003 15:32:49 GMT

I'm new to this and am looking for information. Can anyone provide a good, clear picture or drawing to tell me how Ethiopian binding is done? I like the look of books I've seen, but can't understand exactly how pages are sewn.
Thanks,Paul

posted in bibliotheca - 1 reply

reviving books

emmajane — Fri, 03 Oct 2003 02:20:18 GMT

Some of you may be interested in my latest project. I'm reviving a copy of Heidi. (I'm not calling it restoration because I have no plans to restore the book's original cover even though I'm going to use it on a blank journal.)

If you're interested the photo-essay is available at:
http://strangelittlegirl.com/revival/heidi

posted in bibliotheca - 6 replies

Thanks to all!

Khajha — Sat, 04 Oct 2003 20:03:43 GMT

Wow! I loved the great praise from the community about my book. It is exciting for me to get that kind of response from an impartial group. My friends and family locally (who are not in the craft) all say nice things but it has a different ring when it comes from outside my immediate circle.
I am also enjoying seeing what everyone else is up to. It is inspiring. Keep the links coming.
Have a lovely weekend,
Khajha

posted in bibliotheca - 0 replies

Books, everywhere books!

Khajha — Fri, 26 Sep 2003 18:00:45 GMT

I am a confirmed lurker from the BookArts site and am excited to get involved with this community. It feels more warm and friendly here, more inviting. Thanks, Jen, for getting this together.

After a year binding books for others, mostly journals, I have finally made and kept one for myself. It is an 8-needle coptic with both writing/sketch paper and watercolor paper. It even has snazzy pullouts - a la centerfolds - and a pocket in the back. I can't wait to start my next project but I've given something to almost everyone that I know who would use it and am not interested in selling my work. What does everyone else do with their surplus of books? Glad to be here.

-Khajha

posted in bibliotheca - 10 replies

New member and coptic binding

lesleydavies — Wed, 24 Sep 2003 08:04:04 GMT

Hi - and thanks for the invite! I've come over from the book-arts list. Good to see a new group :)
I've read the posts on coptic binding - I too am having problems keeping the binding tight. I try to pull the stitches really tightly (and am using waxed thread)and then the book doesn't lie completely flat when closed.
My problem is attaching the final signature along with the cover - that's where the looseness occurs, I think. I have bought a handmade coptic book where all the signatures were sewn, then the last siganture was sewn into again when attching the final cover, making a double row of binding.
Any ideas gratefully received!
Lesley

Lesley Davies
Kingston upon Hull, England

http://www.lesleydavies.co.uk

"Let the beauty we love be what we do" - Rumi

posted in bibliotheca - 22 replies

excited!

kelli — Mon, 29 Sep 2003 06:49:20 GMT

I just did my first REAL coptic sticth, instead of my retarded center-to-cover sweeps! It was easy once I figured it out, but I loved it! I am more extited about bookmaking than I EVER thought I'd be!

On the by-and-bye, I have not yet started on the Bookbinding project- want to get some WAY-GREAT paper for Joumana for her book. Wish me luck!

posted in bibliotheca - 1 reply

better binder than uploader...

Khajha — Sun, 28 Sep 2003 19:56:02 GMT

i hate to look as though i haven't a clue, but it should be obvious at this point that i do not. anyone have any idea how to delete my microscopically tiny photo off of this thing? it doesn't bode well for me getting any photos up of my latest book effort. any tech help from the group would be appreciated. thanks! -khajha

posted in bibliotheca - 1 reply

New Member Introduction

Verian — Wed, 24 Sep 2003 15:18:00 GMT

Hello,

Here’s a little questionnaire and (hopefully) a few photographs of a couple of recent books by way of an introduction:

Name: Verian Thomas

Location: Warwickshire, England

Bow Strings: Poetry Journal Editor for own small press COMRADES, publishing chapbooks, paperbacks and hardbacks. Book artist, photographer, writer.

Day Job: Computer programmer

Web Site: http://www.comrade.org.uk/Press/

E-Mail: editor@comrade.org.uk

S I N N E R

H E A D

That's about it really, nice to meet you.

Verian

posted in bibliotheca - 4 replies

Thanks!

lesleydavies — Thu, 25 Sep 2003 13:45:00 GMT

I just want to say thanks to Jen for starting this group. I've only been here for just over a day and have seen and learned so much already! It's got that 'something extra' that the other book art groups are lacking ....... so thanks Jen!

posted in bibliotheca - 1 reply

I've updated my website

Jen — Thu, 25 Sep 2003 06:37:12 GMT

Hi everyone, I just wanted to let you know I updated my website. There might be a few bugs, it was very late when I finished it, but it has some of my work bookbinding on there. (Reed, don't click the sketchbooks if you don't want to see the book I sent you before you get it!)
the url is http://jen.f1-comics.com - let me know what you think!
lotsa love,
jen

posted in bibliotheca - 4 replies

Hi

faegirl — Thu, 25 Sep 2003 00:22:26 GMT

I wandered over here from nervousness, its Faegirl.

I made a sad looking book last night :) I got the stitch wrong and its all wobbly. But still functional. So I'm going to just use it for random stuff. Going to try again tonight.

posted in bibliotheca - 6 replies

Selling book kits

lesleydavies — Wed, 24 Sep 2003 21:34:57 GMT

A question ......... at the end of November I'm going to have a stall at a craft fair to sell some of my books - mainly hardbound single signature books and some Japanese bound books.
I'm also thinking of making up some simple book kits to sell - a softbound single sig pamphlet book, and an accordian/concertina style book, with card covers.

Please can anybody suggest uses for a small concertina book to encourage people to make one? I'm a calligrapher and would use these books to display a small poem, quote, etc ..... but what would the 'ordinary-man/woman-in-the-street' use one for?
And do you have any more ideas for a successful craft stall?
Thanks!

posted in bibliotheca - 2 replies

Long Stitch bindings

emmajane — Wed, 24 Sep 2003 15:30:51 GMT

For a while now I've been looking for instructions on long stitch bindings. I'm pretty sure it's as straight forward as it looks, but...

This is the basic structure I've seen:
http://www.jalexbooks.com/LONGSTITCH.JPG

And then it gets as complicated as:
http://www.bookboy.ca/portfolio/images/IMG_0858.jpg
(wooden spines and spirals of stitching--Reg's work is great!)

posted in bibliotheca - 7 replies

The choice of a cover

Wed, 24 Sep 2003 10:25:29 GMT

So far for softish covers I have been limited to the use of Canson, which is great in itself but not really suited to covers. It bends easily, the edges will get fragile very quickly, and it also gets real dirty. My dilemma is that I wish to make soft-cover booklets to use as travel writing or sketchbooks. I prefer a cover that covers the spine as well, for maximum protection, and I prefer a sewn binding because glued would make it too easy for sheets to fall off and japanese stitch makes it hard to open it flat. So I'm looking for the perfect cover material... Leather is definitely an option if I can get my hands on it, but if you know of any kind of card that is supple yet sturdy enough for this use, I'd love to hear abou tit. Or your personal solutions to a similar problem... I don't know if covering duplex card with attractive paper would be a good idea.

posted in bibliotheca - 7 replies

Slighly in awe

rorqualmaru — Wed, 24 Sep 2003 18:28:13 GMT

Honestly, I haven't bound anything since I was 10.

posted in bibliotheca - 0 replies

what next?

kelli — Wed, 24 Sep 2003 02:03:42 GMT

I figured there should be a thread for posing queries about our processes. Binding blunders, cover critiques, paper ponderances
(gee, that was fun!)
Anything you seem to be struggling with, drop a line and I'm sure someone will bite!

posted in bibliotheca - 8 replies

Welcome!

Jen — Tue, 23 Sep 2003 09:51:01 GMT

Well, after getting a bit frustrated with the bookbinding mailing lists, I decided to make a little community where we can share our work (tribe lets you upload photos easily!) and discuss the proccess and any problems or new techniques we come accross, so feel free to start a discussion, show us your work and get involved!
jen

posted in bibliotheca - 2 replies