Start with a variety of good paper (80 lbs or heavier; a mix of drawing and watercolor paper is great)
Cut book board an least an eighth of an inch larger on all sides than your paper. This book is 10" X 10".
Make 12 signatures or groupings of pages; four sheets of paper each, folded with the grain of the paper.
Then, with a long strip of illustration board for your spine (something thick enough to hold your book together yet you can poke holes through) glue book cloth to your board and spine, leaving a small bit of space in between to bend. Let dry, then pull the cloth to cover the inside of the board and spine.
Let Dry. It helps to put several phone books on top with some plastic wrap in between to keep it from sticking.
Choose at least 3 colors of embroidery floss.
Choose a binding design that incorporates all 12 signatures. The one I used was designed by friend and book artist extraordinaire, Susan Martin. (no blog for her as yet...oh, and she's the one who talked me into making these things...and I resisted at first)
Punch holes in the spine where the thread will pass through.
Click on image to get a better view of the design.
Once the holes are punched in your spine it's time to start on your paper!
Each signature should be marked 1-12.
The spine's grid has 12 lines each representing where the holes are punched in each corresponding signature.
You can save yourself some time by making paper strips the length of the spine of your book (that are wide enough to be folded), line them up with all signatures on the grid that are alike, and punch holes in them. Then you mark the top of each strip with the number of each signature that it will match. (you can enlarge each of these photos to have a clearer view of what I mean)
Then, with the first signature laid open on a towel that you don't mind punching holes in; open the corresponding strip...and punch away. These are the holes that will attach the pages of your book to its spine. Are ya with me so far?
OK...time to sew your pages to your book cover.
The sewing part is the most challenging, so put the kids to bed 'cause there might be some swear'n. Also..resist the urge to drink...even though you might want to...you need your wits about you.
You'll be using two types of stitches; the X - Stitch, and the Pamphlet Stitch, which are fairly simple but the large number of signatures in this size book make it a bit difficult the first time through. After that...it's a snap!
Remember to start with the middle four signatures and continue to add signatures out to the sides.
Do not knot your stitches until all of them are done. Then when your book is all stitched up and it all looks tight...put a square knot on each stitch on the inside of the siganatures that need them. Add a bit of clear nail polish to each knot, letting each one dry before you turn the page and ....you're done!
All your stitches are neatly butted up against your spine and you have a very nice looking...but naked book.
Soon I'll add a page about covering your naked ginormous all-purpose journal.
