I also like to write in journals but lately have been struggling to find journals with ink-friendly paper. Every time the disappointment of putting the tip of your nib on the page and seeing the ink spread and feather. I purchased a few books recently in my search for a new journal and none of them contained paper suitable for ink.
So… I decided to make my own, with paper I do like!
This is a simple binding technique called "coptic binding"
Here you can see my four signatures sewn together.
What I like about this binding method
is that the book lays flat when you open it.
Makes for much easier writing.
I made covers for my book (which is size A6)
by covering some cardboard with decorative paper
(some of you may recognise this design)
Here is my book all sewn together, with the covers.
It's not perfectly lined up but it's not too bad for a first effort.
The holes in my cover are too big because I didn't have a hole punch with smaller holes so I will equip myself for the next book. I didn't make too many pages for it because it's nice not to have to wait years to fill a great big book and instead be able to change and start a fresh one after a shorter period of time. The beauty of this is you can choose everything about it: the size, the number of pages, the type of paper, the covers - great!
The colour of the decorative paper is more accurate in this photo.
I started writing in my new journal.
Happy!
Now I never need run out of journals with suitable paper… I can just make myself another when I've filled this one.
Best wishes,
Frivole
Great! Next step is hand binding and making your own tatting books...hehe :)
ReplyDelete:-))
DeleteI draw with nibs and ink and I've considered making my own art journals using the same techniques with art quality paper. Its so empowering to find ways to work around whats commercially available. Very well done.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be a great idea Helen. And they're really not difficult as you may think. You should have a go!
DeleteLooks wonderful! :)
ReplyDeleteThat is a great point to make about your binding making the book flat that is so handy when writing or art in journals, this is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI've kept reading up about bookbinding and am already planning my next one. This one doesn't have a fly-leaf which would make a better finish. I may even have a go at making a spine on the next one...
DeleteIt's gorgeous! Will they make an appearance in La Cossette Etsy?
ReplyDeleteMmmm, I think I'd have to improve my technique quite a bit before I could dare to present such a book in my shop! But thanks for the suggestion! :-)
DeleteI think they would make lovely tatting journals. I would love to have a book where I could write notes about various patterns (thread amounts, etc) and to have a pretty one like this appeals a lot!
DeleteIt is a very good idea, Frivole... ; ))
DeleteI love your handwriting! :)
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ReplyDeleteImpressionnant de précision artisanale et de beauté artistique. Je suis sûr que ce pourrait devenir des pièces de collection. ON RECONNAÎT LÀ LA QUALITÉ DU TRAVAIL DE FRIVOLE. B-R-A-V-O !
ReplyDeleteJ'adore la calligraphie. C'est tellement élégant !
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to make your own and you get them the size and what you want instead of buying something second rate, your writing is beautiful I wish I could write that well.
ReplyDeleteMargaret
Looks awesome :). Love the paper you used for the covers :).
ReplyDeleteA beautiful book! I remember being surprised that you did calligraphy!
ReplyDeleteOne of the reasons I didn't continue with addressing wedding invitations was because I couldn't control the paper on the envelopes chosen for the invitations. (I was doing it for family members.) People are now using computers! Much less formality these days, which is understandable but sad at the same time.
Have you heard of Pilot 'Parallel' pens? Amazing videos out there, but the pens are difficult to find. Not expensive, just not easily available. These pens look fantastic on the videos and are a major improvement in calligraphy pens! I'm looking forward to purchasing a set - about $10 per pen, in four different sizes - but I'm looking at different websites for 'deals'. Of course, there are the shipping charges to consider.
Cool comment, Kathy!
DeleteHi Kathy, yes paper is a BIG problem for fountain pens and ink-lovers nowadays. I really struggle to find good paper and as you say, most envelope are not ink friendly.
DeleteThat's why when I write letters, I make my own (well, actually I don't use one at all, and instead fold my letter in a way that it's postable and sealed (like the Victorians used to do!).
Funnily enough, I do have a parallel pen. I bought it many years ago and just got it out again but it's not working very well, the end is quite scratchy but I will investigate and may try a new version of it.
Thanks for your comment!
Me encanta ,yo también me he hecho algunos.Besos.
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