The bookbinding session today will focus on creating a simple Japanese stab bound book, and a basic hardcover book. The tutorials below will take you through the making of both these books which can then be expanded upon to create more lavish and creative versions…
Hardback book:
You can also find a PDF guide to creating the hardback book here
Along with the videos produced for Japanese stab binding and a hardback book, we were joined last year by visual artist and expert bookbinder Victoria Lucas who gave us these fantastic tips for anyone interested in the subject, and in displaying work in a beautiful handmade artifact.
1. To ensure an easy page turner, make sure that the grain in your paper runs vertically down the page when folding or sewing your paper. This can be determined by bending the page one way then the other – the bend with the least resistance is the right way.
2. Always use a folding bone to crease your pages, to prevent unsightly smudges and ensure sharp folds and lines. You can also use the back of a teaspoon to achieve the same effect.
3. When determining your layout for printing, make a mock-up version using scrap paper and sketch where you would like each image / text to sit within the book. You can then disassemble and use these pages as a template when printing each individual page before binding together.
4. When cutting blocks of paper, you can achieve perfect lines by putting pressure on the ruler rather than the cutting knife, preventing the knife from slipping and bending. Gentle strokes through each individual piece of paper takes longer, but the results are worth it.
5. When making editions to sell, make sure you research other artists books / limited editions so that you price your work accordingly. Artist’ s book fairs can be found across the UK and beyond, including in Leeds, Glasgow, London, and Bristol – they are well worth a visit.
6. Always use a flat metal ruler when cutting paper and grey board. Plastic rulers bend, and quickly get damaged by sharp cutting knifes, leaving an imperfect edge on the book block.
Thanks to remote student Debbie Woodley for adding the following kink over on the Facebook page as well.
