DIY Planner - Bookbinding 101, A Quick Introduction - Comments

cool

amyx231 — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:18:15 -0400

Nice article.

Rubber stamp, maybe?

SusanBeth — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:19:04 -0400

Back when I was researching for a book,I had a 3" X 5" rubber stamp made up with a "template" for the book details I needed to capture for citations. Basically it was a bunch of labeled lines to remind me to make a note of publication year, edition, and other such boring stuff that otherwise I often forgot.

Yes, you could print this same stuff directly, but my printer is inconsistent on handling index cards. The rubber stamp was super easy to use (btw, when you get a larger stamp, be sure it is put on a 'rocking' type mount, makes getting the full imprint much easier) and I would simply stamp out a few dozen cards during a commercial break or the like.

Anyway, I bet you could get a 'lined' rubber stamp made up easily, for whatever size you need. No, you wouldn't be able to print all the way into the binding, but do you write there? Most of us leave a gutter anyway.

Useful product for the

BobH — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 04:03:18 -0400

Useful product for the purpose of drawing parallel lines in a drafting situation or if you can remove the page from its binding and put it back. Could be awkward to use if the page in question is fixed in its binding. Bob H.

bookbinding supplies

Anonymous — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:10:12 -0400

Scrapbookers may have an edge when it comes to bookbinding on the cheap. Try scrapbook stores for acid-free chipboard or grungeboard (Yay Tim Holtz!) in place of the traditional daveyboard for your covers. It's cheaper, acid-free, and easier to punch holes through. Grungeboard is more flexible than regular chipboard, but both kinds take paint well and can be covered with paper or fabric.
Scrapbook stores also carry book rings (like the kind used in 3-ring binders), and various binding systems like the Zutter or 7 Gypsies wire binding machines.

I also have a couple of great books on the subject: Making Books by Hand and More Making Books by Hand, both by Peter and Donna Thomas. They give instructions for traditional cased-in hardbound books, but they also spend a lot of time on accordion bindings, Japanese stab bindings, and my all-time favorite. the dowel-spine portfolio. I highly recommend that binding for being inexpensive, simple to make, and an overall great technique. Materials came from the paper aisle at Hobby Lobby, the 1/4 inch dowel came from the model-building section, and the X-act knife I already had. No glue, no sewing, no board for the covers. Can't get any easier.

Turning a blank page into a lined page

Anonymous — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 22:51:36 -0400

3 words: Ames lettering guide.
It's an old school drafting tool, and I used one when I did calligraphy in the SCA.
You can set it to any line width you need. Stick your pencil in a hole, butt the bottom up against a straightedge, and away you go.

Stamping for Productivity

roketgrrl — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 06:37:42 -0400

That's a lot for a stamp, but then again... that's what addictions/fetishes/etc. are for, I guess...!! If you wanted to go all out, there's always the Home Stamp Kit at www.rubberstampchamp.com.

Alternatively, I know there are made some stamps that print a simple grid, I think we used to use something like that in lab notebooks (back in the dark ages) for quick graphs and such (come to think of it, maybe that's where I got the idea...).

Here's a place that has various sorts of grid stamps 4" x 5 1/4" for $15.00 - maybe something like that would work.

This teachers' website has all sorts of interesting things for this **most dangerous** time of the year... :^} This page of math stamps has some very interesting grids, 1" and 2" clock faces, fraction circles, etc. I can think of all sorts of fun applications! I might just toddle down to the local teachers' supply place tomorrow and see what they're hiding down there.... !!

There was a stamp printer once

civil — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:50:05 -0400

There was a printer a few years ago, that could print output from your computer to any surface (paperbag, napkin, cards, your wall, etc). I think it was inkjet technology, it printed to a limited size, in black and white only.
I will see if I still have the link somewhere. At the time I hoped they would eventually release drivers for portable devices like Palm, etc, as I did not see a point to a portable printer without a portable computer. Not sure if it is still being sold.

Not my idea...

sctechsorceress — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:44:44 -0400

I purchased some unlined journals that came with a separate lined page. It doesn't add any lines to my page, but being able to see the lines through the page I'm writing on works just as well, at least for me.

Adding LInes to a Blank Page

kayumochi — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:28:32 -0400

What is an effective way to turn a blank page in a bound book to a ruled or lined page when needed?

Good Idea

kayumochi — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:22:16 -0400

The rubber stamp is a clever idea!

Yes, since my last post I

kayumochi — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:18:21 -0400

Yes, since my last post I have had that very thought to draw out monthly calendars at the front of the book and transfer whatever is needed from the dated pages. Thanks!

Update: Found a site, it is expensive, but it can do the job

ygor — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 18:12:56 -0400

http://www.rubberstamps.net

The stamp you want may cost in excess of $50

I tinkered around with their Stamp Design Wizard and created a 3" by 3" stamp for which they want to charge $42

(dang! I need to spellcheck)
-----------------------------------
"I think the surest sign that there is intelligent life out there in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us." (Calvin and Hobbes/Bill Waterson)

Try the Scrapbookers

ygor — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 17:33:09 -0400

They have resources for custom stamping.
I'll Google a bit and get back to you
-----------------------------------
"I think the surest sign that there is intelligent life out there in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us." (Calvin and Hobbes/Bill Waterson)

Custom-made stamp?

roketgrrl — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 04:10:04 -0400

I saw something a while back (here? not sure... shoot, maybe I dreamed it...) that someone had a custom stamp made with all the "parts" they wanted in a planner, with a space for writing in the date. For example, they would take a blank Moleskine of the preferred size and have an appropriately-sized stamp made that had lines for to-do and time boxes down separate columns (similar to the page per day planner pattern).

You could have the stamp made to your specifications and then just stamp the first page of each new day (or week or whatever). You could leave the first (or last) couple of pages blank to use as an index.

Planning Ahead

Anonymous — Sat, 4 Jul 2009 14:37:39 -0400

At the front or back of the book, write in one or two page per month calendars. Use these for your advance planning. When you date the pages, transfer any applicable appointments.

Bookbinding 101, A Quick Introduction

innowen — Thu, 1 Dec 2005 04:30:00 -0500

I love bound books with their pretty covers and blank or lined sheets. The market is flooded with a wide assortment of books that come in all sizes, shapes and bindings. For each personality thatâ€™s out there in the world writing their thoughts down on paper, there is a perfect blank book to match their style and mood. However, purchasing journals from a store is not only addicting, but can get expensive. That is why Iâ€™m going to spend the next few articles here on D*I*Y Planner to introduce you to the art of bookbinding and making your own perfect journals. This week I plan on starting off simple by giving you an quick and dirty overview of the world of bookbinding. Next week, Iâ€™ll show you just how easy it is to make your own book in a few simple minutes. And finally, two weeks from now, Iâ€™ll take you through a more complex and stunning example of the art.

Ever since man has had the desire to record their thoughts there has always been a medium on which to store them. Some of the earliest books appeared as large tablets or long scrolls made of papyrus. Early books were bound and scribed by monks. The process to create modern books evolved from two early inventions: paper and the moveable type printing press. Not only did this produce books as we know them nowadays but it also allowed printers to publish the written word much faster, making books more appealing to a mass audience. The introduction of printing spurred the beginnings of the bookbinding movement. The early 16th Century was one of the finest periods of decorative bookbinding. Towards the end of the 19th Century, modern bookbinding techniques had been perfected into a fine art. Fast forwarding to today, hand bound books can be found everywhere, along with the instructions and a few unique tools, anyone can possess the knowledge to bind and create their own small works of art.

As you can see by the pictures in this article, there is no end to the imagination of creating books for use to record thoughts. From variance in each bookâ€™s size to the way each is sewn together. While many of the books look complex and hard to produce, there are many ways to bind books easily, quickly and elegantly. Binding a book can be as simple as folding and stapling a few sheets of paper. However, to make a more studier book, you need is some book board, paper, adhesive, book thread (waxed or heavy thread) and some imagination. Most of these items can be found in many forms and purchasable at your local art supply store (except for the imagination which you already come equipped with).

Just like any discipline, bookbinding comes with its own list of terminology. Iâ€™ve listed a few of the more common terms that most books on bookbinding use below. This list is not exhaustive, as the list of terms could go on and on and become a glossary. These are just a few of the most common words to get you started. Over then next two weeks week, when I teach you how to create some simple books, Iâ€™ll be using words from the list below.

Book board: heavy cardboard that is used for making the cover of hard bound journals.

Folio: A folded sheet of paper. It forms two leaves or four pages in a book.

Fold: The folded edge of a folio or signature (pages of the book).

Signature: Folios (usually three) make up a signature.

Signature-Set: A number of signatures make up the signature-set, which in turn makes up most of the pages inside the book.

Awl or Paper Punch Tool: Used to punch holes in the signatures (pages of the book) so that they can be tied together.

Bone Folder: Used to fold or crease paper and smooth-out air bubbles.

Endleaves: The page at the beginning of the book and the end of the book.

Book Block: The inner part of the book, consisting of the signature-set and endleaves.

PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate): a type of glue most commonly associated with binding books, this can be found in any craft store.

bookbinding needles: Special needles constructed for use on paper and

Wax thread: Waxy thread used to hold signatures together for binding.

Today, many artists are pushing the traditional limits of what is called a book. These renegade artists use all sorts of things to craft their books. Large tags cut from cardboard paper or envelopes that can be used to carry all sorts of dimensional collections are being sewn together. Pages can be glued together to create niches where smaller books can rest inside a larger book. Some artists are even crafting books to be held in wedding ceremonies or worn as jewelry with their clay covers protecting private thoughts from being washed with the weather. There is no limit to what a book can become.

Thus concludes my whirlwind introduction to bookbinding. Next week Iâ€™ll demonstrate a one signature book that is simple to make and easy for you to carry around inside your planner or hipster to record thoughts, dreams or sketches. If you are curious about bookbinding and want to know more about the art and donâ€™t want to wait until next weekâ€™s tutorial, Iâ€™ve listed a few good books that go more in depth into the art. I do have one word of caution, once youâ€™ve assembled your first handmade book, you will never look at store bought journals with the same eyes. You will start looking at them in terms of â€œhow can I make one of theseâ€ and dissecting every bit of how that book was constructed so you can make your own version.

D*I*Y Planner - Bookbinding 101, A Quick Introduction - Comments