Bookbinding part 2

Part 2 of the bookbinding project! The tricky part is to attach the stitched pages to the cover. I reinforced the spine with a piece of paper and the cover with two pieces of cardboard. It's quite difficult to get everything lined up. You also have to put glue, just the right amount, on the spine so that the pages sort of stick together.

The book at the top has the right amount of glue, the one below, not enough hence the gaps inbetween the pages.Too much glue however seeps onto the pages.

I was reluctant to reinforce the spine because it covered up all my beautiful stitching.I tried some fabric tape but the glue I have didn't work so I reverted to paper.

When sticking the cover pages its best to put a piece of paper inbetween to stop the glue going everywhere.

The cover page attached to the cover. As you can see its all a bit bubbly, maybe the application or the type of glue. Not sure which but will have to investigate a bit more.

Finally! A completed book!
All a bit wobbly but much better than my first attempt.

Bookbinding

I came across this fantastic blog myhandboundbooks a while ago and have been hooked ever since! I went onto u tube and found a tutorial on bookbinding and let me assure you, it is far more difficult than it looks! The pic below is my third attempt and looks O.K. but the cover still has to be attached and that's very tricky. The most difficutl part, I think, is getting the thread pulled tight without tearing the paper. The thread is covered in wax (I just rubbed it over a candle) and stiched in rather a complicated pattern creating a sort of chain stich up the spine of the book.

This is my second attempt and as you can see, very loose. I did manage to attach a cover but not a covered spine. Now of course the next step is paper. The paper I used is recycled but not 'rustic' or 'handmade' enough. I did a paper making course a long time ago and all I remember is a lot of messy pulp and lots of water. I think I 'll just have to scrounge some scraps from a very clever papermaking friend!

I also think that the more natural the paper the less it matters how precisely the pages are cut or fit. Reading other bookbinding blogs I am amazed at what they 'bind'-used envelopes, old letters, back of cards, wrapping paper, the list is endless!

Well, I'm going to keep trying and hope to improve. At the moment it takes ages and an overheated computer from stopping and starting the tutorial over and over again. I have a book but the instructions are not easy, for me anyway, to follow.The most exciting thing is decorating the covers but I havn't quite got there yet!

Summer Berries

A summer pavlova! I love the way the berries reflect the colours in the table cloth. Anyone who has been to Mauritius will recognize the colourfull, hand embroidered, island figures.Wish I was there now!

New start!

I haven't disappeared off the face of the earth, just had a bad creative start to the year! My digital printer has given me endless trouble and only seems to print when it feels like it! At the moment is not printing magenta at all, which obviously affects all the colours, except black. Also, the fabric supplier I use for my tea towels has closed down and I need to go to Cape Town to try and find a new supplier. I've been trying to think of something else to make for my etsy shop but it seems that all good idea's are taken!

I haven't been blogging because I feel I have nothing to blog about but I still read other peoples blogs and look forward to their posts everyday. I suppose that is a bit selfish really so I have decided to make an effort. I do so admire all of you out there who put in so much time and effort to take pics everyday. In an attempt to clear my mind I started by tidying out my fabric stash. Considering that I don't really sew much, I seem to have accumulated a fair amount of fabric!

I just need to get started and today is the day! It's a very late start to 2010 but I suppose 'better late than never!'

Merry Christmas

With no small children in the house and no need for stockings etc. I must admit our decorations have become a bit sad! At least I have put up the tree and hopefully next year will be a bit more energetic about other decorations! May you all have a Blessed Christmas with your families and friends. I hope to be back next year bursting with enthusiasim, creativity and energy!

Pack your bags

These vintage suitcases, found in a second hand shop, make me think of how much travel has changed. We throw everything into a soft tog bag or ruck sack and off we go! No trunks, hat boxes,leather and beautiful brass trims. Our bags only last for one or two trips and in the bin they go, to make room for a new branded beauty.I would love to know where these suitcases have been, if only they could talk!

Matric dance

My son and his girlfriend went to her matric dance recently and I took these pics for them.

Beautiful detail on the shoes and dress!

When you come to take photo's in Hermanus you realize how many great views there are. Living here you sort of take the stunning scenery for granted.

It was quite a windy, grey day but we mananged some lovely shots.