"Not all those who wander are lost."

J R R Tolkien

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15 March 2013

No grunting required. Bookbinding

The doctors said: if you need to grunt to do it, it's no good for you at this stage!

So...to help pass the time and keep the brain from shrivelling, I am learning bookbinding. Why bookbinding, I hear you say. Well, it's light, I like books and have often thought about giving it a go, particularly the old medieval, traditional techniques. Also, in the future, we'll still need to make a bit of money. Pensions are all very well, but the money is, shall we say charitably, limited. So something that's light, does not take too much space and requiring few tools would be a good idea, in my mind.

Leather journals, diaries, sketchbook, all with leather covers might fit the bill, as in being saleable.

So I have a few tools and supplies on order. The plan is to learn the basics first. Makes sense, I think...

That's the sort of things I have in mind for now
So, to start with, I have begun to make a bunch of "signatures" using cartrige paper. I am waiting for my supplies to arrive, should be today or tomorrow. I have bookbinder's needles, bookbinders threads, a needle awl and a bone folder on order. That cost a minimal amount, about £15.00. I have leather and paper already.
I'll post some pictures as I make a start on this project.



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11 comments:

  1. Gorges Smythe15 March 2013 at 04:18

    Don't forget restoration of old volumes for collectors. Bookbinders are hard to find in my area, The closest one that I know of is three hours away.

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  2. Joel15 March 2013 at 04:29

    Indeed Gorges. Didn't think of that one. I am not there yet though. I know how to work leather, and there are a few skills that appear a bit different in bookbinding. But worth the effort I think.

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  3. Andolphus Grey15 March 2013 at 05:29

    As a lover of books, I'm all for it. You've got to listen to the doctor right now, but keeping busy learning a new skill is a good idea.

    By the way, do you know where the photo for your blog headder comes from? It looks exactly like a bend in the Androscoggin River above Pontook dam.

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  4. Joel15 March 2013 at 07:18

    I don't know Sixbears. I borrowed the photo from the internet, because I liked those colours and it's along a river too, which I love. It would be a good place to paddle some lovely old wooden canadian canoe, wouldn't it. Just one of those dream places.

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    1. Andolphus Grey15 March 2013 at 18:52

      I've done that in that very place, or one close enough so I can't tell the difference. In fact, I've probably paddled a canoe past that spot at least 100 times, if not more. Isn't it nce to know these places really do exist? Osprey and eagles nest near there and often swoop down low over the river.

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  5. Unknown17 March 2013 at 11:37

    This is so great. I recently started as well, back in October. If you do twitter look me up @iartbooks

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  6. Fimbulmyrk19 March 2013 at 06:34

    That is good to hear you are getting started with something like that. I also love books, and I am with Gorges on the restoration part. Also you might consider making custom volumes or something like that for weddings or any such like...

    Keep your head up!

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    1. Joel22 March 2013 at 05:12

      Yes, I think the restoration part will be a good idea. When you start thinking about it, there are all sorts of possibilities: weddings, guests books, journals, artists sketch books etc...

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  7. Lighthouse Family20 March 2013 at 13:12

    that's great joel- we've done some books before- it's a lot of fun and very addicting- with your skills i'm sure you'll make something nice, can't wait to see it

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  8. Joel22 March 2013 at 05:10

    Thank you Rico. I am waiting on some supplies before I can finishe the first one, so I started another one. Must take photos!

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