Wednesday, February 17, 2010

{ fabric bookcloth }

One of the techniques I've wanted to give some time to is making my own fabric bookcloth. It doesn't work to just glue fabric straight onto boards, the glue will seep through and ruin the fabric. To fix this you paste the fabric on to thin, Japanese paper, creating your own bookcloth.

I did a day course last year at the NSW Guild of Craft Bookbinders but this week has been my first solo trial. Besides the course, I also referred to instructions in Japanese Bookbinding: Instructions from a Master Craftsman.

Here's a snap mid-process, just about to paste the paper and fabric together:



After drying, it's time to start making the book. I had a couple of text blocks I made ages ago so I thought I would put them to good use and make some case-bound books:


It's been so wonderful to have the time just to go with the flow and try new techniques. I now have to work out a way to continue doing that as I head back to work on Monday - boo! Anyone have some advice?

4 comments:

  1. wow! Ive been trying to make my own book cloth as well.. but it somehow just doesn't seem to take to the paper too well. We don't get Japanese paper here, so I used something similar to tissue and wheat paste. Any advice?

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  2. I haven't done much playing with different papers - the woman who taught me bookbinding has a paper shop so I just used what she suggested! She did mention it was fibreless paper, not sure if that helps? Let me know how you go with your attempts.

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  3. Thanks for the pics! Fabric book making has always been something of interest to me. I just never got down to do it.

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  4. The bird fabric is absolutely beautiful. I've been doing some reading online about using fabric, but have never tried.

    Tim
    http://papersmithpaperco.etsy.com

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