I completed some leather longstitch bindings prior to the holidays. I enjoyed spending time combining the materials of leather (recycled upholstery leather), paper, and waxed linen thread into blank journals. I had been printing quite a number of projects. Sewing in my book studio was a nice change.
A lot goes into making a book, regardless of the type or complexity. One must be able to handle the materials while considering elements of design such as color, texture, and form. Making books is both fun and challenging; and most rewarding when the final piece is lovely to look at while inviting touching, handling, and use.
Prepared text blocks with leathers, threads, and spine designs. The designs will be a decorative element on the sewn spines of the books. They are also the sewing pattern for the books. I will use the Japanese Drill Punch for punching holes into the leather and the awl to place holes (sewing stations) in the paper sections.
Sewing book cover and textblock together.
Completed books with covers and closures using vintage buttons.
Other books coming together. The materials have been selected, now to punch holes into the leather and sewing stations into the paper sections.
I kept the natural edge of this piece of leather and used it on the book cover. Here I am figuring out and sewing the closure of the book.
Completed books.
Sewn spines.