This palm tree blank journal features more of the recycled wallpaper samples I turned up recently. But I don't think it looks like it. For the cover image, I tore a palm tree design from a wallpaper border. For the back, I used another piece of wallpaper with a nautical chart design.
I wanted a book with board covers but the wallpaper itself is not suitable for wrapping boards. It tears too easily when you try to make neat corners. So I covered the boards with some soft pale green paper I had then glued the hand-torn wallpaper pieces to the front and pieces of goldish paper to the inside for end papers.
I wanted a substantial journal, so I folded 9 signatures with 6 sheets each for a total of 108 pages (216 both sides). I used Neenah Sundance 70 lb felt finish paper in natural cream. It's a beautiful paper with a soft tooth. For each signature, I wrapped a narrow piece of moss green lokta paper over the spine and also created a flyleaf front and back of the same paper.
Finally, I drilled holes in the cover and bound the book with natural-color linen thread in a double-needle coptic binding. I think I'm finally getting this stitch down. This one is pretty neat, with equal tension and no major bobbles.
I'm glad I "discovered" this idea of gluing the decorative paper over the already-covered board rather than trying to use bad paper to wrap the boards and screwing it up. I can use this technique with all sorts of paper that would not be suitable for wrapping a board, and I think it looks nice.
This is a solid substantial book with a hard cover. It opens flat and will make someone a nice journal.
I wanted a book with board covers but the wallpaper itself is not suitable for wrapping boards. It tears too easily when you try to make neat corners. So I covered the boards with some soft pale green paper I had then glued the hand-torn wallpaper pieces to the front and pieces of goldish paper to the inside for end papers.
I wanted a substantial journal, so I folded 9 signatures with 6 sheets each for a total of 108 pages (216 both sides). I used Neenah Sundance 70 lb felt finish paper in natural cream. It's a beautiful paper with a soft tooth. For each signature, I wrapped a narrow piece of moss green lokta paper over the spine and also created a flyleaf front and back of the same paper.
Finally, I drilled holes in the cover and bound the book with natural-color linen thread in a double-needle coptic binding. I think I'm finally getting this stitch down. This one is pretty neat, with equal tension and no major bobbles.
I'm glad I "discovered" this idea of gluing the decorative paper over the already-covered board rather than trying to use bad paper to wrap the boards and screwing it up. I can use this technique with all sorts of paper that would not be suitable for wrapping a board, and I think it looks nice.
This is a solid substantial book with a hard cover. It opens flat and will make someone a nice journal.
Gosh! That made a beautiful cover--front and back! Great idea for thinner or more fragile paper. You do great work, lady!! Have a super weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're right this does not look like wallpaper, the palm tree image has a vintage look. With the map on the back it's perfect. Really beautiful job done.
ReplyDeleteGood idea, how you solved the problem with the fragile wall paper. The book is very nice.
ReplyDelete