r/bookbinding

Is this the right group?

I bought this notebook/journal at a bead and craft show. I really love it. I wish it was 8.5x11 or 9x12. I’m darned crafty (seriously, hardcore - it’s genetic) and think I can make it. It looks like the cover is very thin leather. Last I checked, there was a Tandy Leather place near me. The paper is flecky and almost the consistency of a paper bag, only more rustic. I’m at a loss as to what kind of paper it is. So I don’t hammer you with annoying questions, can you tell me the kind of the paper, the right terminology, and some resources/YT videos (in general) to check out?

I was just wondering. I've made some paste papers, should I give them a coat of PVA for stability. If so, do I do this before using them on book covers?

I got this book today- its structurally fine, its just a little crumbly and needs some TLC. Any ideas? The previous owners used duct tape on the spine but that was both ugly af and clearly didn't work.

I've used ribbon to cover/ repair spines before on paperbacks - would that work here?

After letting it dry for two nights, its done!

I used canvas paper for the cover (which was expensive AS HELL, considering I don't have a printer and there's is only one place in my city that prints on canvas paper) I was afraid it would look bulky, because it's a 350g/m², but it actually turned out okay! The golden was hand painted because I didn't find anyone in town that did cri-cut so I ✨️improvised✨️ in the most masochistic way possible. The only thing that went a little wobbly were the end pages — they got a bit wrinkly, but I think that may be because of the paper weight (120g/m²), so maybe next time I'll use a thick paper. Over all, I really happy of how this turned out! I choose not to pass the text block on the guillotine (don't have onr) or cut it by hand (see cut of shame in the last page), but I actually like the look!

Will improve my technics in the future, but I'm actually really happy of how this turned out!

Hi I am looking for two kinds of paper for two different projects

Context, I have an Epson 8550 inkwell printer

1. I'm looking for thin, glossy, magazine paper - anyone know the closest I can get?

   I know I can't get the exact paper but can anyone get me close? As thin as I can get the better

2. Anyone know what kind of paper or even lamination is used for these kinds of book covers?

The paper is kind of matte but not quite, maybe silky? I'm not sure and i've never seen books with these kinds of covers until a few years ago. I think it is laminated maybe but I havent tried that in bookbinding yet so I'm not sure.

Two other questions just in case

I'm looking for as close to thin bible paper as possible

Also if someone could maybe point me to where I can clean to do flexi bound books i'd be grateful

This is the first projet that I really went all out for: headbands, rounded spine, canvas cover, etc. Made a book press out of screws and wood planks. Waiting for the graphic to print the book cover but the mockup i did seemed to fit good! First time doing French biding, first time doing French biding with book strips (is this what is called? I'd, English isnt my first language, srry)

I actually think I'm doing okay, considering everything!

update: Finished project here

Been messing around with this idea for a little pocket 3x5 binder and finally made a super rough V1. It’s literally a Manila folder and tape right now lol, just wanted to see if the idea would actually work.
It uses a 2-ring metal mechanism with 16mm rings and I have around 30 cards in it right now. One thing I ended up really liking is that you can open the rings one-handed just by squeezing the spine and back of the binder together.
Main reason I wanted something like this was to be able to move cards around, take individual notes out, or reorganize everything instead of being stuck with the order of a normal notebook.
Already have a few things I want to change for V2, but wanted to get some outside opinions first. Would you guys carry something like this? Anything you’d change or add?

I'd like to fix my grandfather's book, but I'm not sure if I need a master craftsperson to handle this or if I could learn to do this myself. While I don't have any experience, I'm willing to put in a few months of learning if the consensus is that I could fix this myself.

I'm unable to find someone to fix this without messing up its original style.