I’d never have anticipated that the most enjoyable creative classes I attended this year would be bookbinding. I also would never have anticipated how much I enjoy bookbinding. I am indeed now a literal card carrying member of a Guild.

There’s a massive lesson here about not going into things with preconceived notions, and to try a wide variety of activities.

My second class was Level 2 – Flat back case binding which I did in May. In this class we made two books! One with a slip-case! It was an intense and exhausting two days of binding and we packed a ton in.

It was a really fun, vibey class and the tutors are wonderful. All classes here are fun and vibey, my fellow binders are lovely people – it’s such a good atmosphere and a fantastic binding space.

We made both books concurrently, rather than one after another – so both text blocks first, then both covers, etc. This really helped embed the process – although I’ve not been great post-class with practicing techniques. I’m quite good at the stitching component – less good at getting the block neatly into the covers. My end papers are always just a little too long and I could do with a bit more speed on the covering.

I think these two are my favourite of all the books I’ve made so far. I adore the lively colour combinations and I’m so pleased with the retro feel of them.

On with the pix. I’m not sharing many process shots, although I took a ton.

BOOK 1

Inside

End papers – how wonderful is this paper?

Cover and top shot – I love how the end band fits with the colour scheme!

♥

BOOK 2

Disaster struck with this book. When casing it in I didn’t set the text block into the case far enough, leaving a large gap between the block and the spine. Imagine my astonishment when one of the tutors took the book and ripped the glued end-paper out! This was the only way to remedy it, but I stood there with my mouth agape in shock for some time. I definitely learned more from this than if I’d done it perfectly.

The only process shot I will share – behold that lovely french link stitch! I really love the look of that stitching. A shame it is hidden.

Inside

End papers – the repair is almost invisible

Top shot – more coordinating end band and book mark

Cover and slip cover – in theory the pattern on the edge of the case should be seamless with the spine.

♥

Now of course to use them for something apart from looking pretty on the shelf.