Diana Trout

Rescue Book Journal

Transform a beautiful vintage book into your next blank art journal. This is a simple beginner level book binding project.

You’ll use an assortment of papers as the book block will further personalize this journal. Choose white and black papers, colored papers, vellums, old papers, envelopes (well, let’s just say that there are many choices!).

Techniques you’ll learn will be the basic bookbinder’s skills: reinforcing a fragile book spine, using a piercing template, pamphlet stitch and creating and using stencils.

These lovely journals begin as old friends and just get better as you work in them.

Supply List:

• Vintage book (available from library sales, ebay, thrift shops or your attic)
  Note: do not buy a book that costs more than $5. It may be a rare book!
• Waxed 3 ply linen thread (you can get small rolls of black or white thread at the craft store in the jewelry making aisle).
• blunt tapestry needle
• PVA glue, mod podge or gel medium
• bone folder (if you have it), tongue depressor works fine
• pencil
• clear plastic triangle (at least the height of your book)
• Japanese hole punch with smallest bit OR bookbinder’s awl OR thumbtack
• medium sized binder clips (4)
• X-Acto with extra blades
• Decorative papers or lightweight smooth cotton fabric (for interior cover)
• Extra scraps of fabric, paper and bits and bobs to use as embellishments (if desired - you can always do that at home).
• Eyelets, eyelet setter, hammer, mat
  
  
• For the book block (the innards of the book), bring an assortment of papers.
  • Height of the papers = the height of the old book
  • Width of the paper = 2 x the width of the book (we’ll fold these papers in half).
  
  
  Teacher will bring:
• Japanese hinge tape for everyone
• Template paper
• Extra awls, bone folders, rulers, needles
• Extra papers
• Extra eyelet setting equipment
• extra fabric
• iron
• Bits and bobs to be used as tabs for your journal
• Heat & Bond (double sided)
• Double stick tape (heavy duty)