The post title is misleading. Every month, infact every day is for books!
But in the context of ‘making something‘, January was the month where I binded books by hand in the Japanese binding style. And, I am hooked. And by no means an expert yet.
I learnt a great deal by watching videos by this particular genius. What I really love about these videos is how he masterfully goes on binding books and not speaking. There is no distraction at all, just the sound of folios and binding material.
I started by gathering the raw materials. Finding the eco-friendly papers to bind was a little difficult but eventually I managed to find it.
And my first attempt I was told, was pretty fine. But look at it, the folios are not as neatly aligned and the thread-work could have been better. But I was really hooked by this attempt and keen to learn more.
Practice makes perfect, so I tried a second time…not yet perfect 😀
And a third.
And so on.
I also tried the ‘Indian style’ of book binding which I found enormously difficult.
I eventually completed one book in this style which I gifted to someone who writes music in it. The thought of something made by me, now being used to create something further is so delightful and motivation enough to think up ideas for the next 11 months. And in the meantime I will continue to practice different styles of binding.
Fantastic gift idea! This is definitely going on my list of potential gifts for others 🙂
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Thanks, Peggy. I’m sure you will you enjoy making the gifts 🙂 I’m very inspired by your blog and the idea of no-waste!
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This is amazing. And I think you have done such a fine job for just the beginning. The video looks great- he makes it look so easy which I am sure it’s not. I really like your Indian style work too. What’s the ‘thing’ for February? Tell us already! 🙂
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Such pretty books..the threadwork is nice 🙂
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@Annie – Thanks. I used cellulose and wood-free papers. February details coming up soon.
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@Carlos: It is cellulose and wood-free paper. The thread is an organic linen thread. And you will get a book whenever you come visit me 🙂
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@Sia : Thank you.
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@Marco – Thanks. The Indian style of binding is really difficult 😦
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Looks very interesting and difficult. The Indian style is really nice.
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Fantastic work for just initial attempts 🙂
And the YouTube link you have given are wonderful!
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This is wonderful! What kind of paper is this and is it a special thread? Most important question – when do I get a book for me? 🙂
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Such a great way to start the new year! What kind of eco-friendly papers did you use?
You first attempt is not just ‘pretty fine’ it’s really good! 🙂 I am waiting to see the activity for February 🙂
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