Sunday, March 6, 2011

Blue Journal Finished

I finished my 40 page watercolor journal. This 
was a fun project using one of my stitched 
journal covers (from a previous post) and
blue linen.
I started out with a heavy chipboard. Cutting
a front, back and a gauge. I them made my
pages from watercolor paper, folding them ,
making signatures and sewing the signatures
together. Next I made two end pages.
Next I made headbands and lined the spine with 
tapes, paper and muslin, gluing them down with PVA.
You can faintly see the two tapes under the muslin. 
The blue on the ends of the spine are the headbands.
Then the scary part. After the glue as set up I rounded 
the spine by pounding the spine with a hammer.Scary 
but it works giving your book a nice slightly rounded back.
Set your signatures into your prepared cover to set up.
Once set up open cover , glue top end paper, (making sure your spine 
is tight against the book cover) close the book and gently press. Now 
turn over and do the back same as the front. Press book gently, 
check your book inside the covers, then close and press under some weight
overnight.
I did forget to photograph the cover making process.
One simply lays out the two covers side by side with
the gauge (small pc.in 2nd photo) in the middle.The gauge is the 
width of the spine of your book.Measure 
cover material so that you have a extra inch all the way around.
Cut out, glue covers & gauge and center on cover material.
Remove gauge, add paper pc. in where gauge 
was having the paper about 1 inch wider on both
sides gluing it to center & both covers.This helps to make a
strong spine. Trim corners of cover material, glue and fold
onto the covers.
I will be making more and will photograph this part  if anyone wants.

15 comments:

Deborah said...

Lovely and my favorite color. I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to try this.

Janet said...

What a beautiful journal! I think I would have had a tough time taking a hammer to it....that must have been so scary. But the end result is great.

Pearl said...

This turned out beautifully Sharon, your talent still amazes me. Love the flowers with the nice blue you used. We had a gorgeous day here today with the sun shinning all day it warmed up nicely hope your getting some of the same.

Angela said...

I think your journal is fabulous. I love the "simplicity" of the cover. It looks so clean. I think it is really great.
I'm looking forward to seeing more.
Angela

Elizabeth said...

Beautiful work! Sharon!!!!

Terri Kahrs said...

I'm in awe, Sharon! This journal is more than beautiful -- it's truly a treasure and will become a keepsake! Gorgeous!!!! Hugs, Terri xoxo

Shelley said...

That journal is magnificent - looks so pretty in blue! I bet Teddy is getting ready for spring! Give her a rub on the head from me and Scout!

Snap said...

i just believe there is nothing you can not do!!!

Createology said...

Your journal cover is just beautiful. The flowers are just the right touch. Simple elegance.

Pondside said...

The work.....!
The cover is very pretty - simple and elegant and timeless.

Lorraine said...

It turned out beautifully Sharon!

Merry said...

I so love this and agree with 'Snap's' comment "Nothing you can't do."

Creative Grammie said...

Aloha Sharon,
Love your beautiful journal. TFS

Judy S. said...

Great explanation, Sharon! I love the cover and the signature pages are just the perfect touch.

baukje said...

What a lovely blue journal, you are so creative!