Bookbinding Serendipity

Photo: One of the original endsheets had a relative’s signature, so I repaired it and sewed it in. 

Years ago, my friend and bookbinding mentor, Linda Rollins, gave me some printed marbled papers she had inherited from her teacher when she bought his bookbinding business. This week, I completed a rebinding of Thomas Carlyle’s Sartor Resartus, published in the early 1900s. Its original endsheets were too acidic to re-use, and the pastedowns were missing. I rummaged through my paper stash and discovered that my decades-old papers were the identical pattern, reproduced in a lighter shade of green. So, fellow hoarders, take heart. There's always a chance that we really will use those scraps of paper and fabric that we’ve squirreled away for decades.

The Dog Ate It

Old animal-hide glue is the tastiest doggie treat ever! The family pet had chewed this spine thoroughly before his owner discovered the damage. It’s a good thing we love our pets. Saliva is a highly-effective solvent, so the spine was well cleaned at that spot. David Lanning of Hewit Leather helped me choose just the right piece for these covers.

In a February Mood - Sam Adams Beer Lovers Album

In a February mood, I made a Sam Adams Beer Lover’s Album because I love the artwork and enjoyed the beer. I used “Cold Snap” for the front cover and “Escape Route” for the back. The custom box is covered in white Sturdite and navy bonded leather, inset with the Sam Adams artwork. I just got off the phone with Kris, who said it made her smile when she opened the box and saw the book inside. Those Boston folks have had a long hard winter, and a pleasant surprise and a smile is what I’d hoped to give them whether my marketing idea goes anywhere or not.

Star Accordion, a Chorus Book

I made this star accordion book for a friend who is ill. When I asked people at church if they'd write a note, they were more than happy to express their prayers, blessings, and encouragement. Each page is unique. I could not fill them all by myself. But together, we could create a chorus of faith, hope, and love.

Christmas bookbinding 2014

The accordion book class was fun! Thank goodness my friend Amy came early. I drafted her to help the later comers when I realized that I had attempted more than I could deliver—a bookbinding lesson for a dozen people. Everybody was cheerful and cooperative and patient, and we did get all those accordion books finished in two hours!
    My novel did not place in the First Novel contest. I admit I am disappointed, but I plan to edit it in the coming year and write the first draft of Book 2. Meanwhile, I am rebinding my own Bible.

Michelle and Jessica are almost finished! I wish I'd taken photos of everyone's books. Maybe next year.

Christmas Accordion Book

I still remember making my first accordion book a decade ago, in a class taught by a local artist. I’m teaching this basic little book structure at my home a week from today. In other news, the Christian Writers Guild has shut down after 50 years of service. I’m waiting to hear the fate of my First Novel entry.

Bible Repair and Novel Writing Make a Mess

I finished two projects last week: a Bible that required quite a bit of work, and a manuscript of a novel I've had in mind to write for years. The Bible's owner is happy! I'll have to wait for feedback on the manuscript, an 83,000-word bibliomystery submitted to the Christian Writers Guild First Novel Contest. Now I'm cleaning up my trashed workroom.
    Next project: getting ready for Middletown's Heritage Day on September 27, where I'll have a bookbinding table. I followed the "write what you know" advice, so the novel opens with a scene that takes place on Heritage Day in the fictional town of South Mountain.