




✦ reflection of the progress ✦
How did it go?
The steps I took in the making of this bookbinding journey was quite fun, easy yet challenging at the same time. why may you ask? I had limited time. I received this project much later than intended and had to work around it, making me work with a shorter deadline. But as you know...nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it.
With the time I had been given, I am very proud and content with the result of my creation. I managed to finish it on time even if it has some flaws. after all, nothing in life is perfect and our imperfections is what makes us unique.
It all depends on how you perceive it.
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Was it difficult? If so, how?
The process itself wasn't difficult at all, thwere ere multiple steps you need to be aware of in the making of a book. this includes the right paper size, margins, cut, precision, print, sewing and finishing it off by binding the book together perfectly. We were given three different paper textures to work. Thin, white and black. It wasn't hard to work with them all. The white and black paper was the easiest to work with, smoothly cutting them in precision with minor pressure on the blade, yet the thin paper I needed to adjust in my cutting technique with my hand placement, and the pressure on the paper for it not to break.
After cutting, the next step is to sew the papers together which wasn't a hard task. we were given a pattern, and we followed it. Yet, halfway through my pattern I realized I missed a step. which resulted for me to find a solution and improvise the sewing technique for it to keep its shape. it was a mission failed successfully.
With the deadline I was gifted, I did not have enough time to search for good fabric texture for the book cover. I only had old rusty fabrics available and as a last resort I decided to use those. them being an old loose fabric. the material was able to draw out its length which made the fabric stretchy. not a good material at all for the printing aspect of the book.
But what can I say? It's better to improvise and have alternative options than nothing at all.
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What have I learned?
I have learned a lot while making this creative project. I who had never once made a book in my lifetime to successfully create my own is truly a worthwhile experience. How to properly measure and cut paper with precision, to all the techniques and styles to bind a book together. even using the heat press provided to us to print my design on the cover was quite an experience. To make a book, you need a clear sense of mind and focus. as focus is a key ingredient for this special kind of handcraft.
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my experience with the material
The experience itself with the project was not bad at all, it was quite a project worth doing. Working with different materials were a challenge sure, but isn't everything
a challenge if you never done it before?
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✦ the steps that was taken ✦
We took multiple steps in this project, from the amount of paper to binding of the book itself. We were given three types of paper to use. As I recalled earlier, they were thin, white and black paper.
Firstly, we needed to cut them by the size we were given. Marking it with the pencil and cutting them without adding or removing a single cm from the size. when all the papers are cut and in order, we align them correctly and prick 4 holes at the edge of each paper. This is where the needle goes to stitch up the book together firmly. Next step we printed our design on a special paper, using a machine to imprint the pattern on the fabric of the book. That progress didn’t went smoothly but was successful nonetheless.
In the end, this binding progress only took me a total of 3 days to make in a span of a week. There is many things I would change including the fabric I used and to focus on the small details if given more time. I am content with end result and if given the choice to make another one, I would do it with no regrets.
✦ Any final thoughts?✦
If I ever need to remake a brand new book. Using the knowledge I have gained with this experience I would be able to do much more without any doubt or struggle. Knowing how to properly handle cuts and imprints, while using a proper fabric and sewing techniques.
If I ever need to use this specific experience in a different form, I would use it in handcraft and drawings, with the techniques I learned I would effortlessly make new creations that needs anything close to these elements.