First text block attempt!

Most of my book binding materials came today! I was so excited to get back from my run this morning and see a big package from Hollander's waiting for me. In it were four nice sheets of binding board, three yards of linen tape, as well as PVA glue.

Until today I had been biding my time folding signatures of random paper laying around the house, getting ready to test out my first text block. I went at it tonight, sewing together five signatures of four pages, and it actually went pretty well! I won't be using it for a book, that's for sure (definitely don't need to bother with the fussy end sheets with hinge cloth or whatever), but it was good practice, and I think I'll use it to take notes on the process.

Here's a snapshot of a bit of the binding:

(I had no idea my nails matched my walls so well! XD)

So next step I suppose would be to use some better quality paper, do a much neater job of sewing the text block, and then going to the fabric warehouse to find some fun fabrics for the cover!

I love starting new projects. Hopefully this turns out a success!

Getting back at it...

So when I created this blog, I had completely true intentions of keeping it up and running. But then computer issues happened, then finals happened, then spending time with my family happened... and blogging didn't. But never fear dear readers (anyone out there?), for I have my laptop back, am finished with exams, have mostly caught up with my family, and am good and ready to get this thing going!

Not quite sure where to pick up, as I never really found a direction for this thing, but I guess a good place to start would be by laying out my plans for the summer. As an English and studio art double major, I'm constantly trying to find ways to bridge my two interests. In one large, valiant attempt, this summer's project is going to be learning how to bind books. I have an internship at a small, independent book sales company and so I'm sure I'll get lots of inspiration there, and I've also been checking out books like mad from the local library, trying to get myself started. It'll be tricky, seeing as there's some pretty pricy machinery that I'm going to have to get creative in order to live without, but I'm sure the process will be incredibly rewarding. It will be fun to have some nice, handmade gifts for my friends and family, and maybe I'll be able to make some profit out of the endeavor. But even if I don't, it will surely keep my busy and maybe even be something I can keep exploring as I finish my degrees!

So, I suppose I can chronicle my journey through that process some this summer in the blog (or "the blob" as my mother once referred to it as), as well as the other random projects I use to keep myself from going insane.

Before I sign off for the night, I was wondering what people think of the layout. I'm not sure if it's too simplistic (read: boring!) or what. Not sure what I think about it.