I love working with paper and have dabbled in bookmaking over the years, making mostly simple one signature paper-backed journals and small Japanese bound books. I have always wanted to learn more so I signed up for Ali Manning’s Handmade Book Club, a week-long course that takes you through the step-by-step process of making three cloth bound, multi-signature books using three different stitches for the binding.

I have finished the first book. It uses the chain stitch for the binding. I was surprised at how easy it seemed as it looks complicated, but I think it is a testament to how well Ali presents the process.

I trimmed the pages of this book so the edges were straight but don’t think I will for the other two as it creates some waste. I am trying to come up with an idea for what to do with all the 1/2 inch strips of white paper. I was also left with a strips of the cork fabric I am using for the covers so made a Japanese bound book yesterday afternoon. I think it turned out well so I may start making the books in pairs of a large one and a small one. The small ones are meant to be whimsical and interactive with different types of paper including a coloring page.

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