Medieval limp binding

[antuhsa]

I realised that I've spent a lot of time here talking about bookbinding, but haven't yet shared any of my work. High time to rectify that! Here are some pictures of a book I finished recently and that I'm quite proud of.

This project started with a scrap piece of leather that I found at the fabric market. I took it to bookbinding class and played around with it until I ended up with this book. That's pretty much what the process was like :p.

The binding method used for this is called longstitch binding or Medieval limp binding (though my book doesn't look Medieval in any way, nor did I intend it to). I had never done this binding before, so I thought it would be fun. The leather was a little too thin to be used on its own, so I lined it with this bright green bookbinder's linen to make it stronger. I think the linen goes with the leather beautifully and I love the pop of colour you get when you open the book.

The green line on the front of the book happened almost by accident. I was cutting off small strips of the lined leather to make it fit the pages better, when I suddenly had the idea to turn one of those strips around and glue it back on. I have to say, I love the effect! It's very minimalistic, but it makes the book look so much more visually interesting. I'm very happy with my well-timed moment of inspiration!

There are a couple of things I'd do differenty next time, but all in all I'm happy with how the book turned out. The project as a whole is not yet finished though, since I'm currently making a slip case for it to give it a bit of extra protection when stored or carried around. The book was intended as a birthday gift for someone, but that particular birthday has already come and gone... So it will be a belated gift once the slip case is done.

So there's a bookbinding project I've been working on recently. I've absolutely no idea how detailed I should be when talking about making books, but I hope it's enjoyable to see some images of my work at least ^^

Comments

[williamsnickers]

It sounds fun, but I can't see any images! :O

[antuhsa]

Thanks for letting me know! Those things always seem to happen when you decide to post something 5 minutes before bedtime >_<. I had marked the images as 'only visible to me', so that was probably the problem. It should be fixed now!

[williamsnickers]

It looks amazing! I love the bright green, it complements the texture and design so well! Thank you for sharing this gorgeous project with us here. I really want to commission you to bind a couple books for me in the future!

[antuhsa]

Thank you so much! You are the kindest ^^. I really love the green too. I don't know if you can see it in the pictures, but the leather actually has subtle purple undertones, so using green for the lining was a little daring. I think it turned out great though, so I'm happy with the choice.

I'd love to bind something for you! I don't feel ready to take on commissions quite yet, but when I do, I'll make you all the books!

[perverse_idyll]

Oh, I'd love to see this, but the image didn't post! It sounds lovely, though - and very time-consuming. A slipcase is a nice additional touch.

[antuhsa]

Thanks for letting me know! I think I fixed it, so the images should be visible now.
I'm quite excited about the slip case myself. It's the first time I'm making one, but it's turning out great. And it certainly adds just that extra touch that makes the gift more special.

[perverse_idyll]

Ohhh, nice. What is it about leather that makes me want to run my hands over it? The green works beautifully with the dark brown, and I love the visible strips and the elegance of the spine. It's lovely to look at, and I bet it sits snugly in the hand as well.

Thank you for posting pics. The process is fascinating, and a beautiful book is always a pleasure.

[antuhsa]

Thank you! I always think it's fascinating when the sewing is visible on the outside of the book and I'm happy to hear it works for you too.

Likewise; leather is fantastic! I love the smell and texture. And there's just something about leatherbound books that makes my bibliophilic heart sing.

[half_light]

I've had a crazy few days and keep forgetting to reply to this! It looks brilliant! The colours compliment each other really well, and spine is fantastic. When you zoom in, it looks so well put together; sturdy but lovely to look at. You did such a great job! Reading about your process was fascinating too. Thanks so much for sharing it with us <3

[antuhsa]

Aww, Thank you! I swear I have the kindest people in my f-list ^^. I'm glad you like the book! It's indeed very sturdy and I'm happy to hear it shows.

Hope your days will be a little less crazy soon! <3