Four folios ~ loosely folded
These are mainy written instructions with appropriate illustrations. They are designed for the complete beginner to bookcrafts. To keep this page of manageable size some techniques ~ especially those common to other books ~ are more fully described on a separate page. If in doubt about anything then follow the appropriate link [in the square bracket]. If that does not help then please write to me so that I might clarify things and re-write that part of the instructions [write].
Those with a knowledge of bookcraft methods and techniques may well be able to work everything out from the more concise page of illustrations [117002].
Prepare four folios from a 16"x20" sheet of Two Rivers Petal Infused paper. The folios will measure 16"x5"when open ~ or 8"x5" when folded to the fninished size.
Next you have to do two things at once. Crease down the folds and make sure the leaves are aligned exactly. This alignment is not easy with deckle edge papers. It is a good illustration of working to the average. When possible I find it easier to square-up and align to the cobble-cut edges [121970]. Although the deckle is square the sheet may dry a little out of true, and the deckle edges are not well defined [124105].
As for creasing ~ the 140lb handmade paper is very strong and needs plenty of pressure to force it shut. Strong arm muscles and a good folder are needed. Try not to polish the edge of the paper ~ it might be a good idea to wrap a sheet of protectiuve paper around the crease to protect the surface. There is no harm in giving the sheets a medium pressing overnight. Some bookbinders talk of the papers 'getting to know their close-contact neighbours'.Gather the folios into pairs to make two sections of two folios each.. The design brief gave reasons for this being a small book.
Handmade papers are extremely tough and durable. It is not advised to take short cuts with the preparations for sewing. Choose a suitable awl. In my student days I used a needle and a pair of pliers ~ it was not craftsmanlike of me. A well sharpened fine pricker's awl with a narrow handle is best. The current photos show a thick-bladed and rather bulky handled general purpose awl ~ possibly called an English Awl.
The next item is quite specific ~ I remind readers that we are describing on particular book. This would be a good place to break away and design your own if you feel you could better meet your needs. By having a precise instruction you, or I , can prepare additional sections that will be of a size to fit.
Punch six holes in the papers ~ symmetrical about the centre ~ 20mm apart from each other. There are many techniques for doing this. One that I find easy is to mark exact the centre of the fold with a pencil dot. (Note that in this case there is not a central hole in this case.) Line-up a rule with an odd number adjacent to this dot. Align the awl with the even numbers and push holes thorogh while keeping the awl as near to a right angle as pssible. It also help to fold the folio as tightly shut as possible ~ to ensure the awl comes out exactly on the far side of the hinge. It is the outside of the hole that shows on the finished article ~ neatly aligned holes are attractive.
