Book making and creating...

For the collection 100 brief we had a book binding workshop to show us the ways in which we could incorporate books in our design process using a variety of different techniques. We learnt 3 techniques in total, the perfect bound book, japanese stitched book and a consentined book.

The perfect bound book involved folding multiple pages in half and then using a small tool which put small holes in the centre crease. You then use a needle and thick thread to stitch the pages together through the centre of the book. This technique is pretty simple and quick to do.

The Japanese stitched book was slightly more complex, you didnt fold the pages with this technique, it was a case of stitching using a Japanese technique. Firstly you have to draw a line an inch from the binded end. Then split this into 5 segments, with the five segments, you then, with a partner use a drill to make holes between each segment ready for the stitch. There is then a complex stitch to complete, its a case of going in and out of the right holes at the right time, but when you finally have done it right, it looks very sophisticated.

Another thing that we looked at was pagination, which is where you would set up a book for print on one sheet, and would work out the layout of your pages, set over the large sheet, or the pagination of your pages.

The paper had to be folded in a particular way for the process to work correctly and for your work to fold down into your book in the correct layout from the print sheet. Once folding your page down you would number each individual page, which in some cases your would have to slit pages in order to add a folio. In total, from an A2 piece of paper, you should have 32 numbered pages. When you open it up with the folios finished you should find that you have the correct page layout for large print sheets. For example page 24 could be upside down to 14. Its a very clever technique if you do it correctly.

The last book that we learnt to make, was a folded constentina book. This again was pretty easy to make. Firstly you folded your pages in half using a bone folder, then put a cross on the outside of every one so you know which sides to stick to eachother. With this technique it means you can make your book as long as you like. Once you have stuck the pages to one another you put it into a press to dry whilst you make the cover.

The cover is hard and uses a thick cardboard, with this you camn also use any paper to cover it but preferably one that sticks well with PVA. When you have cut it to size you stick it down and then fold each side over, its a bit like wrapping a present. When its all stuck down you can stick the folded pages to the hard back and cover.