I made a Book

I did a workshop at the Camden Street Studios

and learned how to make a (very simple) casebound book, all by myself. Now if you knew me (if you know me) you would know that I am not at all artistic (other than words; I'm very artistic with words) and am double blessed with cag-handed-ness. But my book is a masterpiece.

I'm interested in the idea of making limited (very limited) edition poetry books and this was my impetus for doing the workshop. Sandi Sexton who ran it, offers regular and diverse workshops in the area of artists' books. You can see some of her work in Nival at NCAD, Thomas St, Dublin.

If you are interested in, contact her by email.

First get your materials, lovely paper, we used 130gms. 20 sheets. Fold in half carefully in 5 groups of  4 sheets, called signatures.

Then you make holes for the stiching using an awl and a template.

Line the signatures up neatly

and start stitching. This was my favourite bit. Very cathartic.

Soon the 5 signatures are bound together and to each other. It's a bit like writing a pantoum.

Then you make the cover. Choose the book binding material. ( I did wonder if you could use curtain material or old dresses but I'm not sure it would be tough enough) and cut to size for the card and the spine.

Glue the cloth and place the card, carefully lined up.

Cut the corners and fold the edges carefully

Then stick the insides inside the outside.

And let everything dry under weights. A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Thanks to the hugely talented artist Roisin Gartland for some of the photos.

I'm off to Daintree Paper on Camden Street to get some lovely paper and make a poetry book.