Folding A Sheet Of Paper 7 Times
Hydraulic Press Channel is trying to figure if it is possible to fold a sheet of paper 7 times. I didn’t expect what happened in the end =)
My First Handmade Bakelite Folder
Several weeks ago I have ordered 3 mm thick 20×20 cm (77⁄8” x 77⁄8“) Bakelite sheet from China (you can easily find them at Amazon.com, eBay or AliExpress) to experiment a little with Bakelite folders. I almost always use bone folders and make wooden or laminate wood folders for my students (cheap and fast, you know).
Do You Know Any Ancient Jewish Codices?
I’m preparing for a new workshop now and need to find some early examples of use of codices by the Jewish community. Look like the oldest surviving examples are from the Cairo Genizah. I understand there are some mentions of earlier (not surviving) codices. Am I right?
Avoiding Standard Paper Sizes — Pie Books
There is some real math behind the rectangular sheets of paper. At least if you work with ISO paper sizes. Measurements of the widespread A4 are derived from the size of A0 – it has an area of exactly 1 m2. For the B series every next size is also half as large (or twice as large – depending on the direction you choose to go) as the previous. B0 is defined by the length of its larger side – it is exactly 1 meter long. Both of them have the same aspect ratio: square root of 2.
The Oldest Russian Book Is Not Really a Book
Summer of the year 2000 was a celebratory time for Russian archaeologists. On the 13 of July a new finding was made at the never-ceasing dig location in one of the oldest Russian cities of Novgorod. Three waxed wooden plates (19×15×1 cm) with remnants of text later appeared to be parts of the oldest known Russian book.
Soviet Censorship Bookbinding Tutorial
Soviet era is known for its many bizarre instances of censorship. Vanishing of the commissars may be the most famous, and you can find more in the Wikipedia. However, that’s all about photographs, and I’d like to share with you a bookbinding-related story.
Updating Lists of Bookbinding Workshops and Classes
In the beginning of January, iBookBinidng.com started updating a constellation of its most popular posts — lists of bookbinding workshops and classes in different countries. The first one that is almost updated already is Bookbinding Workshops / Classes in the UK (2016).
2015 for iBookBinding — A Year of Changes
That was a good but rather complicated year for both iBookBinding.com and myself. Here are some of the important events for the website:
Using a Makeshift Bookbinding Plough. Part 2
Last week I’ve tried to use a makeshift plough to trim several books. It took me more than three hours to create that plough from a chisel with sandpaper. Several days ago, I had to visit a hardware store, and found there a cheap Chinese bench grinder (like $20 cheap). After a moment of hesitation, I bought it along with several different chisels to experiment with.
Star Wars Meets Bookbinding. Episode IV
I’ve spent some time searching for examples of bookbinding inspired by Star Wars. Unfortunately, it looks like there are no fine bindings in a galaxy far, far away. However, there are really nice books made by hobbyists.
Using a Makeshift Bookbinding Plough
This weekend I had to work on a small project that is not so typical for me. A friend of mine gave me several books to separate the pages, scan, and rebind them together once again. These are adhesive binding books, so almost no harm is done by cutting off the spine. There was only one problem: I do not have any instrument to trim the book block besides my utility knife.
Top 10 Box Making Tutorials on the Internet
Box making is one of the skills a bookbinder should master. There are many types and styles of boxes: slipcase boxes and clamshell boxes for books; small boxes and boxes with many compartments and drawers for jewelry, gifts and small things; portfolios, trays and curved boxes for different needs. Every box has something special about how it is made. Boxes are also very important for archival and conservation projects.
Your Bookbinding Tools and Workplace
One of my students have recently shared with me a photo of her instruments lined up alongside each other. Of course that’s not a full kit she uses — there is some heavier machinery. I know that for sure. Anyway, it gives some understanding of her bookbinding habits and preferences.
Bookbinder’s Holiday Gift List: 12 Essential Books And More!
It is almost holiday season. Still, there is some time to choose a gift for your fellow bookbinders, friends, and colleagues. Luckily, there always is something new to learn about bookbinding. Even from the books you already have for a long time. Becoming more experienced you may find further small details and techniques (nevertheless important) in texts you read a long time ago.
