I made this book for a swap. This is the first time I tried to make a book an actual size. I was going for A5. Before this book I was only vaguely aware that’s that is a thing. This is also the first time I attempted to cut down/ shave down the signatures to make the edge flat. This had only limited success. It worked ok when it was clamped but my binding was a little weak and they got uneven and a little wobbly.
I chose black fabric with cats, a polka dotted button and I snipped off just a smidge of ribbon from another hand bound book I have and added it to this one because it was too perfect with the cats and button! I did get glue everywhere and it left splotches on the cover. But hopefully it makes the sketchbook less precious and more useable!
Ooh this is lovely. I share your pain with shaving down the paper edges. But I’ve come to the conclusion that looking handmade is better than machine cut.
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AIMR
(Linda -2024 Choose Projects that You Want to Do :us:)
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I love handmade journals and journal covers…as @edel said, if you want “perfect” you can buy a journal at the store…I love knowing that someone put some thought into it and figured things out and used what they had…I love it all, from the kitty fabric to the wonky pages…well done!
You had me at cats! And I am a huge notebook hoarder and user. I have ten beside me in use right now. Wow, I actually did a count and it is ten. I think I have a problem. LOL! Anyways, I love this. I love that fabrics. The entire thing looks amazing. I like that you make it to look “usable” too. Still looks perfect to me, though.
I love the coordinating button and ribbon! Book binding is on my list of things to try…someday, and I only hope I can make something that looks this nice.
! That’s why it’s one of this week’s featured projects. Thanks for sharing it with us! 
I’m in awe of your bookbinding skills. I’m so lucky it’s mine!