June 29, 2015 - Week 5, Cover and final book, Version 2

Hello Everyone,

So last week I showed the 16 page folded book with open spine cover.  This week is the same folded book with a closed cover.

And this version starts pretty much the same way the last cover started with just a few additions:

I cut two pieces of mat board and two papers for the cover, along with an additional 1/2" piece of mat board cut to the height of the book and a separate paper for the spine.

Just like the last cover, I cut the corners and glue the papers to the mat board.

Don't forget the corner tucks for neat corners

After those were done, I set them aside to dry.  I glued the spine paper onto the spine board only at the top and bottom.  I left the sides untouched, so that later I can attach the two covers.

I did however cut a cover paper for the inside spine.  It is not extremely visible after the signature block is glued in, but I think it adds a nice finished look to the piece.

After all the pieces were dry, I began to put them together.  You will want to glue a cover board to each side of the spine.

Make sure you leave about an 1/8" to 1/4" gap between the piece so the cover will fold over.
Also take your time and make sure the pieces are going in the direction you want and are straight.

I also added a finishing strip of paper that goes along the seam between the spine and the cover.

It's mostly decorative but once again I think it helps make the book look finished.

I wrapped the edges of the strip around the the edges of the cover.

Then as described in last week's post I glued the signature block into place.  Since it is a small book, no glue is necessary on the spine itself.  If this was done on a larger scale, I would probably have glued the spine to give it more stability.



And here is the finished book:

I think this book worked out nicely.  For this version, you can glue the pages together that are folded together, if you want to have it more like an accordion folded book.

For next month, I will be doing a French Link stitched book with soft cover.
And in keeping with the season, theme is "Old-fashion Summer".

Until then,

Happy Book Binding!

Sheila