Making a Batch of Upcycled Pocket Notebooks - Easy No-Sew Binding
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 พ.ค. 2024
- There’s something to be said for always having a handy pocket notebook nearby, whether to jot down sudden inspiration, or just a simple grocery list. I use all manner of interesting papers to make the covers for these handy notebooks, usually recycled from other old books (see my video in upcycling old books here: • Upcycling An Old Book:... )
After experimenting with different types of adhesives to laminate the covers, I finally settled on a professional spray-on adhesive. It works on many types of paper, including glossy or coated ones, and it dries quickly. Most importantly it imparts virtually no moisture into the paper, which prevents curling and warping.
Though I use a variety of professional tools in this video, these notebooks can just as easily be made with everyday tools. A stack of books can stand in for a press, while a sharp utility knife and a steel ruler can, with practice, produce nicely trimmed edges. The size of your stapler somewhat limits the size of notebooks you can make in this style, though I have used a pin to poke staple-holes in notebooks and inserted individual staples by hand. The only limit is your own determination!
I actually filmed this project in the fall of 2020, but only recently rediscovered the footage. I’m glad I was able to put it together in a coherent manner, and I hope you enjoyed this little found gem.
Thanks for watching!
________
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All original works of art in this video are copyrighted exclusively by Four Keys Book Arts. - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
Wow, my shopping list just got serious:
Wooden press
Corner cutter
That paper trimmer!
If you find any links and/or price tags to these items I would be interested to know them.
Same! Wow... Someday!
Me too. My dream equipment.
That style of cutter is called a guillotine cutter. You can find them sometimes at junk sales or flea markets. They're not really popular because most people don't need to cut that much paper in one pass. A lot of older ones are cast iron and can be cleaned up pretty easily. As long as the blades aren't chipped or nicked, they can usually be sharpened by one of those mobile knife sharpener folks.
You can get a smaller, handheld corner cutter from a craft store (the style he mentions in the video). Usually they're in the scrapbooking section. They will take longer to do since you can only do a couple of pages at a time, but it's a lot cheaper than buying a piece of specialist equipment.
For the press, I have an old shop vise with large cabinet door panels. It's not as user-friendly as the wood press used in this video, but it's a heck of a lot cheaper and accessible for a lot of people. The best presses are solid oak which makes them fairly expensive. A lot of the ones that used to exist in print shops and stationery stores have pretty much been bought up by antique collectors who like the patina, but have no idea what they do.
TH-cam recommended this gem to me.....
While watching the explaining process -
1. No music
2. No Nonsense dialogue
3. In-dept analysis of accuracy
4. Videography is top notch as we can see the process without any disturbance and with clear angle
5. Sound clarity
These points are rare to find nowadays....
for EFFORTS and DEDICATION #Respect
And that music while completion was peaceful feeling....
It's like my dopamine was released...
Thank you so much for everything....
Take Care
Keep doing the great work....
I don't know how I got here but I'm so glad I did. Totally mesmerizing. I truly appreciate your craftsmanship.
Indeed.. popped up on my TH-cam homepage for some reason. Went to Etsy shop to get a price idea on these books but lo and behold... he is no longer producing them. Oh well... the videos are quite interesting!
I know this is 2yrs old, but so glad I found your page
I took a bookmaking workshop many years ago - it was an all day gig. We made a stapled booklet, a triangular folded page book with hard covers, and a hardbound book as well that had 8 signatures of 8 pages each. It was a lovely experience. I still have them... don't know why I couldn't bring myself to use them, actually. People and blank pages are funny.
I love your work. I love your tools and your workshop! What fun! Heaven, really. 💐🙏🏽🤗
How lovely...
"People and blank pages are funny."
I hear you.
It's almost a form of Zen uncluttering, not needing or wanting to change something uncluttered, perfect and pristine.
😊
@charliesmith_ Thank you - I appreciate that. And you're right, leaving something blank and uncluttered... it IS almost like a form of Zen. 😁 THAT'S how I'm going to look at my wont to keep the books I created, rather than just being the pack rat that I am. 🤣 I have too many "collections". 😫😭😅🤣
Watching him slice through the notebooks is SO SATISFYING!!!!
I'm in love with your corner rounder. That is the coolest tool I've seen.
Your paper cutter is pure bliss *chef’s kiss*
I do love it.
I really like the overall look of the notebooks, and seeing the process was a lot more interesting than I was expecting - I was having 'a nice cup of tea' and this was an excellent accompaniment - and less calories than a biscuit!
Glad you enjoyed it - cheers!
I don't know how I ended up here. I don't know why I watched the entire video. There was something so satisfying watching you make these notebooks. Nice work!
Awesome! Thank you!
Same here!
Probably I will never make books like these. But it was very calming to watch a master do it. Apart from the cool tools you use, I was very impressed with the idea of using old atlases for cover pages. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.
That is a SERIOUS paper cutter! Dang! I loved watching this video. Very satisfying. 😊❤
You took the words out of my mouth 😂👍🏾
Beautifully produced video. Photography, sound, pace - everything was well done. Your voice is easy to listen to.
I make notebooks and journals but unfortunatley I do not have as awesome tools as you do. I do them individually which is a pain. It was so satisfying watching you make them, I absolutely love them. Thanks for sharing.
I like making books by hand. It's not a business for me-- it's a hobby, so I don't need the expensive equipment.
Actually, this is exactly how I’m going to make my own yearly planner books from now on because the ones I’ve seen lately are Hella expensive even more than the regular post Covid highway robbery of everything else so been putting off the planner but I really need it because I am a hands-on and individual. I have to see myself right things and doodle for me to focus and concentrate and remember things, so thank you this is what I’m gonna do. I’m gonna make some little two page per week planner calendars for people or even one page per week would be good to give away as little pocket stuffer gifts.
Perfect balance between handmade and logically efficient! I've made a few booklets and books with stab-stitching, and loving your channel - really opening my eyes to the overall process of bookmaking. Thanks for sharing such clear, uncluttered instructions!
My pleasure, and thanks for the feedback!
I think you just solved my Christmas list. Ironically, I was making small notebooks to learn more about book making materials.They came out so handy to use I carry one any time I go out. Your "recipe" turns out excellent quality, thanks for sharing.
I always have one or two handy! Glad the video was useful.
This is incredible. Ppl don’t realise the time and expertise needed to make these. It’s not just that it’s the attention to detail and the love for the craft. ❤
Nice touch with the hammer.😊
This is a wonderful idea and way back in the 80s when I was just starting out with making home decor, and or anything that you would need to look like a regular upstanding lady folk in LA when you had not enough money to even be out of the projects lol I used to use those exact pages of math things to cover Like the dollar store yearly pocket planners so they would look like they would look chic or more upscale and I would give them away as gifts
Having the right tools makes a big difference! Thanks for sharing this. From Cheryl in AZ
Not sure how this showed up on my feed, but I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Fascinating! To take the time and investment in tools to make a mundane item such as a pocket notebook elevates it into the realm of iconic. In future I will look upon these items with new reverence of the work it might take to produce them. You, sir, are an artist!
👀 all those yummy paper scraps that could be made into handmade paper 🤔 Very nice notebooks.
I love hand-made books. Your video is very informative and well-paced. And no electric devices! Beautiful and fun to watch your technique. Where do you sell your books?
Wow! What a video! I could listen to you all day, Mesmerising! Made me want to go into notebook production! 😆😊📚
Same as most folks. Don’t know how I got here but I’m subscribing and staying! 😅 beautiful video!
me too !
I've been doing this process with the extra draft papers my uni supervisors give me at exams. After my exams week I'm left off with way too many draft paper that I didn't know what to do with. So one day I thought "Why not make a simple notebook out of them?" so I've been doing that for almost two years now. I don't bother to make a hard cover for them because I use the notebooks for to-do lists but they are perfect for me. I'm happy to see the professional version of my little diy project. You are doing an amazing job sir ♡
My university has a printery - so they would use up misprints and all sorts of things and make them into tear off memo pads. These would get distributed around the uni for staff to use.
Sometimes you would get a misprinted thesis or study guide, sometimes a part of a novel or written work, and sometimes just local printing jobs on the back of the piece of paper. It was always random and sometimes the paper was a colour.
They were super handy.
Beautifully and so carefully made!
Love these little books. The attention to detail makes them extra special. I love to see someone taking the time and skill to do something well.
Very cool process. Though I doubt I'll ever mass produce you explained it well even for us "small batch" folks. It was actually satisfying to watch the edge trimming and corner rounding process. Although they are machines I hope it doesn't escape folks about just how sharp those edges actually are. You obviously maintain them quite well. Nicely done.
I loved how detailed and clear your instructions were. Thank you! And the adhesive spraying booth is brilliant.
I really enjoyed this video in so many ways. The only request I would make is to provide a few verbal options for those of us without such fantastic tools, even if it would be less efficient and precise. I make and obtain items to give away and you have inspired me.
I would love to have all your equipment. Just now getting into notebook/book binding & I am addicted. ❤
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Based on the comments and my own experience, you must have twiddled the right bit in the TH-cam algorithm. Well done! And love your process. Thanks for the education!!
You've got a new subscriber. Beatiful work. Ever since I learned a little book binding i've been wanting to make some note books like this. I use a pocket sized Notebook a lot for organizing as I forget everything unless i write it down. I really enjoyed watching you work and share your expertise.
Awesome! Thank you!
It would be silly to repeat every other comment here, yet here I am thanking you and wondering how you happened into my feed. New sub 🤓
I really enjoyed this video. My first profession was as an offset printer. We made booklets and tablets among other things. Really brought me back to those good days. So happy to see this art being kept alive.
Fascinating! You have an excellent assortment of heavy-duty tools to create your great designs.
This is so comforting to watch. I could enjoy it for hours.
Same here, it's like asmr without music, only natural
Omg watched 2x because...I loved every part of this, especially the book pressing and trimming with papercutter.
I had no idea that manual versions of these cutting machines existed. Thanks for the video.
Just popped up on my feed and it was quite relaxing and fun to watch. Thanks for making and sharing!
How fabulous are all these tools?? Such high quality, man and machine have a practical and sensory integration, and the colours and patterns of the machines themselves are so satisfying!!
Wow that’s a lot of work for those beautiful tiny booklets
That oaper cutter & corner rounder are awesome! Id love to have those!
What a cool paper cutter
So much work but 💯quality and beauty. Lovely to have 1 of these books 📚
Just plain WOW! I feel the same way I felt when the feather descended in the FORREST GUMP movie…aahhh! What a gift this morning.
I adore handmade working.
It's very relaxing work. Thanks for watching!
Beautiful. Very Informative. Your verbal instructions and visuals are very helpful. Thank You for taking the time to make this video.
Thanks so much for the tip about closing the cover with the pages! I have cracked many a cover. Looking forward to learning more from you. Your books look pristine!
Love a good corner rounder for my scrapbooking but yours is incredible!
Totally mesmerising! I watched the whole thing.
Wow! I’m impressed. You are a pro.
Very nice video! Loved the notebooks!
Love your equipment!
Wish I could find a paper cutter like that. Very handy.
Absolutely obsessed with this channel. Keep up the great work!
Awesome, thank you!
Sir you areca ccraftsman and it is so enlightening to see attention to quality and detail in action. Thank you for this video. Truly enjoyable.
Ooooo this was so satisfying to watch. Thanks so much.
Thanks for that inspiration man. I'll definitly be using maps as you do in covers. This is sick.
I love bookbinding. ❤
This was so useful! This explained a couple issues I was having making these at home on a smaller scale. Thanks so much for sharing your insights!
Wow, I love this video. Thanks for sharing😊
I just love this video and all your fantastic tools to make them!❤
Beautiful end product!! Thanks for sharing!
This video WAS interesting and useful! I think I'll be making my own notebooks from now on!!
About to make my first ever notebook with my own home-made paper (recycled old mail etc)
This video was the exact kind I was looking for and I'm confident I can do all of these steps with my hand-tool 😊❤
Very satisfying! Books and book forms are elegant in their simplicity and I enjoyed watching you “mass” produce these. I am more than a little envious of your tools! ❤
awesome workshop, dude!
Thanks!
It was interesting and relaxing at the same time..I'd love one of those map cover note books..❤
Very nice job and set up. You really Know your craft. Thanks for sharing your method.
I'm so happy I found you. Loved this video!
I totally enjoyed this video. I love notebooks🥰. I am envious of your skills and equipment. Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely fascinating. Just the tools alone! I subbed and can't wait to watch more.
Very interesting video. I love to watch people's DIY skills. I'll bet that paper cutter ain't cheap!
I like the deckle edge look. Nice notebooks.
Мне надоело искать в продаже блокноты и тетради, то размер не такой как нужно, то цвет, то переплет.. и мои попытки делать самой мини-книжки в результате оказались не на высоте как хотелось.. и вот на вашем канале я наконец нашла то, что нужно.. даже средневековые книги.. это восторг и восхищение.. продолжайте пожалуйста, благодарю вас!!
Thanks for this. I really enjoyed all the details of the process.
so nice! i bet that gear cost a mint though!
I imagine that tools like that could last multiple lifetimes.
Thanks for an insight to your process :)
LOVE this - thanks so much cheers from AU
Your paper trimmer is amazing!
Those maps make nice covers 👍
@@FourKeysBookArts I think you replied to the wrong post.
@@zajournals hmm yes TH-cam lagged as I was replying to the other comment and somehow it wound up here. Very odd. Thanks for letting me know.
Very nice work!
This was so satisfying to watch! I was anxiously waiting to see how you rounded the corners and was surprised to see that industrial corner cutter!
This was pretty good, found it interesting to watch, thank you for sharing.
That's really interesting to watch and to know the process, so much care handcrafted that as consumer I barely knew about
Awesome process. Great video! Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful and very interesting!!
Hello from Queensland Australia. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Love your methods. Thank you for sharing your experience and gift.
Thank you for showing the process and give us some ideas, they look great! It's really cool when we find a way to use every piece of material, nothing gets wasted :D.
Very much enjoyed this. Inspired me to make my own travel journal. Oh, and I love old atlases, and collect them.
It's so easy! All you need are these incredibly specific machines!
The machines help, but it is the artist that makes them.
As said in the video, you can make it with more simple tools. Allthough it's probably not as hard as you think to find the tools he uses, check your local 2nd hand store. :)
Excellent work, I would certainly buy a few of them from you 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻💯💯💯💯💯
Fascinating video. I have zero book making videos in my history, so i don't know how I got here but I enjoyed the entire process.
This is great.
You should state in the books where the cover is from.
You could also make use of those offcuts: Weave the cover parts of the offcuts into a lattice then stick it onto card like your normal covers. You'll end up with a ticket cover that wouldn't really suit books this size but if you make like 4/5 of your normal ones minus the cover then use the lattice cover round all 4/5 to make one "hardback".
I don't know enough about book binding to know how you'd affix these covers but I'm sure you do.
Can't go wrong with a minimal extra work use for waste :)
Fantastic trimmer !!!!