My Journey to Becoming a Book Binder
Have you ever wondered how I become a book binder? Today, I’m going to delve into my journey in the art of book binding.
Discovering the Craft
It all started with a desire to make good use of all the beautiful, decorative papers I had been collecting for years. As you know, I’m a trained graphic designer and have a love for all things paper and printing. Even though I enjoy the computer design process, my greatest joy comes from holding a printed piece in hand. That is why I have not moved into the field of web design. Yes, I learned the skills, but seeing things on my screen just doesn’t have that same spark of joy.
So, imagine my joy when I saw an ad for a book binding course in my local area. The class offered the opportunity to turn large sheets of paper and thread into a hand crafted book, in just a few hours. That was in December 2014. The photo above shows my book, right before sewing. All the materials were provided by the instructor and I still have that book on my shelf today.
Learning the Basics
The instructor was Katie Gonzalez of LinenLaid&Felt. She was a trained book binder and had even studied at length, in Italy. We learned the French link using this textured, deep yellow paper and decorative matching cover. I was hooked from moment one. She showed us how to determine paper grain, plan out our signature sizes, based on sheet size and tear down our signatures, from large press sheets, with a knife. She shared so many tips and tricks that continue to play into every book I make.
Learning Another Book Structure
After making as many books as I could with that one class, I knew I wanted to learn another book structure. So, once again, I joined Katie for another class. This time, I learned how to make a long stitch, leather cover journal. It was a day long class, that showed every step of the process from cutting down the signatures to punching the leather to final stitching of the closure strap. By the end of this class, I knew I had to take a deep dive into book binding even more.
Deep Diving into More Book Making
After this class was over, every one I know got a leather journal. I experimented with all types of leathers and closures. I also decided to search the internet to find more papers and stitches to learn. At some point, I came across Ali Manning and her Handmade Paper Club. Not long after I found her, she decided to close the Handmade Paper Club in order to pursue a bigger goal, the Handmade Book Club. It was to be a platform for book makers to learn a new structure each month and a community to share as we went along. I joined as soon as it launched in 2019 and am still a member.
Over the years, I’ve combined the skills I have learned from Katie, Ali and various other books and online workshops to the level of skill I now possess. There is still a lot more to learn. And that is why I still enjoy book making. With so many varieties of materials to work with, you can never tire of endless possibilities. Plus, it allows my to use my graphic design skills to create my own signature pages, covers and layouts.
The Making of Nicole Nikolas
It all started with that first book. After making a few books, with blank paper. I longed to create my own writing journals. But after looking around, I could not find short grained, lined paper for book binders. So, as any deisgner would do, I created my own and printed it at home. At some point, I wondered if any other book binders may be looking for the same thing. So in August 2019, I started my Etsy shop selling printed book binding signatures.
That’s why I always say, I only make products I would use myself. Because, in the beginning, I created to product to solve my own pain point. And now, I get to share it with hundreds of other creative book binders and makers.
