BOOK COVER MATERIALS | What Works, What Doesn't Work & How to Make it Work!

Рет қаралды 52,471

3 жыл бұрын

#bookbinding #nikthebooksmith #bookcovers
- 00:23 What works: bookcloth (bought or DIY); bookbinding leather
- 3:26 What "doesn't" work, or at least what may give you issues: paper, cardstock, leather and textiles that are too heavy and bulky.
- 7:44 How to Make it Work: Try different types of bindings that eliminate the "problem" areas: Coptic Stitch, Secret Belgian, Japanese Stab, 1/4, 3/4 and half bindings.
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Пікірлер: 190

@kmrjdf 3 жыл бұрын

Picture this..I am listening to this while I am milking my goats. Then you said "goat leather is wonderful" I think I heard a collective gasp from the ladies! Maybe I will play this when they are misbehaving on the milkstand. Your videos are the best. Thanks so much.

@NiktheBooksmith 3 жыл бұрын

hahhahaa! I should be mindful of my audience. How very insensitive of me! >.< Fun Fact: My family raised goats (among other things) when I was a kid....no pun intended...heehee.

@user-np7pq2gy1v 17 күн бұрын

You are the BEST, Nik. You anticipate AND answer all the questions that I have been grappling with. And you’re so pretty, too. 😊

@bitstobooks 3 жыл бұрын

my husband is so used to your voice as a background when I am crafting, when you come on he shouts from the other room: "hey! it's my favourite one! " :)

@NiktheBooksmith 3 жыл бұрын

awwwwwwwwwwwwww that made me smile, thank you for that =)

@FranOnTheEdge 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for posting this. My father was a bookbinder and restorer, but he died before I could learn anything from him. So I am very grateful to learn things from you. Thank you.

@debbiepayne6899 3 жыл бұрын

Oh Nick I haven't seen you for a while and your hair is so long and so beautiful! Thanks so much for all you teach us. I love everything you do! You are amazing.❤

@NiktheBooksmith 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Debbie!

@kellywicker3903 Ай бұрын

Love your daring creativity to go outside of the box so to speak!

@nameless6252 3 жыл бұрын

Nik, you are so talented! You are my favorite KZfaqr. I especially like the ones when you’re in a goofy mood.

@NiktheBooksmith 3 жыл бұрын

thank you, that made my day =)

@myzanyself 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this! I actually learned things about bookbinding. I like the more in-depth videos like this. Thanks again!

@reginakeller3038 3 жыл бұрын

Wonderful, educational video. Thanks so much. You do beautiful work and sharing it is truly appreciated. 😊😍

@michelerowe176 3 жыл бұрын

Is there some irony in needing to recover a book called "Creative Bookbinding"? Lol! Very helpful information in this video - thank you!

@NiktheBooksmith 3 жыл бұрын

Ironic, indeed! haha

@flo-llama 3 жыл бұрын

I would have thought it mandatory in order to prove you'd actually read it.

@eileenpawluk6455 3 жыл бұрын

📚 Thanks for sharing your fabulous tips Nik❣ OH WOWZERS!!!! Your hair has grown so much since I last saw you! It is absolutely stunning❣ {{{Huge Hugs}}} from Alberta 🇨🇦 😘

@NiktheBooksmith 3 жыл бұрын

thanks, Eileen! Its the mop that just won't stop 😄

@mardinoetling7871 3 жыл бұрын

When I first started bookbinding I used wall paper samples for covers

@sharonmeeker6581 3 жыл бұрын

Ah, Nik. Thank you for doing this video. I have never seen this in any of the countless tutorials I have watched. I am just testing the waters with leather covers so will try the goat skin. Finding a light weight leather has been troublesome. So, if you have any resources, I’d appreciate your suggestions. It’s always a pleasure when you come up in my notifications. Keep well.

@NiktheBooksmith 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Sharon! Not sure where you live, but you could always check out Hollander's or Talas, they have a myriad of bookbinding supplies.

@dianneblake 3 жыл бұрын

Finding the grain of the paper was interesting. I learned a less evasive way to check for the grain (no water or tearing). Bend the paper gently in both directions. If the paper bends easily, that is the grain. If the paper resists, that is against grain. It's pretty obvious with cardstock and a little less so with other papers. My only problem with this is that sometimes the grain isn't always with the direction of the print, design, or size of the paper I want to use it for. Also, I find that backing the paper with Tyvek at bend points does help make the paper more sturdy. But, I don't cover books that I think need to outlast me. LOL.❤😜

@lyllydd 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I hang my paper off the edge of my desk i both directions to check the grain. I was kind of surprised Nik didn't recommend that. It doesn't waste paper.

@readercs 3 ай бұрын

I find I can tell the direction of the grain just by giving it a quick fold in each direction. There is more resistance against the grain. No need to wet the paper.

@bevrawilliams4351 3 жыл бұрын

I have really enjoyed learning from you . Please don't stop. I would love to learn how to do some of those open binding techniques. There very beautiful. Ty so much Bevra Williams

@GrandmaAbby1 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for covering this topic (no pun intended lol)! Determining paper grain was especially helpful. I learn so much with every single one of your videos. Thank you.

@yukonswimmom 6 ай бұрын

Ok wow-I used that piano book in my lessons in the early 70's. What a trip down memory lane! Love your videos!

@bbrosser694 2 жыл бұрын

I've finally come to the decision that I must not delay any longer the covering my books. I can see and hear from your presentation that I'm at the right place. Your work is more than beautiful. Actually, I'm at a loss for words that properly respond to the beauty of your book binding techniques. Thank You very much for sharing your teaching, and your shopping suggestions!

@JannyHaak 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, very useful information! Thanks Nik! 🙏

@MissDaisyParsley 3 жыл бұрын

Great information! It is very helpful! Thanks for sharing!

@collettekunkler7211 3 жыл бұрын

Great tips! Thanks for putting this together for us!

@rhondaacheson2261 3 жыл бұрын

Very informative! Tyfs your knowledge with us! 👍❤

@jenns_artlandia7896 3 жыл бұрын

Oh my gosh! Your hair got so long!! Its beautiful 🥰🎨🌷❤

@NiktheBooksmith 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Jenn! its getting ridiculous, I need a cut sooooo badly. Most of the time, its just piled up in a messy moppy bun.

@jenns_artlandia7896 3 жыл бұрын

@@NiktheBooksmith ok. Just an inch or two. I used to have long beautiful hair like yours. My hereditary severe Hypothyroidism destroyed...ravaged my hair. All brittle and grey....short..Ugly :( What I wouldn't give to have the messy bun back & beautiful long hair:) ~Hugs!

@RaindropLila7 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! It was a super helpful video and I enjoy learning from you!

@shirleymccullough2515 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Nik, as usual I learned a lot ! 🌻🍁

@marysmith9515 Жыл бұрын

Love the idea of recovering old books that I want to keep!

@sweetcurly28 3 жыл бұрын

So prettyyyy! Your hair looks amazing! I love your content Nik! I love all these book making, paper using, miniature book case and all the stuff you do!

@jenniferwatson7118 3 жыл бұрын

Very helpful, thanks!

@lindasonnenberg3704 3 жыл бұрын

Wow! Great info. Thank you!

@Bellavintagenotebook 3 жыл бұрын

Just found your channel streaming . Always nice to learn new tricks . Thank you for sharing . Necee

@MaureenAstrid 3 жыл бұрын

💖🤗 thank you Nik 🤗💖so helpful and inspiring.

@flossiebarfield8826 3 жыл бұрын

Your hair is beautiful NiK!!! I don't do this kind of stuff but your videos make me want to!! I have no idea what some of them are used for or where to start really, but I do love paper...maybe not as much you do though! I believe I could! Thank you for your sense of humor that comes through your videos !

@rowangreymantle Жыл бұрын

I am just getting by to watch this! I love your tutorials, although some are more advanced than I am at this point. I love all these books and I grew up reading Nancy Drew books that an aunt had the complete hard bound set from decades ago. I was around 10 then and I am 71 now. My first real reading for pleasure was Nancy Drew so I really love mysteries. Love what you did with the book!

@jennygee9849 3 жыл бұрын

thanks for the tips Nik...I only buy old books that have pretty good covers but now I know how to recover some of the fantastic old books I have passed by :)

@roxannehansen9878 3 жыл бұрын

Very informative Nik! Thanks. Your work is amazing. I love books and happy to see people making them or refurbishing them. Such a pleasure holding a real book in our hands vs. Electronic books 😕.

@maryherman4321 3 жыл бұрын

It's nice to see other people who value books as I do. You have a special talent.

@stanky6261973 3 жыл бұрын

You do such an AMAZING job! You saved so many books thank you.

@shelleynobleart 3 жыл бұрын

Super fantastic content, Ms. Nic!

@patrice8257 3 жыл бұрын

Well you can sure tell what you love!!! All jokes aside very serious and informative video. You do lovely work Nik. Booksmith you are.

@danaroth1525 3 жыл бұрын

That marbled paper in the Nancy Drew book, in love 😍. I was so happy to get a notification of your video. I’m so obsessed!

@lauriesherman5340 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing work Nik...so impressive. You do know your craft...lovely, lovely and lovely....

@AEmamdee1757 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very good information.

@CordeliaFox 3 жыл бұрын

It was so helpful thank you!

@debbiecarter6430 3 жыл бұрын

Really helpful Nik. Cute to see the Cowper. 😀❤️

@chrissy24-7 3 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad i found your channel - the nitty-grittyness of book making and structure is really awesomeness to me

@torageirs6473 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you this is a lot of good info

@journalingadventures 3 жыл бұрын

Very informative. Thank you

@animarjournals 3 жыл бұрын

Just loved this. What a pleasure to learn with you, Nik. Muchas gracias!

@NiktheBooksmith 3 жыл бұрын

de nada! =)

@hodgepodgecottage2674 3 жыл бұрын

Outstanding Video Nik! Very Informative! The books you Rescued and Renewed are Stunning! You did Such an Exceptional job on these! Watching a Master at work is a Privilege and is Gratefully Appreciated~Thank You!

@iamwhatiam4075 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Nik for sharing your knowledge.

@robinshumateart4086 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your excellent presentation!! Some of my hand-dyed papers are going to need this kind of care!! The Nancy Drew series on DVD was a treat last week with 33 to 72. I think Pamela Sue Martin might be the "Nancy" and the Hardy Boys set has Sean Cassidy. The two DVD sets have great entertainment . Some of the episodes have the two groups combined.

@CeciliaSteyn 3 жыл бұрын

Missed you so much! Luuuuve the hair.

@andreastewart5722 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info.

@penelopemarshall6320 3 жыл бұрын

Wow the Nancy Drew recover looks amazing! You did a great job with it. Beautiful hairdo too! Creative, clever and gorgeous ❤️

@NiktheBooksmith 3 жыл бұрын

Merci, Penelope!

@JosephinesCraftRoom 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Nik! 📚

@pamjones3377 3 жыл бұрын

How beautiful your work is.

@JOBETHSEXTONSCraftyCauldron 3 жыл бұрын

This was a great video!! Thank you so much for this. Take care, Nik!

@lalagamma4452 3 жыл бұрын

Good information. TFS 🐞🐝🦋📔

@jeanneluddeni3121 3 жыл бұрын

Perfect timing I'm making book covers out of old books covers.. did I say that right lol great great video

@albertine2169 3 жыл бұрын

Very interesting.

@inkland2003 Жыл бұрын

really nice

@secretsquirrelaimee7721 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks nik. ♡

@brandythompson6544 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video- learned so much about book covers!!!

@waboosje 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing this info with us. That is very helpfull. Nice to see a face with the voice, you look beautifull.

@MrFairymoon 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much 😘

@laurie7372 3 жыл бұрын

Your hair looks great. 👍💟🌹🎈😎🙃🌻

@rneustel388 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing so much helpful information! It definitely helps to hear about the problem children and the ways to discipline them. 🤭

@NiktheBooksmith 3 жыл бұрын

😄

@dianaryman 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for doing these wonderful videos. I love bookbinding and wish I could find someone in my area who teaches it. I'd like to use leather to cover a book but am not sure what weight of leather I should purchase. Could you give me some idea of what to look for when ordering leather online?

@kmwwrench 3 жыл бұрын

Oh, my gosh! The violet Schaum! Haven't seen that since my high school days.

@oheck5570 3 жыл бұрын

kmwwrench oh the memories!!!!

@OneGuyOnline2 3 жыл бұрын

Good info

@geminigirl68 3 жыл бұрын

Wow your long hair is so pretty! Great vid!

@ncapitan1 3 жыл бұрын

Hello, thank you for sharing this video ;-) A question please : how did you manage to print the labels on scraps of bookcloth ? (The Mystery of the Tolling Bell) Thank you !

@OtterLakeFlutes Жыл бұрын

Thanks! You mentioned veg tan leather being best. I had heard it lasts longest because maybe the tanning chems don't auto-deteriorate it as much? But I was wondering if you knew of other downsides to chrome or oil tanned? "Bens Bibles" who does not claim to be a conservator recommends starting with the softer stuff (easier to pare or skive edges using his method) and I can tell it is not veg tanned, way too much drape and softness. I also know that even 2-3 oz veg tan goat can be a little stiff (when not bought from a book supply place where they seem to come softer, just wayy more $) but I guess just glue it up before putting some conditioner on it? I just didn't want oils to interfere with paper. I have sparingly used an oil/wax formula on old bibles, before "holding the presses" to watch and learn a bit before proceeding any further, and it worked with discretion. I think it has made it so they won't need consolidation anytime nearly as soon and made them more flexible. But maybe residual way may interfere with later consolidation..(?) ..then again if it prevents it...(?) You'd mentioned not using the same leather for clothes and furniture and I'd seen some that were the same thickness so just wondered what, aside from using something too thick, if you had any other leather cautions, thanks!

@handicraftsbrunei3978 3 жыл бұрын

What a beauty!

@michellechen6361 Жыл бұрын

Hi I have a question, I would like to make my entire hardcover out of Japanese masa paper. The paper is thin, but quite flexible and knowing the issue you mentioned in your video about weakness in paper spines I was wondering if I can solve the weakness issue by reinforcing the whole sheet with Tyvek or some other sturdier material? Many thanks for creating this helpful video

@user-gs3fm2rh3j 3 ай бұрын

What about glue or adhesive choices how they age or types more drawn to have insect damage?

@tellis905 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Nik! can you give us a link to the book fabrics you've should in this video please?

@brendapears5899 9 ай бұрын

You always seem to answer my questions before I ask them - great information. You make it all so clear. N.B. Cowper is pronounced Cooper. Sorry. We Brits eh!!

@NiktheBooksmith 8 ай бұрын

Thank you, Brenda, I didn't know that :)

@millanahorner3942 3 жыл бұрын

If using paper to cover a book, how do you guarantee that there will be no bubbles. And what is the best adhesive to use. Thank you for all your tips.

@edition-deluxe 11 ай бұрын

What is the coating used on books; can I buy it and apply it myself?

@natalierozean5989 2 жыл бұрын

I have an absolutely lovely 1930s japanese poetry book. It’s a treasure containing photos and tissue paper sheets to protect it. It’s also has silver metallic cranes and lotus art work on the inside cover. There are so many bits of vintage ephemera included in the book itself (including a note saying it was written by “Muyuge Princess Kuyo Takeko”?? I may have butchered that. My problem is the cover is material. I want to keep it. It is absolutely lovely! It is pink w an artistic abstract doodling. However... the off white part of it looks as though 100 yrs of oily dirty hands have rubbed over it! I wanted to put a light gesso over it, then cover in encaustic wax. I thought the gesso would allow for the beautiful artwork to show through... but will it still allow the dingy dirty parts of the cover to show thru as well? Aside from being dirty, the covers in perfect shape. It came in a pink material covered chipboard book case. Is there any suggestion to rid the dirt while preserving the art?

@VintageSoulCrafter 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, your hair is so long now. It's beautious!!

@ruthhickman1029 3 жыл бұрын

What cloth is best for strengthening the hinge/spine?

@angelmiller377 3 жыл бұрын

What books do you save? I had several old Nancy Drew books. I am a librarian at a middle school.

@beckyb4074 3 жыл бұрын

Hello Nik, was so nice to see your beautiful face. This is going in my favorites folder for sure. I will be referring to frequently about the direction of grain of cardstock. Thank you, thank you so very much. I hope you and yours are doing well. Take care and God bless you and yours. Sincerely Becky B from Arkansas

@NiktheBooksmith 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, BB! =)

@LepGold 3 жыл бұрын

Can I just say how gorgeous your hair is? It's getting so long and it looks so healthy and lovely! I know.... totally off topic!

@NiktheBooksmith 3 жыл бұрын

thank you, Carrie! ❤️

@suzannadannadanna3662 2 жыл бұрын

I have enjoyed watching your videos. You are so talented. I began my scrapbook journey using your tutorials. I think you are soooo pretty! Love your hair! Question: How do you get that ink off your fingers!

@NiktheBooksmith 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Suzanna! Depends on the ink, but if its water soluble, Its usually a damp rag that I keep within arm's reach.

@suzannadannadanna3662 2 жыл бұрын

@@NiktheBooksmith Thank you! I am learning!

@louisianaprepper Жыл бұрын

Isopropyl alcohol on a cotton ball, then wash with soap and water works with the oil based products.

@johannalynn3875 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your informative videos! I do have a question. Can one use an older book (1962) as a journal cover, not "covering" it, but use it as the cover because it is pretty, make it into a Journal and sell it??? (No copying would be done). Thank you so much!! Or could you point me somewhere that this question could be answered?😊

@marthamurphy3913 3 жыл бұрын

As long as you use the original and don't copy, you'll be okay. Copyright is intended to prevent people from reprinting and selling other people's work.

@cathyhaynes2700 3 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure how tough it will be but... I made a book cloth from a mid weight cotton fabric. To make it a bit more durable I used heat bond and adhered it to tissues paper. It was fairly easy to work with (ie fold and corners) and hopefully more durable than just plain cloth would be. It was one of my first attempts at bookbinding and looks/feels really nice.

@NiktheBooksmith 3 жыл бұрын

hi Cathy! yep, that's perfect! It is one of the ways I use to create bookcloth too, not always my favorite, but it depends on the weight of the fabric to begin with.

@cathyhaynes2700 3 жыл бұрын

@@NiktheBooksmith I would truly like to take a more serious approach to bookbinding. Could you recommend one of your available classes. I've been dabbling in this for about a year, just by watching a lot of KZfaq videos. I'd like to get more depth in the art/skill of bookbinding.

@angelay1925 3 жыл бұрын

I have a question, can I used a cotton fabric coated with something like modpodge to cover a book? Will it be durable enough to cope with the hinge gaps and general protection (sticky fingers etc)?

@LadyLeda2 3 жыл бұрын

I have done this, but I find that I have to every once in a while touch up the book with another coat of modpodge in the areas' that hinge. It is my own personal common day book, so I do not mind touching it up.

@marlenejones6266 3 жыл бұрын

Well thank you Nik. I have twin grandsons born on Halloween. I have prepared a junk journal for each with plenty of writing space also. The thing is I have these 2 very awesome papers for the covers. Now I worried about using paper on the covers. The journals are used books. I do have some brown leather tape I used on a recliner. Is it possible to use that on the spine? Or should I invest in bookcloth? I really didnt think the tape was all that great. Thanks for any help or info. You are the best

@NiktheBooksmith 3 жыл бұрын

hi Marlene! I am not familiar with leather tape, so its hard for me to give an opinion on that. But, if you don't want to make bookcloth or have any accessible to you, you could use a lightweight canvas fabric. Got some old khakis laying around that you don't wear anymore? Because the reason to use bookcloth is to keep any adhesive from seeping through from underneath, you can mimic that by using a closer woven, wee bit heavier textile. I always suggest to test out a scrap by pasting it down to a piece of board and see if the adhesive shows through. Also, its easy to make bookcloth, there are tons of tuts online, if you want to try your hand at it. =)

@marlenejones6266 3 жыл бұрын

@@NiktheBooksmith I do have some good weight camo green that would work. I'm going to try my hand at makin the bookcloth myself. Its another aspect or makin the journals really hand made including the bookcloth. They are such special boys and they are in foster care right now so I want to be sure their gifts are just as special as they are. Thank you so much for responding to me Nik. How are you feeling these days dear lady? I hope you are staying well. Stay safe in these troubling times .

@FranOnTheEdge 3 жыл бұрын

My dad's bookbinding tools are around in the house somewhere, but I'm not sure I'd recognise what they are or what they are FOR. Do you have a video about tools?

@NiktheBooksmith 3 жыл бұрын

I have some tool info sprinkled here and there in different videos. There are some specialty tools that I don't think I've ever shown, I should probably do that!

@FranOnTheEdge 3 жыл бұрын

@@NiktheBooksmith That would be brilliant to see. I love tools.

@gwenmoody8323 3 жыл бұрын

Hugs from Oklahoma

@NiktheBooksmith 3 жыл бұрын

Hugs right back atcha, Gwen! =)

@francineh.7825 3 жыл бұрын

Have you ever tried the product MicroGlaze to protect a paper cover? I haven't used it so was wondering. It is supposed to waterproof the paper. Great video!

@58Kym 3 жыл бұрын

I would like to know more about that too!

@NiktheBooksmith 3 жыл бұрын

hi Francine! I have not used that yet. Its very pricey, but if it works well, I could see using it on small pieces that might be vulnerable to moisture.

@lucy7b 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. By the way Cowper is pronounced Cooper. Love those old books

@NiktheBooksmith 3 жыл бұрын

good to know, thank you Lucy!

@petegoodridge7127 3 жыл бұрын

Nik I notice that "The Mystery of the Tolling Bell" and "The Whole Art of Marbling" on the cover have frames. We they done with X-ACTOs? That seems quite difficult. Was another board on the back?Could you instruct us or direct us to another KZfaq. Thank you.

@NiktheBooksmith 3 жыл бұрын

Good morning!...Yes, you are on the right track. The front covers were made from 2 boards, the top one having a window removed to make a recessed frame to place the label.

@mitsythecat06 2 жыл бұрын

I watched your video on the once and done book cloth. How do you stop the corners from fraying? Did I fold it wrong?

@NiktheBooksmith 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Catherine! If the fabric is ironed down well to the interfacing, it shouldn't fray. However, if it is, you could always water down some white glue a little bit and brush it on the edges and let it dry before you use it.

@mitsythecat06 2 жыл бұрын

@@NiktheBooksmith I have learned so much from your videos! Thank you so much!

@madebylora 3 жыл бұрын

When you use fabric for the spine and corners, how do you do the “raw” edges so that they stay neat?

@NiktheBooksmith 3 жыл бұрын

hi Lora! if the fabric is bookcloth, it shouldn't ravel. If you are using just straight fabric, you could seal the cut edges with some watered down mod podge and a paint brush. (or some fray check?)

@madebylora 3 жыл бұрын

Nik the Booksmith thanks. You’re the best!

@kathleendahl1188 Жыл бұрын

I want to get into making my own paper and books, and I wondered if you can use standard fabric for the bindings?

@paulinemegson8519 Жыл бұрын

You “can”…..you probably don’t want to tho. To turn in your edges and corners neatly and securely you want a covering that isn’t bulky and will take a crease. Fabric alone can be very bulky and that’s mostly because it doesn’t stay put when creased. Fabric alone can also allow the base layers to show thru and stretch where you don’t want it to. For any beginner, fabric without any backing is probably not the way to go.

@edition-deluxe 11 ай бұрын

I disagree with that last comment. I'd just go for it. I've been a book restoration artist for nearly 20 years, and I've seen all types of books with all types of coverings. Some easier to work with than others. You may just have a little more prep work, but if you keep in mind the thickness you'll be fine. Don't listen to haters--go for it!