Jane’s Book

A couple of weeks ago my friend Jane came to the studio and made a special book. She had a decades old, well loved pocket book of her mothers that, despite many repairs, could no longer be used. So she asked if I would help her turn it into a journal.

Here’s a photo of the bag before we transformed it:

Using heavy scissors and a rotary cutter, I cut a rectangular piece of leather measuring approx. 6″ x 12″, while Jane tore and folded the signatures made from Mohawk’s Superfine paper.

I created a template for Jane to punch holes in the leather using a Japanese screw punch and in the signatures using an awl. Then I showed Jane how to bind the book using waxed linen thread and a simple long stitch.

Here’s the finished book. Jane hasn’t decided whether she’ll keep the book or give it to one of her daughters as a gift.

We had a fun morning making the book and sharing stories. It’s so meaningful to give life to a treasured possession, especially when it has belonged to someone who has passed away.

Do you have an item of clothing or accessory that you could turn into a book? Let me know!