more pictures soon, but I had to share this lovely up-close stitching photo with you – I love it! This type of braided-look binding is called Coptic stitch. It’s done with waxed Irish Linen Thread.
So earlier I posted a sneak peek of an up close look at the chain stitching on a coptic stitch journal I've been working on. Actually, I've been working on a bunch!…
You’re stitching is so even and beautiful – obviously you do this a lot! LOVE the chart/map books you’re making, that color of blue on the thread, and your work in general. I’m itching to get back to it myself these days. = )
[…] So earlier I posted a sneak peak of an up close look at the chain stitching on a coptic stitch journal I’ve been working on. Actually, I’ve been working on a bunch! A lovely student of one of my bookbinding classes gave me all of these absolutely gorgeous bathymetric charts that her workplace was going to recycle. A bathymetric chart shows under water topography in shades of blue, with depths marked in feet. Gorgeous. This picture shows off the symmetry of the stitching very nicely. […]
Hello, greetings from Hong Kong! I have to say that I love your journals! They are all so lovely, and I especially love the different layers of “blue” of this one! I have just started to learn bookbinding and I am enjoying a lot. Usually I use fabrics as book covers. I am curious how you can remove the crease on the paper maps if there is any? And I wondered if you also apply a transparent “protective layer” on the paper to avoid the papers from getting old? It’d be so great to know your experience. Thanks very much!!!!!
Hi Doris! I haven’t found a way to get the creases out of a folded map if it has been folded and unfolded too many times. Usually I use large flat maps that have been rolled up for storage instead of folded. You might be able to apply a spray varnish, BUT if you make sure to use paper that is acid-free (and you can get ph-testing pens to check) then your paper won’t age very quickly. – best wishes on your bookbinding! Ruth
Hi! I'm Ruth Bleakley, an American book artist who lives in Florida. As a former military kid, I've also lived in Texas, New York and Massachusetts. Growing up, I spent 11 out of 18 years living overseas in Germany, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. So, basically a citizen of the world!
In 2016 I starred in a Japanese TV show about papermaking - you can read about that strange and wonderful journey here.
7 Comments
So beautiful and perfect chains….love it!
thank you Cynthia!
You’re stitching is so even and beautiful – obviously you do this a lot! LOVE the chart/map books you’re making, that color of blue on the thread, and your work in general. I’m itching to get back to it myself these days. = )
Thanks Jaime! I’m writing up a post on that whole book, scheduled for tomorrow!
[…] So earlier I posted a sneak peak of an up close look at the chain stitching on a coptic stitch journal I’ve been working on. Actually, I’ve been working on a bunch! A lovely student of one of my bookbinding classes gave me all of these absolutely gorgeous bathymetric charts that her workplace was going to recycle. A bathymetric chart shows under water topography in shades of blue, with depths marked in feet. Gorgeous. This picture shows off the symmetry of the stitching very nicely. […]
Hello, greetings from Hong Kong! I have to say that I love your journals! They are all so lovely, and I especially love the different layers of “blue” of this one! I have just started to learn bookbinding and I am enjoying a lot. Usually I use fabrics as book covers. I am curious how you can remove the crease on the paper maps if there is any? And I wondered if you also apply a transparent “protective layer” on the paper to avoid the papers from getting old? It’d be so great to know your experience. Thanks very much!!!!!
– Doris
Hi Doris! I haven’t found a way to get the creases out of a folded map if it has been folded and unfolded too many times. Usually I use large flat maps that have been rolled up for storage instead of folded. You might be able to apply a spray varnish, BUT if you make sure to use paper that is acid-free (and you can get ph-testing pens to check) then your paper won’t age very quickly. – best wishes on your bookbinding! Ruth