In our second lesson, we delved into the fascinating world of bookmaking, exploring the intricate components that come together to create a tangible story. We dissected the anatomy of a book, from the robust spine and the elegant cover to the delicate endpapers and the often-overlooked headbands. A highlight was examining authentic 18th-century paper, bearing the watermark of the illustrious Farnese family – a local historical touch that brought the past to life. We also learned about the meticulous art of traditional bookbinding, specifically the French stitch, where each signature is securely anchored with a kettle stitch.
Inspired by this journey through bookmaking history, we embarked on a project to create our own unique journals. We selected high-quality materials – faux leather for a touch of luxury and substantial 120gsm paper to provide a smooth writing surface. The process began by lining the inside of the leather with a soft, tactile paper. While this dried, we meticulously folded the seven signatures destined for our journals. After carefully punching holes in both the signatures and the cover, we began the intricate process of sewing them together using a beautiful cross-stitch pattern. This hands-on experience allowed us to truly appreciate the craftsmanship involved in creating a lasting record.”
