The artful field journal: binding a basic field journal

materials list

NOTE: If you haven’t made a book before, just assemble the materials you can easily get ahold of and experiment with making your first imperfect book for this class! Once you’ve learned how to make this little book, you’ll be ready to decide what materials you may want to try for your next book.

• 20 sheets of lightweight paper measuring 6x6 inches. Recommended papers: Arches Text Wove, Japanese paper, drawing paper, charcoal paper, copier paper.

• 2 sheets of heavyweight paper measuring 7x7 inches (for your book’s cover). Recommended papers: Cave Paper, any cover weight paper, watercolor paper. It is best to use a paper that folds well. And, it is fun to use a colored or painted paper for your cover.

• No. 2 or HB pencil

• Ruler

• Bone folder or spoon

• Awl or X-acto knife with cutting mat

• Sewing thread. Recommended: book binding linen or 3-ply waxed linen thread. Also fine: dental floss or embroidery floss.

• Bees wax or a candle

• Sewing needle: book binding needle or tapestry needle

• Optional: You can paint one or both sides of your heavyweight paper ahead of time if you wish to. This paper will be used for your book’s cover.