bookbinding Archives - Paper Source Blog

by Paper Source
June 10, 2011

Quick-step guide: Binding with the Zutter

You’re probably thinking, “Zutter, what?” Or maybe you’re already a fan of this new DIY tool. To help you discover the magic of the Zutter Bind-It-All and its accessories, I created a simple keepsake book in five easy steps.

Items needed:

• Zutter Bind-It-All
• Wire cutters
• ½” gauge wire (thinner books) or ¾” gauge wires (thicker books)
• Envelopes, cover stock and text for pages
• Chipboard for covers (try adding decorative paper or photos to the cover)
• Xyron 510 or Tape Runner adhesive for attaching paper to covers
• Your imagination!

DIY

by Paper Source
March 22, 2011

The handmade book

During a summer course in college I had the good fortune of getting to make my first book. From that point on, I was hooked! There are few things as satisfying as learning an artisan skill, and using it to create one of a kind projects. I find handmade books like handmade furniture, stained glass or painting, still offers the reward of completion, a feeling that is void in today’s electronic projects.

DIY

by Paper Source
October 15, 2010

Handmade Gifts (with PS crafting tips)

The holidays are quickly approaching, and it’s my favorite time of year to be more creative with my handmade gifts… let’s face it, handmade gifts are just the best!

Being an avid bookbinder and box maker, I get dreamy eyed thinking about how I will invent something fun using our bookbinding kits. Oh, and can I say what a luxury to have these pieces precut to save your wrists?! Not to mention how they make being crafty so much faster!

If I could give you one tip for bookbinding it would be the following: Have what you need at your fingertips!

DIY

by Paper Source
September 3, 2010

Guest blogger: Maria Kanakis

A few months ago, I was on a search to find boxes to package my handmade stationery. I searched high and low, but boxes just didn’t seem to come in the size I wanted. I was so desperate that I came close to paying a ridiculous price to have some boxes shipped from Asia, but luckily I stumbled across Paper Source on a weekend trip to Boston.

I walked past Paper Source’s window display of colorful papers and couldn’t resist stepping inside. I was so distracted by the beautiful papers that I almost missed the handmade boxes on display! They were so beautiful I wished I could learn how to make them myself. Luckily for me, Paper Source had all the materials to make boxes right there! I picked up some book board, bookbinding cloth, PVA glue, and an instruction manual, and headed home to make my box!

DIY

by Paper Source
January 28, 2010

Making handmade books

This blog post has provided me with an opportunity to talk about two things I love: Our wonderful bindery department (yep, heard me right!) and the joy of learning to make handmade books. When I first came to Paper Source 7 1/2 years ago, our founder, Sue Lindstrom wanted to create our very own in-house bindery. She was interested then, as we are now, in creating hand-crafted products that speak to the core values of our company: use quality materials; pay close attention to the details; and above all, do it better than anyone else! All these years later, I am proud to say we are still making exquisite handmade products in our bindery at our headquarters here in Chicago.

DIY

by Paper Source
September 17, 2009

Paper Source Workshop: You never forget your first “Datebook”!

Want to learn impressive bookbinding skills AND get organized at the same time? In this workshop we’ll teach you easy bookbinding techniques using our adhesive tapes and precut boards. At the end of the class you will have created your very own handmade 2010 datebook and we promise you’ll feel SO very accomplished! Our lovely Italian datebook inserts have traversed hurricane seas to get to us, so sign up early as this class is sure to sell out quickly once the books hit the stores.

DIY

by Paper Source
May 19, 2009

Tools & techniques: what is a bone folder?

craft supplies We’re very protective of our bone folders around here. So protective, many of us refuse to even lend one to a friend for fear we may never see our much-loved crafting tool again. And for good reason: a bone folder forms to the user’s hand over time, remembering your index fingers and palm after years of loving use. So, not unlike a great pair of blue jeans or your favorite Birkenstocks… yours has a “hand blueprint” and fits only you the best.