In addition to the illustrative work I have done in the shop, I have gotten to revisit the joys of bookbinding. And what better place to do it than at BZS? When I was in undergrad at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, I took a bookbinding class and deeply fell in love with the experience. As someone who makes comics and zines, real, traditional binding felt like a huge step up from the way I was constructing my books before (i.e., with staples). The intricacy and delicacy of assembly seemed more personal and more profound. So, when Bari asked me to assemble BZS’s little linen books, I was thrilled.
I had learned Japanese-style binding in my college class, and Bari’s thoughtful demonstration was a perfect way to refresh my memory. I found it so engaging to return to a familiar and gratifying process. The books (at only 3 x 3) are such a pleasing size to work with. The soft linen covers and flowy Plover Bond pages made the task of binding quite comfortable and agreeable.
These little linen books are such a sweet keepsake as well as a functional object—to keep in your bag or pocket and jot down notes while you are out and about, work on tiny doodles and illustrations, or even turn into a mini story or comic! I used two of them as a gift to my grandparents, writing the lyrics in one of all of the songs I’ve composed. My grandmother also appreciated the other linen book (which I left blank), as she is always looking for a place for her “special jottings.”
My next bookbinding opportunity at BZS was working on a fresh supply of loopy link booklets. These booklets have a distinctive, eye-catching binding style on the spine, which added an extra element of vibrancy to the experience. This was a style I had never learned, and it was inspiring and compelling to try my hand at it. The technique took a few books to get used to, and it’s always helpful to remind myself that wonkiness can make something more special and endearing, or at least more personal. I also loved picking out the shades of waxed linen thread to coordinate with the colour of each cover. These books will stand out on any bookshelf and serve as a journal or sketchbook that is exciting and encouraging to pick up every time.
I chose to turn a loopy link booklet into a zine titled “There Is Joy Everywhere If You Look Closely.” I included a one-page comic followed by illustrations of mundane things we often take for granted, accentuating the subtle beauty and love they exude. I often need a little reminder that joy is constantly surrounding us.
Thank you, Everyone, for reading my musings. I cannot wait to write more posts as I learn to do more at the shop. Wishing you a 2024 full of pages eager to be filled.
Loopy link-stitched booklets
Little linen-covered books
Thready for anything, Ruby
PS:
Bari and her postal muse, Alyson Kuhn, are whipping up a kit of very Valentinear supplies. You’ll be able to see it here later this week. We think you’ll be in the pink!