Project Supplies
Materials used for each project will vary, however there are a few standard materials I always keep in good supply.
Paper Fill:
My go to for this is my 9” x 12” drawing paper. I really like the texture and weight of this paper, and I purchase this in larger quantities from Blick. If you plan to make writing journals, where it’s important to have lined or dot grid paper, then you will want to use a nice grade paper that works well in your printer. (Since the 9” x 12” paper doesn’t fit in my printer, I am limited to using 8.5” x 11” paper whenever I want to included any printed grids or other printed designs.) You can also use any specialty papers including watercolor, pastel, and colored papers, or recycled or even handmade or hand altered paper that has been decorated, tea-stained, torn, or distressed.
Binding Thread:
I use 1 mm waxed cotton thread to bind all of my journals in this course. I love that it’s affordable, available in large spools, and comes in a variety of colors. You can also buy waxed linen thread, which is supposed to be more durable, but since I have only been able to find it in smaller quantities and at a higher cost/length, I opt for the cotton instead and have had no issues using it.
Cardboard or Chipboard:
Inexpensive option for hard cover books. I go for medium weight board, which is a little thin but I can stack two or more together if I have an application where I need a heftier cover (if, for example, I plan to paint on it or add threaded connection fittings).
Patterned Paper/Cardstock:
A simple alternative to the hard cover book is a soft cover book that uses plain or decorative cardstock as its cover. I also incorporate this paper into many of my hard cover books as the liners, end sheets and interior covers and folders (for my Cut-Away Covers).
Adhesive:
I use film adhesive in large rolls to bond papers and artwork to the boards for my hard cover books. This bonding material allows me to laminate (or stack together ) chipboard layers when I need thicker or stiffer boards for different applications. I also use regular double sided tape for attaching smaller areas. Glue sticks and those designed to be used with paper, like Yes! paste, can be used as well.
Basic Must-Have Tools:
- Utility knife +Self-healing cutting mat (SUB: scissors, only good for thinner boards)
- Needle tool (SUB: a small nail or large thumb tack)
- Crop-A-Dile Big Bite Hole Punch (SUB: a hand held Awl, only good for thinner boards)
- Fiskars Paper Trimmer (SUB: scissors)
- Needles: Curved and Tapestry (make sure eye is large enough for your binding thread)
Nice to Have Tools:
- Scoring Board + Bone Folder
- Eyelet Tool (for compressing your selected eyelets)