- material selection - covers, fly leaves, paper, binding, page marker - I've come to realise that paper is not cheap. Even Popular sells wrapping paper at $2.30. Some branded paper cost even more. Did you know paper had brands? I'm not referring to the transformer paper :-). Fabric covers will cost more than papers, in case you're wondering.
- size - the largest I've made is A5 while the smallest ones are the side of an Arnott's Shapes box (about 12cm x 5cm) and another about 5cm x 5cm. Odd sizes may cost more due to the fact that excess has to be cut off. Rest assured, I will recycle them, either into mini books or put them in the recycling bin.
- number of pages / signatures - each page is folded in half into a folio and folios are stacked into a signature. I've made single signature ones up to the most at 7 signatures. More signatures means more effort in sewing them together. More folios in a signature means a more pronounced fishtail (see below).
- type of binding - currently I'm only doing coptic with a bit of codex. Eventually, I'll go into window, longstitch and secret Belgian binding or .... :-)
- details - verses / quotes to be printed inside. This is more for spiritual journals where you can select a theme eg. Psalms or Proverbs.
- details - signature covers. This sheet has to be of almost the same weight of the internal pages to allow for easy flipping.
- details - fishtail trimming. When folios are stacked up, the middle sheet will protrude more than the outermost, resulting in a fishtail. This can be left for 'effect' or trimmed for a flushed side.
- details - rounded corners
- details - binding thread. Mostly I use the thickest polyester thread meant for sewing jeans. While I have these in a few colours for coordinating with the covers, I only have one linen thread (in chocolate brown). There's also super slim silver ribbon for single signature cahiers.
- closure (coming soon!) - ribbon tie closure
As such, books will take a longer lead time. Due partially to the fact that I've decided that I will not stock patterned paper. There's too much fabric inventory for me to start stocking some other commodity.
So, how to order?
- Choose a theme - wedding, birthday, Teacher's day, Children's day, bright / pastel colours, animals, geometrical designs etc
- Decide on the 9 things stated above. This and the theme will define my shopping list. If you have a specific request eg. the green/blue stripe wrapper at Urban Write or the green/purple Bo Bunny flowers, do let me know.
- Make payment and wait for delivery :-)
- This is always stumps me and I rather be spending time crafting than working out material/effort/delivery/packgaging or whatever cost. Therefore, I will not work out a table. I'll just provide you with a quote. If you're happy, we proceed :-)
