DIY SMALL HARDCOVER BOOK

Dana K White: • Letting the Container ...
Binding Stitch Vid: • MAKING AN "OLD" BOOK W...
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0:00 - intro
0:17 - folding signatures
1:24 - spring cleaning blather
6:08 - template for marking sewing holes
7:24 - marking holes in signature pages
13:30 - sewing signatures into book block
15:27 - spring cleaning blather ends
15:46 - adding super and headbands
16:32 - endpapers
19:53 - trimming down book block
20:02 - filling in spine
20:56 - cutting cover boards
24:11 - gold foiling spine title
27:09 - assembling cover
33:39 - gluing in book block
36:14 - outro

[@danaroth1525]

Ok. So can we just pause a moment and awe over the paper cuter ❤

[@iamdawt]

This is such an adorable book! Your marbled paper is gorgeous. Talking about decluttering, I have a lot of cut pieces of paper that I need to make into something like this. Thank you for all of the great ideas you gift to us, Nik.

[@june-uni]

You’re not alone :) what you’re talking about and doing is Swedish Death Cleaning. I’ve been doing the same thing. The idea of my family having to deal with my stuff after I’m gone really stresses me 😅 Asking myself “will my family be happy I saved this?” has really helped me part with so much just-in-case stuff :)

[@raeannshinabarger875]

My closet is smaller, so I swap my clothes out seasonally (warm weather vs cool weather). When I hang them up, I turn the hangers backwards. At the end of that season, anything still facing outward gets donated. There's a reason it didn't get worn, even if you don't actively know the reason. I also have the rule that if something comes in, something goes out. I'm pretty brutal, but I have to be or I'd end up living in a hoarder house.

[@April4YHWH]

Flylady would be so proud of you! I live in a tiny home and believe me when I say that clutter can happen in a day. I'm not perfect, but I am pretty good at keeping stuff under control. Allegedly. Like you, I don't want people to have to go through my stuff after I'm gone and continually say "what the heck...?" Swedish death cleaning is one term for clearing out the unnecessary clutter. Nice little book - makes me want to take a class, but then I'd want all of the things! My crafting area is microscopic.

[@blackcoffeeandwildflowers]

An absolutely perfect little book! As always! It was good to hear you rant because it really affects me as well to have so much clutter everywhere. Closets, drawers, kitchen, etc. I get lots of anxiety and sense of overwhelm. It’s almost as if it sucks all the energy out of me. Since my health deteriorated over the past year, my house has become too much of a mess. I think it’s time for me to get some help cleaning up because I know I will feel so much better. Thanks ! 🤗 ❤Tamara

[@janicereece3842]

I love decluttering. I especially love the clear style.💜💜💜

[@Ms.W529]

Nik…I LOVE your declutter rant. I’ve slowly but surely been doing the same thing. My closet was completely out of hand. All my clothes fit, and I liked them, but some of them never saw the light of day. I did the same with my drawers and sewing room, and next is the coat closet. I still have too much stuff(beautiful dishes), but my son will just have to eventually have an estate sale.

[@Paint3dRos3]

Another masterpiece! Don't let your inner voice scold you too much. We all understood what you were saying. 30:17😁🌟♥️🌟

[@ramonals]

I’m literally laughing because you sound just like me. 😂 just this morning I was trying to get set up to make my first book. Very excited. Then I couldn’t find either of my rotary cutters. So let the searching begin. Lol I ended up pulling everything out of my closet searching for those. They weren’t in there. So I went back and looked in the very first spot that I had looked in. Sure enough there they were. But then I didn’t want to work on it anyway, I was exhausted! Projects. Lol. I see something I’m excited to try, so I go buy it. Then I get busy and before you know it, I’m excited about something else and I’ll go buy that. Just keep shoving it all in! 🫣Ugh! 😅

[@Kenna198]

I’m like you, once I’m fed up with the chaos, I get rid of almost everything mercilessly in the trash & only donate the stuff that’s in good shape

[@shirleykathan-sayess5764]

🤣 Can you hear me laughing? Have you secretly broken into my house? In addition to the thrift store (mine supports a hospice facility) I have “Shirley’s Annual Garage Giveaway” where I notify my friends and extra or unlikely to be used craft supplies, storage containers, Christmas supplies, etc. for them to come and take off my hands. Anything left from my offered items goes immediately to the thrift store. I have bought at least 6 junk journal digitals I already had. When we moved 9 years ago, I uncovered 6 drill sets because my husband could never find one and bought a new one!!! Watching you make this book has been fantastic! You have created a little gem. ❤ SayessDesign

[@matildagentle3816]

I’ve been cleaning out bit by bit now that I’m 67 and know I can’t take it with me. But it’s hard! So little by little it goes. Love the book!!! ❤

[@JannyHaak]

Nik, it's always such a joy to watch you work and listen yo your "ramblings". Thank you for sharing your many talents! ❤

[@ssg8051]

Needing smaller and smaller, and then smaller clothes still, rather sucks---especially when you found second hand versions you loved and then had to re-donate. I'm with you, sister. Even the t-shirt no longer fits. The good news is that our decluttering adventure began years ago. We are trained. I don't even let my wee art corner spread out. Perhaps that's one reason I like to watch other creative types in their own creative settings. It's a joy and enlightening. Always enjoy your videos, processes, and stunning results. Cheers, Ardith

[@janetstubbington583]

Such a lovely little book. I always enjoy watching you create and chat. And, we all know, nobody ON EARTH can fold a fitted sheet.

[@NormaDerr-nv4cn]

I saw a video of Martha Stewart folding a fitted sheet years ago, it was perfect . After years of trying I decided her video was faux….or a fabulous job of editing. Impossible!

[@cathyskrehot8925]

Funny how reading through everyone's comments, most of us are like minded in the decluttering arena. I go to sleep at night stressing about all the craft supplies I have and my daughter has issues with getting rid of things (she has 3 children that love to craft, so at least it would be used). I'm 68 years old and don't want her to have to deal with all my stuff, so I too am cleaning out those unused 16 sets of sheets when I only use 2-3. Anyway, your book is stunning, as always. You are so detailed in how you do things and your results are beautiful. Thank you for another wonderful tutorial of the beauty that you make.

[@dawnhiggins6802]

Great book! Goid job on weeding out. I finally made a rule if it's in boxes in an attic or basement you don't know you have it you don't use it so it needs to go. I went thru my entire top to bottom and got rid of 8 truckloads of stuff. Anything in boxes that was sentimental either got displayed or passed on. I think like that.... I sure don't want anyone else have deal with it

[@FolkFaninMA]

I’ve always found de cluttering very liberating. There’s such a lightness of being after that feels really good.

[@deecee5098]

Thank you Nik for confirming my hoarding issues. You’ve awakening me to reassess all the unused items I have been hoarding for so long for no reason other than to think “ I’m sure I’ll need this at some point”…..it’s time to let go! My fear is I’ll buy them back at my local consignment shop! :)

[@francineh.7825]

I've missed the Nik Rambles! Lovely little book and that was a great house purge! It must be the Spring vibes as I was just saying last weekend that I need to do a Spring declutter. We have some Ukrainian refugee families that are newly arrived in our town so I will be putting together a donation care package for them.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

That's a fantastic idea! ☺️

[@cherylparish1375]

Your journal is a pretty little work of art! Your story telling is always both hilarious and inspiring. Everything you disclosed was a chapter out of my daily playbook. It was like someone secretly video taped my life. I was howling! Now I need to clean out the huge closet under my staircase! I love your stories and tell the mouse in your pocket I said "hello". Lol

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Lol thanks, Cheryl, that made me giggle 😅

[@maryweas6385]

That is the cutest thing I have ever seen in my life. 😍

[@jennifermarlowe5336]

I’m 9.5 minutes in (you’re about to attack the kitchen) and I’m exhausted. Where do you get the energy? Sharing is nice, so can you spare a little of that? lol When you run out of places to organize in your house, I’ll buy you a plane ticket and introduce you to MY closets. Love ya Nik!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Energy comes in fits and spurts. So, I strike while the iron is hot 😄

[@marilynmaker5942]

I love your work, you're a great teacher, and I love to listen to you. Today's subject is close to my heart lol. I just donated a huge bag of my clothes to thrift store. I know I have a lot more "stuff" I should let go. I did it a few years ago, I need to do it again. I'm a firm believer that if you haven't worn or used it in over a year, you don't need it. Funny how I never miss anything I have got rid of! Right? The other day I watched a few videos of a KZbinr "Curiosity Inc". He goes in to clear out homes of people that have passed away. Seeing people who hoard and have shopping additions is a reality check! 🥰

[@LedgerAndLace]

That book is ADORABLE! YAY, you on the Declutter Fest. Dana K. White ROCKS! I'm tackling clothes today. I'm sure people who get my donated clothes are annoyed at the lack of tags. Tags! And I also wear some shirts inside out if the seams are too vexing.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

I hadn't thought of wearing shirts inside out. It's genius! 🧠

[@NorthlightsStudio]

Oh hey girlfriend! ( snap the fingers and thrust hip with other hand on hip) I can so relate! I spent my single life not having a whole lot.I could literally pack everything into a small pick up truck..then came kids! We are slowly going through it all as we want to downsize as retirement is so close and we don’t want to keep living in this house! Thanks for the link! Spring is coming!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Is it weird that I heard that finger snap in my head when I read it? 😅

[@NorthlightsStudio]

@@NiktheBooksmith not at all! I do it all the time! 😝 Wait, maybe we are both a little weird! Haha

[@belindawallace5203]

Around this time of year, ten years ago I helped to clear a friend’s home after she died unexpectedly at the age of 44. Not easy to have to go through the belongings of someone you cared about and to dismantle everything that mattered to them. I’ve been doing some of my own decluttering lately, because as someone who crafts I seem to have accumulated a lot of stuff over the nine years I’ve lived in my current home. I hope it will help my stress levels to clear the decks a little.

[@choochmagooch5200]

I’m so happy I found this video. It’s like someone else validating my own idiosyncrasies 😂

[@Pamsartplace]

I agree! When it’s time to get rid of stuff then I wanted it done yesterday 😂

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

I’m very inspired both with making that sweet little book and your comments about declutering! Thank a bunch!🦌💌❤️📚

[@TheMisfitJournalMaker]

First time I've seen you make a journal! It's so perfect and beautiful. I loved watching the process and hope to make something even a little bit gorgeous!! Thank you for sharing.

[@HighCountryStudio]

Amen on all the organizing stuff! Best book ever on this, Julia Morgenstern, Organizing from the Inside Out. Cute little book!

[@kayhammock]

I eed to declutter my entire house! I was just telling a friend I want to get rid of everything and start over!!! Nice little journal.❤

[@katpaints]

So much fun ! We have already had a fun conversation about so much you covered... oh, didn't you hear me??? LOL! I agree it's like the Swedish Death Cleaning. I hated the concept until I listened to the book! I loved the book - all bits including remembering when you were marbling papers! What I wanted to say, though, was that I LOVE your paper cutter!!! It reminds me of something that I have wanted since I was 16 (I'm 76 right now) and spent time in a small print shop! It was the guillotine cutter that he used to cut great bits of paper! I have wanted one ever since, but since they are extremely heavy and take up too much room, it was always out of the question. This, though out of my budget, is exactly what I would want to invest in if I was 20 years younger!

[@amyphillips7862]

Came here to chill and watch you make a book....cleaned my closet out. Thanks Nik....now I'm tired😂. Kidding, love the chit chat and the projects.... My cat also thanks you, she's no longer stressed by my closet.

[@christinehowell]

I can't imagine ever being able to create something so wonderful but I can aspire to get somewhere near, and it's always great to watch you.

[@Webangel1111]

What you own, owns you!!! ❤

[@joylynnburkhardt3202]

It looks fabulous! I love to listen to your rambling! It lets me know I’m not the only one with this thought process!! Love it!!

[@sandikalin636]

Oh Nik, your story was so familiar to what I’m doing right now. It seems to be a common thread lately (and age doesn’t factor into it). I’ve been ruthless the last week or so. I don’t want my boys to have to deal with my ridiculous “stuff”. I love the little book a lot. FYI anytime you want to vent go for it!

[@gelpen26]

Look at you with all the cool tools! Thanks for showing us.

[@amylewis8514]

Yes quilting rulers! I’m mainly a quilter who is exploring bookmaking and my quilting rulers are an obvious tool for me

[@Ms.W529]

Could you do a tour of your big machines sometime?

[@sonjalittlefield2510]

I'm new to your channel and I really love it. I go into cleaning (what I call them) frenzies. I feel so much better when I get done!I 😅

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Yes, a frenzy! That's exactly it!

[@donnadoble-brown338]

That is the cutest little journal ever! I am going to attempt to make one 💚

[@jennifertucker107]

Beautiful book. Love the marble paper. My sister and I used to make it years ago. Boy my closets need you!

[@sharonyoung8251]

Thank you, I needed this discussion. I’m like you, I take it for awhile, then it gets to that point where I take action. ❤

[@jenniferwatson7118]

Yep - my flat needs de-cluttering too! Great little book!

[@fionalindsay2859]

I hope making that video, and the book, gave you as much pleasure as it gave me watching it ❤

[@JoanLePage]

I think I live in your head, too! Your monologue sounds just like mine! 🤣🤣 Love your channel!

[@deborahbuckley9694]

Thank you for sharing. Haven’t watched you in awhile-you made me smile 😊

[@lisamr40]

Since me, my husband, 3 kids (now teens), and a guinea pig live in a 2 bedroom apartment, it is imperative to declutter on a regular basis. However, certain people in this apartment do not like to do so. Which leaves it to me. But it takes a lot to get me to that point of utter disgust. When I do, look out, everything goes! Lol, I am the one who says ill keep it just in case. My husband and youngest never can part with anything even if they haven't seen it in years. Thanks for sharing your stories and your books and techniques. They have helped me through this journal journey.

[@abonchat]

Thanks for another great demo. And for the declutter “pep talk” too! 😊

[@ingelagoransson3560]

Oh my world 😍... This was my first "make a book" video. It made me SMILE and I love it! I really want to TRY, but do I have the confidence ??? 🤔 I´ll try! Thank you so much for the inspiration.

[@catherinecarey4897]

Just adorable, Nik. I never tire of watching you and find you so amusing with all your self-talk, you and the mouse in your pocket 😃. Totally with you on house mess causing anxiety and I am slowly working on it too and have trouble getting rid of stuff. One of these days, I'm definitely getting round to making one of your beautiful books. xx

[@CobraCreates]

I can relate so much to the cleaning thing. I think the day my linen closet drives me over the edge is coming soon. I organized it a while ago but it always manages to look like a mini tornado swept through it pretty quick 😅 The book is so little and cute, I love it

[@vickiefowler1429]

“I can ignore things for a long, long, long, long, long, long time… then I want it done yesterday”. Sooooo ME!

[@angelajoy4829]

sounds kind of like Swedish death cleaning! I go in phases - pile up stuff and then all at once, just like you said, I want it gone yesterday!

[@user-eo1vs8xu7w]

I am so much like you are describing!

[@kanona0115]

Wow. My favorite Booksmither and Dana K White in the same video! Perfection. I’m ruthless when I finally get to the breaking point myself.

[@sharonalicea7998]

You just confirmed what I have to do: purge my closets!😂😂😂

[@kellybeck7068]

I love donating my old things. I donate to my local battered women shelter.

[@misskit866]

It is such a pleasure to watch you work, like watching a concert pianist or a skilled carpenter. Just beautiful!

[@lenawarelius4195]

Loveing the book😍 and decluttering 😍 lots of love from a stormy arctic Norrway at -1.2 today 🙌🌻🏵🌼🌹🌺

[@martiseelye6443]

What a lil cutie, Nik. Thanks for sharing your expertise! I hope your closet stays all nice and organised...unlike mine 😂

[@aliceadler4569]

Great video, Nik. Love your closet stuff!!! ♥️♥️🥰🥰🌺🌺

[@nightwolfs_den]

loving the spring clean talk. It's so where my brain is at the moment. I've started using the Stylebook app to see what I wear (& help me to stop wearing the same thing every day lol) Love your real chat and learning how to make the coolest books and journals

[@jamiejunkjournals9316]

Literal perfection...everything you do!! Ive been making journals and books for years and I come back to your videos time after time not only for tutorials but I've never not been inspired by a video you've made. Also...I'm doing over my huge handmade childhood doll house for my daughter... i wish we were neighbors cuz i need hellllppppp!! 😂

[@maryfernandez1769]

So I think I found my new “thing”…I have had a LOT of new “things” that have become the source of great entertainment to those who enjoy watching my MOs that no one has yet to figure out but part of the prelim is watching as many instructors as possible before settling on one I like the best…and YOU are the lucky winner to get the subscribe! Your humor won me…I felt like I was chatting with myself and dying laughing to hear your approach to the topics you traveled to! Your teaching style is excellent too. True beginner here and looking forward to learning…and laughing! For me, I can’t have one without the other!

[@cordia.creates]

You and Dana are my top favorites, so cool Kool. Rock it.

[@mariep-MAPAT]

Gorgeous cutsy little book! Did you read my mind, Nik? It sounded just like you were in my brain with your decluttering speech! LOL!

[@jatzygirl3120]

Just awesome. I really enjoyed your "ramblings".

"Me and the mouse in my pocket" ♥ I really love each time you say this 😂 I'm exactly the same for my closest and stuff. I keep everything "in case of" and suddenly I decide to select some and donate the rest.

[@charleneduplesis5715]

The little book you made looks like a mini Readers Digest book, it’s so cute

[@karinroloff4562]

Even though it was a small book, I was so impressed with the details and the provision of the construction of the book..., I understand why you are called "the Booksmith"....Thanks for sharing your expertize.....😻

[@doreethorpe4800]

I love watching you make books. Your precision and the great tools! ❤I am going to watch your video on the binding. Very interesting and I must try it!

[@FromRVtoCrafts]

I thought that book cover was one of those condensed Readers Digest from the 50’s. So beautiful. You’re amazing. I enjoyed your video about that evil Pam. What a mind blower that was.

[@bettyalvarez7160]

So amazing, great little book.

[@dianemosher3213]

You are incredibly talented. And very patient. Thx

[@sharon94503]

The pandemic taught me several things, but relative to the current discussion, that if after being held captive indoors basically for MONTHS if I didn't use it during that time, I probably never would!

[@ru4repeattoo]

Enjoyable and informative video. Thank you for sharing your advice, and talent with us! 😄🤩

[@keithmarj]

What an enjoyable video - both the book making and the inspiring chat. I have just sorted my wardrobe!😁

[@katfyte]

That paper cutter 😍

[@phyllisscutt9902]

Love this little journal! I will watch the binding video as I was intrigued as to how you going to see in the tiny signatures! You might have motivated me to tackle my linen closet…I really need to be in the get rid of it frame of mind or I won’t get rid of much! I enjoy your videos, thanks for sharing!

[@suebarner8364]

Gorgeous! What a lovely little book.

[@rosalindfeemster8049]

I learned a lot watching tis video. Thank you!

[@rhondahughes285]

On my todo list to declutter, was our attic!!! My sister, who lives part time in your fair city, was visiting, and we started the attic!!!! 2 loads to ARC, not finished, but still relieved that bit of clutter!!! Will finish the rest when winter finally ends!!!! Yes, I also ,am in Colorado!!

[@amybergeron5632]

Good evening, Nik! I came across another freebee! BIRCH BARK at my church's outdoor space. I'm already obsessed!~

[@tarenthea221]

Oh man I love watching you make, alter, renew books. I sat here for 37 minutes and I can’t look away😂 And the closet decluttering rant I completely relate to. I live alone but if something happened to me and my kids had to deal with my closet mess when all I wear is sitting on the bed in the spare bedroom ha ha ha that is so funny now that you mention it. TYFS Nik 💛🧡

[@lisastevens2607]

Very inspirational and moderately motivational. But am absolutely entertained. ❤

[@selenep1193]

Yup I totally get it. Thanks for sharing the comisseration chat!

[@crafterintherough]

Love your book. Great video! You definitely inspired me to declutter my home ... I don't want to leave it for my family to deal with. My craft room is a different story ... but I'll need to tackle that, too. 😊

[@tiantuatara]

Very cool little book. And I totally reuse the same clothes and have a bunch that I haven't touched and need to sort and donate.

[@yvethemetriccrafter688]

I totally get how your little voice works , I have similar " conversations " with mine all the time ,I am a reformed hoarder so I have been having the decluttering spurts for a time now ,and your right the sense of freedom it gives you is amazing , also i don't want to leave all the clutter for my daughter x

[@angry_ant]

Sorting and discard of things in your home to make it easier for those that have to sort your things when you are gone is a common thing in Sweden. It's called dödsstäda, death cleaning🤗

[@NiktheBooksmith]

It's brilliant, many thanks to Sweden!😊

[@lightbulbnirvana]

You did spark joy with this wee journal!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Alas, joy was indeed sparked. 😄

[@lightbulbnirvana]

@@NiktheBooksmith That's cuz you da bomb!

[@helenbrown6092]

Omg Nik you are just what the world needs, I feel like I’ve had therapy today. Thankyou for being so honest and vulnerable. It’s like I was listening to myself think! So in answer to all your questions YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES and Yes. The book is cute too 🥰that guillotine chomp was 👌🏻

[@ot9228]

New to your channel and holy cow what a nice book. I want to learn to make these but watching you it just seems so hard. Thank you for inspiring me. ❤

[@lindahazel5075]

I am stealing the de-crappening! 🤣

[@barbarachurch3605]

You are my people! It stacks and stacks until all of a sudden it has to go! 10 black bags later all is well in my world again!!!