Tips for Choosing Bookbinding Paper Covers & Pages | Sea Lemon

[@caramiabambina]

When I was in my bookbinding class during my undergrad, my proff often suggested using handmade papers because there is no grain and so there would be no warping! You can find handmade papers at most art suppliers and paper shops too. The problem is that for 1 sheet it could cost a lot so you have to make sure you're getting the right paper you want.

[@SeaLemonDIY]

+CryBaby that makes sense! I never thought of it having no grain direction. Thanks for the tip!

[@jenthulhu]

Making your own is sooooo simple and fun!

[@FS-mc3cs]

Professor is abbreviated to 'Prof' - one f not 2. But then being a 'graduate' (...as you happened to drop 🥱) you should already know that?

[@JensCreationStation]

In card making, I always fold towards the curl in the paper. Hold the paper up with three fingers in the middle on both sides and the curl will become obvious. This prevents odd curls to your paper! It doesn't matter if it's simple copy paper from your printer or cardstock, there is always a curl to the paper! I do the same in bookmaking. Thanks for your videos!

[@simongoode1]

that's the grain direction of the sheet: it runs parallel to the direction the wire runs in the papermaking machine

[@EmnidaArt]

Re: Art paper from drawing or watercolour pads - not the greatest option if you plan on folding them to make signatures - There is a 'right' and 'wrong' side to those papers, similar to fabric. You feel it on the surface. Watercolour paper will usually have more texture on the top to hold the pigment. The underside is very pressed and pigment doesn't hold well, water sometimes runs right off. You'd end up having signatures where you work on the left for one half, and on the right on the other.

[@tonyennis1787]

2:30 if you don't know the grain direction, the 2nd dimension (ex: 8.5 x 11", so the 11") is usually the grain direction.

[@undercoverv7026]

why don't you have millions of subs, your such a great KZbinr! you care about people asking stuff, you provide clear and understandable instructions, have amazing tips and top of all that your so creative I mean I really really think you deserve more than that

[@edrreal]

I love these book tutorials that you make, just found the first one yesterday and now I'm going to find the materials for the book I'm making! The tutorials are super simple and help you develop your own style.

[@ylime712]

I love this. I'm a scrapbooker but I've probably watched close to all of your bookbinding videos, I love you and your "paper nerdiness." ❤

[@SeaLemonDIY]

+Milly Thanks for the love! :)

[@marcelamock3173]

Im a paper and notebook hoarder. I saw your bookbinding video long time ago, and began to doing it. I love it so much. Even I bought 2 books for bookbinding. Now I learn to bookbinding Coptic Stitch with Multiple Needles and realized that this one will not wabble as the Single Needle. The other thing, is that in other places or brands use "gsm" instead of "lb", so it has to used a conversion. I do calligraphy, so I try to used some papers specially for calligraphy and it does not means about the weight of the paper. But yes, I do as you, depend in what im going to do with the notebook, I buy papers for it, little expensive, but is rewarding.

[@Finreah]

Thank you for this. I wondered if they labeled for grain. Now I know. :) One of the things I do if I'm using heavy weight paper is score it on both sides, then fold. That way I don't crack it. Seems the lay soother, too. You smush the fibers in the paper when you score, so they become pliable and easier to manipulate. Jennifer, I am also obsessed with paper and post it notes. I completely understand. :)

[@Finreah]

* lay smoother. :)

[@SeaLemonDIY]

+Finreah Good method on scoring the paper!

[@dariaaa0987]

every time she said paper supplier all I could think of was dunder mifflin

[@SeaLemonDIY]

+daria Ha! I did get in touch with my inner Pam one Halloween :P instagram.com/p/gJzpePgOt5

[@mastersheldon1780]

Sea Lemon you actually look just like her😂

[@jasminehewitt793]

Same ahahahah

[@oneofabind1472]

From one paper hoarder to another, great advice, thank you so much!

[@Ai-gy9rm]

Hi Jennifer! I've actually been watching you for like two years now. Back then I wasn't really aware about my love for graphic design and when I came to re-watch this video, I was shocked that you were a graphic designer. Okay, there might be a little voice in my head that said so, but I wasn't really aware like I said. Anyway, it would be cool if you uploaded a video about your job and basically about graphic design. I'm not pushing it, but I wish you would consider it and jot it down on your list of video ideas haha 😂 Okay I'm done. You are amazing Jen! Thank you for being here ❤

[@backtodahfuture]

Thank you so much SeaLemon for sharing your experience and information with everyone!

[@artistical88]

This is awesome. You're awesome! I love seeing people show how much they know about subjects that a lot of people know nothing about. You seem to be having fun in relishing the details.

[@Marina.a11]

I have only one thing to say. *TALENT* You are amazing at crafting you're a great artist your videos editing is magical and you seem *SO* Nice

[@JaffaCakeGecko]

Loving the sassy hand model gestures just before the 5 minute mark!

[@SeaLemonDIY]

+JaffaCakeGecko haha ;)

[@Robootification]

Nice work.. This channel is fantastic from what I've seen so far. Thank you for being so thorough.

[@lsthingsmy699]

I love this kind of video so much . I feel like I am really learning things that is useful

[@sadasulna6056]

Great video, very informative - excellent to see someone who is also paper obsessed!

[@Lusithane]

I'm a paper freak as well and I understand you! I think that one of the things I care more about is to find acid free paper for notebooks and journals I want to keep. Another thing I do is get unused paper from commercial notebooks and make small notepads to keep in my bag.

[@SeaLemonDIY]

+Mari D Yay, paper freaks unite! Totally agree on acid free paper. It seems like almost all paper nowadays is acid-free, especially the well-known brands but it's still good to look at the labels to make sure. Construction paper almost always yellows over time so I stay away from that.

[@whatever4815]

This is one of the most helpful videos ever.

[@Martina_E]

Thanks for sharing this video I need to get back into bookbinding. Going to refresh my bookbinding skills and look at a few of your videos.

[@jeanneluddeni3121]

I'm thinking of trying my wallpaper samples for covers.

[@skullsmitten]

I am wrangling with these paper supplier sites and I feel a little foolish, but I'm having problems finding swatchbooks? None of the stores seem to stock them in their inventory, so it seems like it's something that's either free, or... I don't know, they only advertise it to members or subscribers, maybe? I just picked up bookbinding and I love it! But I'd really like to be able to have a swatchbook so I know what I'm looking for when I'm online shopping for paper. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us! I've learned a lot. (:

[@raeganxlee]

Your hair is so beautiful!😍✨✨

[@SeaLemonDIY]

+Gummybearlover 1 Thanks! I really do need a hair cut though! :P

[@1957robinson]

I really enjoyed your video and learned so much about paper. I'm just a beginner in making junk journals as pass time for me. I'm having trouble with binding the journals, hoping you have a good tutorial for that as well. Thanks for the great information.

[@KaterinaMat]

That was really lovely! I never realised how many different types of paper exist!

[@linl344]

So nice to hear you say that you hoard paper 😂 ...glad I’m not the only one!! Thanks for an enjoyable and informative video. Just subscribed.

[@kmm-2024]

Just in case you have never heard of them, perhaps you might consider acquiring what is known as a "stack cutter" or "strip cutter." I procured a modest entry-level desktop unit for about $150. Buy an extra knife (i.e., blade). When the first knife dulls or becomes damaged, you can swap them while the first knife is being resharpened or reground and then resharpened. A simple Internet search should suffice to provide enough information concerning this type of cutter. Also, saddle stitcher might also be advantageous. Bostitch manufactures a modest entry-level unit for about $50. Saddle stitchers enable the printing and assembly of booklets that are stapled on the spine. Cheers.

[@toobigal]

I have made my own paper. It's fun and easy with just a few simple items. Maybe not great for writing on since it usually is very textured but you can get very creative with it.

[@SeaLemonDIY]

+toobigal I still need to try that!

[@ImAshlynMars]

“Dunder Mifflin, this is Pam.”

[@YumiTab]

Thanks for this video, it was very helpful (especially the part about grain) !

[@careyholman]

I'm doing a memory book for my mom, who has alzheimer's. I'm sewing the signatures on tapes and putting it in a case cover. It has text and pictures, and the best bet I could find for the text block was having it printed at a local printer on gloss text. But what about end papers? I tried using the same gloss text, but it wrinkled and didn't stand up to gluing. Really poor finish to a pretty nice first book. I'm going to try again. I'd love a suggestion for what to use for end papers. The text block is 8 1/2 x 11, so I need tabloid sized end papers. What would you use? Thanks!

[@9thea14]

I love your videos! Thank you for such awesome tutorials and uploads!

[@nikki3385]

New favorite channel!

[@ankydezaire9406]

I live in the Netherlands, that is so different, a lot of products youtubers use are hard to find here!

[@inekedusseljee3093]

Try living in Hungary. It is even worse. 🥴🥴🥴

[@lindadechow2212]

Thank you, this was really good info. I wasn't aware of paper swatch books, so I will definitely check that out. Great video, thank you.

[@NocturneNights-s1n]

I’m also in Arizona and I was thinking of the same paper supplier she ended up linking!

[@Curmudgeonhero]

Hooray for all us paper nerds! 😀👍🎈🚀

[@werelemur1138]

I'm sitting here fascinated by the paper warehouse, so obviously you're not the only paper nerd out there.

[@elihauser1840]

The cover of my hardcover sketchbook just came off. Can you do a video on how to repair it? I'm only half way through this one and donor want to get a whole new one

[@greta89]

I NEEDED this thank you Sea Lemon!

[@gorgw-ee8yc]

Great video. If anyone's in Melbourne, Australia there's a great paper shop called Paperpoint in South Melbourne.

[@shaybrooklyn1710]

If you made a video about how to make a 3 ring binder (with an elastic closure maybe) I would love you forever!! I'm new to your channel, and I LOVE it. I've already subscribed. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@donnajoseph2004]

Wow.....really great tips! New subbie...I think I'm going to have alot of FUN watching and learning from your videos! Thank you so much!

[@jjzhang376]

Hi Jennifer!, I love your videos, your very smart and creative about your crafts😊

[@sunshine423d]

I'm a paper and notebook hoarder too!

[@estefizamora]

please, make more bookbinding videos! an idea is with recycled materials:) i love your videos!!

[@blueplague5911]

Thank you so much, jen! I love your videos on bookbinding!

[@glogirl78]

Just discovered you tonight and have poured through your videos. So well done and helpful! I'm a travel photographer and want to make journals with a nice photographic cover. After watching some of your videos I know I'll probably bind them with staples. I'm unsure of how to print the cover. I don't think I want to use my usual plain luster photo paper. I don't think it would last. I was thinking of using a heavier weight matte photo paper and sealing it with spray varnish. I just hope it's durable enough for this use. I don''t want the ink on the spine to crack or the corners to get too dinged up. What do you think? I'd love to hear your opinion. Do you have any experience with using photos on your covers? Thanks!

[@silviasirbu1863]

You are very sweet! Thank you so much for your work and for sharing with us!

[@christhebush1585]

Sea lemon, you should make a tutorial about glueing the text block to the spine perfectly and properly. I suggest you do this because the 3 books I made had their spines face a bit to the left and right - thanks

[@justBorja]

Paper nerds club! :D

[@SeaLemonDIY]

+justBorja Yes!!

[@lyshlysh9970]

I usually have captions on when I watch videos because I hate listening to voices. Now I just turned captions off because her voice is pretty cute and relaxing

[@Tsadi9Mem9Khet9]

That Fiskars company has a very diverse line of products. I have a Fiskars saw back machete, for example.

[@darkwriter_xx94]

I really like that book with the black background and white numbers. Where could I find something like that?

[@ABCrafty]

Great tips! Makes me want to get into bookbinding! :)

[@anjegeronimo5367]

I loved your channel since forever.

[@danlyayqq]

can you do a art shopping video please

[@jude1515]

You gave a lot of great information. Thank you.

[@mikesmith2905]

I'm binge watching your series as I have been asked to produce a few 'hard backed' 'contributors copies' of a book (the published version will not contain all the information and only about a third of illustrations supplied by the contributors). Its 210 sheets of paper (printed both sides) so it'll be just over an inch thick using 80gsm printer paper.In Europe we have 4-ring binders for A4 (slightly larger than US letter) but that isn't ideal. I tried a plastic comb binding and that was worse (very ugly), so I'm looking at perfect binding with a fan. It will be heavy and I worry that picking it up or even just handling it could cause it to break apart so there will probably be a few prototypes before starting the series production. I also need to work out how to add the cover and I'd like to have the title of the book on the front cover and spine. I have ordered up the glue you recommended and I plan to add a strip of 2 inch wide ribbon down the spine to attach the covers, I'm now going to look at your vids on covers. It's a big job for a first attempt but your videos have helped me sort through the options and I just wanted to say thanks.

[@rubymed16]

Great information! Thank you so much. Now maybe I can make my own journal. ☺

[@windywednesday4166]

Great video, this is really good information. Thank you so much.

[@SadMangaGirl]

Thanks for this. Was so confused with what was what when I made some books recently. I do wish they had 1 name/way of measure world wide. in Australia most of our paper is A something, normal letter is A4, art A3 small note books A5. Weights are GSM.

[@_t.p]

Hi Liz, I’m also from Australia. Do you have any recommendations on what paper to use for bulllet journaling? I want to make them myself as im spending way too much money buying them and now my daughter is also into bullet journaling so it’s become too expensive. Any suggestions on paper types and where I can purchase them?

[@adieblake1864]

This is really helpful. But I was wondering if you have any tips on how to make a hardcover for a perfect binder book. And by book, I mean, one where I've printed words on the paper. Thank you!! 🙏🙏

[@adieblake1864]

*perfect binded book sorry!! 🙏🙏

[@reinpsyche4728]

I really do love her accent and the way she talks. 😍☺

[@flutterby1979]

You are a life saver!

[@thecuriouskitty8349]

New subscriber🙋🏾‍♀️... I want to print my teacher planner to insert in disc binding ... which kind of paper is best to use?

[@_t.p]

Hi there I am also looking to make a planner for myself to use. If you find out what kind of paper to use please let me know and share the links if possible. Thank you!

[@MsSola26]

You are so helpful! thank you ✨ Do you think I can bind with handmade cotton paper? Also how many sheets can go in a signature? If the GSM is 150?

[@vikibanaszak4881]

I have a whole bunch of swatch books. They are awesome. I keep thinking I should get rid of them because they take up so much room, but i just can't seem to let them go because they are so pretty. LOL

[@SeaLemonDIY]

+Viki Banaszak I hear ya! ;)

[@flowersafeheart]

Amazing advice!!!!

[@shamimkhan-ij4pw]

OMG I'm soo early...love u sealemon

[@janeclermon83]

Cool I was wondering that too but knew you would make another video

[@NazzCottiz]

Thanks girl!!!! I love paper too!!!!

[@mariajosecolantonio7923]

Love your vídeos! Thank you so much!!

[@moises1ify]

this was very helpful. thanks

[@kaitlinj5887]

I am very upset because there are no paper supply stores in my area. Good thing there's the Internet!

[@dawnmidnightsun2521]

+kaitlin j I found my stuff on Amazon, then went to a craft store to feel their sketch pads to decide on which to order. Hope that helps!

[@marjonasluzon7636]

thanks for the tips I love your diy

[@TimelessTendeM]

Ahh Strathmore I love you~

[@dorkydork4338]

I'm printing a book and binding it and finding paper has been challenging. I'm wondering if you would use 28 lb./70 lb. text or 32 lb./80lb. text paper? Bulk vs. see through.

[@itsmedany]

Hi! I'm currently studying to become a graphic designer and my main problem is how to store paper! In my country we use mostly A3 sized paper so it´s really inconvenient to store it. I was wondering if you had a method or an idea on how to keep it wrinkle free and easy to access Thanks! I love your videos!

[@RileyKai]

Loved this!

[@jeneriaevents9616]

I want to create a journal. What’s your suggestion in the type of paper I need to use? I do not want to use paper with lines. I want a form of paper that not too glossy but pretty...

[@BurgessTaylor]

I'm trying to figure out the best cover option for a coptic stitch binding with 68gsm Tomoe River Paper. I have started making my own notebooks, and I want my stitching to show, which makes it hard since TRP is quite thin.

[@ericholt3914]

making books with papers are the best

[@sundae2009]

hello!! i'd really really appreciate it if you made a video on making a collage, or give some collage tips and ideas - using only three materials. i'm applying to an architecture exam, and one of the questions is to make a collage using only three materials. the thing is, i've never made a collage and i really wanna enter the exam in order to get accepted in uni, but the deadline is on 15th april. i really hope you'd make a video before april ;w;` thanks a bunch for your creative vidz!!!

[@taylorbrooks3694]

Hi there! This video is great! I recently watched your video on making the Tom riddle journal and want to make it too! I was wondering if you have ever used parchment paper to make a journal and your thoughts on it? Or some do's and don'ts for that style paper? I think it would look great in the riddle journal. 😊

[@vinylhedgehog5574]

SECOND HAVE NEVER BEEN THIS EARLY.BEFORE OMG

[@emmanuel_villafana]

Awesome video!!!! 💜💙💚💛❤️

[@dianedelsite6935]

Have you ever used kraft tex paper forma journal cover? I have a roll from hobby lobby but have not used it. I just made a hard bound journal using one of your tutorials and i used fabric. I wanted to ask about the kraft tex before I tried it. Thanks!!

[@aslangyu]

thanks for the tips!✨^^

[@TheCutieMakesTags]

Very informative! Thank you so much

[@hannahhassan6242]

I want to make a blank page writing journal in the coptic stitch and I was wondering whether using standard printer paper would work? like whether it'll bind well with the waxed thread and not rip too much as I bind. I'm afraid using the thinner printer paper (I've only been using sketchbook paper so far) won't work as well in any of the techniques. Cause even as I worked with a thicker sketchbook paper I found that the holes would get a little bigger as I pulled the needle through it multiple times.

[@b0bkatt5]

I have been gifted some paper that has a design only on one side. I have no clue what to make out of it. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[@RsJaneP]

Use it as the book cover. She mentions it in this video.

[@mariamfaltas6613]

I have printed a book for my 2 year kid 100 single sheets on 110 cardstock What is the best durable way of binding it fast , durable ,flexible , safe and easily open ? is double fan or perfect bind sturdy enough for cardstock and kids books ? I don’t want to use double loop wire for safety issues

[@brandilikesDIY]

DO you have advice for durable paper for a game booklet. I tried using cardstock and I can get the pages to be even once they are folded. And if I try to cut them down, then the pages arent even when the book is open. It works with regular paper, but I wanted a heavier paper that would last and work with the photos. Thanks

[@pacassa]

It’s my understanding that the weight of paper is based on the parent sheets. A smaller parent sheet, can be the same thickness of a larger parent sheet, making the 28/70 lb paper weight is voodoo mumbo jumbo. GSM gives a better idea of paper thickness.

[@shannonwhite2788]

Thanks for the great tips!

[@chioxinu]

What about paper for printing a book? like text only? Which paper would be better?

[@kamihayes5147]

You are the cutest person ever and your videos have been go-tos for me for several years!! Lifelong fan! Also I messaged you on Insta but never heard back. But I imagine you get a TON of messages.