Using PAPER as Bookcloth? | Questions Answered

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0:00 - intro
0:25 - the paper I used
2:15 - varnish
4:00 - the importance of grain direction
6:15 - another paper option
8:10 - headbands
8:40 - pressing boards
13:00 - gold foil title
13:28 - endpapers
14:48 - hinge gaps are important!
15:42 - talking about health stuff
18:16 - done with health stuff
20:00 - summing up
22:28 - outro

[@vickiefowler1429]

That cotton stuff you used for the headbands is called “twill tape”. Useful in many applications!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

ah yes, twill tape! that does sound familiar, thank you! 😁

[@JannGray]

I always learn great stuff from you! And....you are one of the best midnight shopping enablers I've met since me!🤣🤣🤣 How have I lived without Pepin paper for 61 years!?!?! It's one of life's great mysteries! Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 ❤️

[@debbietroyer9480]

Oh dear! Have I fallen into another group of enablers? I paused this video early on to find out what Pepin paper is. I managed to convince myself that I didn’t need any at the moment. I’ve got to settle down because I’m pretty much out of space to put anything new. 🥺 It is fun, though!

[@JannGray]

@@debbietroyer9480 it seems it can't be helped...it's in our crafting DNA!🤣🤣🤣🎄MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[@LedgerAndLace]

@@debbietroyer9480 Shhhh . . . you are amongst your people, now. Just go with it! ;-)

[@LedgerAndLace]

"My name is Hali and I'm a paper hoarder." ;-)

[@NiktheBooksmith]

😄 Y'all crack me up!

[@vitorizo]

I've sealed some nice handmade marble paper with Gamblin Cold Wax Medium (basically beeswax) to use as a cover, and over a year later it's still in great condition

[@hood3243]

Ive also seen just rubbing wax paper (like the stuff for baking) over marbled paper and that works too!

[@iwondery1725]

"The width of the curl" - holy cow, NO ONE has ever described it that way that I've heard and that's fracking PERfect! Thank you!

[@leslieg7696]

Your headband trim is called Twill Tape. It is usually cotton and is a particularly strong weave.

[@catscreations66]

I always feel like I've gone for a coffee with you after watching your videos. You're a wealth of interesting info and such a pleasant, fun person! 😊

[@LedgerAndLace]

This prompted a scene in my head of, "And THEN she just Owen Wilson-ed me!" Pulling out all-the-different Pepin Papers was hilarious--they sit in my shopping cart . . . . hope your extremities stay warm and toasty in this wintery vexation of Arctic weather! Oh, and THANKS for the Patreon freebie!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

and a nasally "Wow!" to you, too! Thanks, Hal! 😄

[@lindalandess6681]

Thank you for your clear explanations on everything from book covers to chilblains! You are a great teacher. Have a happy holiday!

[@pamelawooten3690]

You're right, Nik, there is a HUGE difference in CAN'T go out, and choosing not to! I'm a "hermit," and happily stay inside alone for weeks at a time, longer if I don't have to go out for an appt. or a trip to the pharmacy b/c they won't deliver. Even *I* about lost it before we could go out again. And then when we could, I had a lot of anxiety about going out, germs, people in general, SO many people, after being alone for so long! I've found the right balance of going out or staying in for me now, but the beginning was rough! Hope your hand is feeling better now, how miserable! Wishing you and your husband a Very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! Thanks for your videos, they're among my favorites! Hugs from a 26 degree Florida, very rare for us!

[@jensartyinclinations]

Love your bamboo skewers for the hinge gap - nifty! Much better solution to how I try & leave the spine out. Thank you Nik 😊

[@Kristina-qh5nb]

"Hamfisted!" I love listening to your descriptions. Thanks for the informative tutorials.

[@nancyrolfe3033]

I have enjoyed your channel for awhile …you are a gifted instructor, dry, quick witty humor (fyi…consistent with high IQ which I found true during during my experience with students during my nearly 40 years teaching Math) but I was so intrigued by your explanation of chilblains and how the blood vessels react and lesions form. I was diagnosed with Reynard’s disease in early 20’s but my hands and feet were always cold and have turned blue (why I was accidentally diagnosed during a Dr. evaluation for completely different issue. It was at Texas Tech (teaching clinic) and I remember the embarrassment of having every intern “came in to examine me as I sat covered by a sheet….lol). Crazy but no one explained to ME what they diagnosed!!! Only years later when I began having some issues with veins did I recall this diagnosis. Sounds unbelievably but, like you, I have had so many different illnesses and autoimmune disorders since my early 20’s. I was trying to find a diagnosis and treatment when my entire system changed after a viral infection. Eventually I went to Mayo Clinic after being told I was just hypochondriac … depression was the cause…and even it was “in my head” as a mental disorder!?! I do have a little spunk and not oblivious to what happened to my entire system changing completely after the viral infection (I thought was just really bad flu) so I just started telling Drs I didn’t give a crap what it WAS…. I just wanted them to FIX it!? If it’s “in my head” …great! Find it and fix it!! You would have laughed at the expressions of these Drs. Only after I said this they would admit they were “at a loss” in diagnosing agreeing that my blood work had significant changes and I shouldn’t have the sudden onset of unrelenting fatigue after being super hyper previously. I learned very quickly to say that same thing when trying to get diagnosis for increased pain in hip, leg which finally felt in lower back. I was 25, looking great and I didn’t stop anything except traveling more than 2 hours. My mother, (to my horror at the time) walked in to Dr. office when I was to get results and diagnosis informed him that it was NOT in “my head”, etc. continues informing him that SHE knew me and my ability to cope with pain was unbelievable and she was comparing me to my 4 siblings….lol She went on to tell him I didn’t complain or cry and had to be forced to stop after surgeries for hearing, etc. I didn’t mean to “dump” all my Dr. “Issues”!!! I’m in small community with poor access to good medical. You just explained what happens to me!!! I nearly fell out of my chair!!! Keep doing this as you probably had no idea how much you helped. I haven’t read comments but certain there’s more than just myself. Thank you again for providing so MANY unexpected bouts of laughter as you casually sneak in some “line”. Thank you for providing an explanation of possible purposes of “junk journals” and definitions for the “new to me” terms I’d been hearing upon finding paper crafts on KZbin. It’s been my salvation when I found myself having to retire earlier than planned and unable to do anything but basic needs. You can’t imagine the gift and joy you brought to me and vicariously to my husband (he even drove me couple hours and patiently waited as I sat down began looking through all the TM crafts and paper aisles. That manager was another one who was instrumental in my recovery. The kindness, laughter and bringing excitement to this new channel of creativity I accidentally found will always be greatly appreciated. I’m doing pretty well (3 years later). Started this post in response to one item and just rambled about everything I have thought about …. Thank you again for doing much more than you possibly imagine, Nancy Rolfe

[@jjroat5294]

Cotton Twill Tape.... Great explanation Miss Nik... ❤🎉... xx 🎶

[@DianeDowneyYardFairy]

You are my favorite Booksmith and I have learned so much from you. I’m going to make books for my grown children this year, after my big art album project turned out so well. I usually use watercolor paper but it seems like it would be too thick for the cover and end pages. I’ll have to find another way to incorporate my art into their books. Thank you for sharing your life with us all. So many people are going through chronic illness and creativity is truly helping many of us. Big hugs from CA.

[@sooth15]

Keep being awesome. All the best for 2023!

[@sharonrazmzan4777]

Always informative and entertaining. I love watching and learning from you. Thank you.

[@lindahutchings5394]

Merry Christmas and thank you for sharing your talent.

[@marthagiza4884]

Thank you, your videos are always so informative. I so look forward to seeing them.

[@janetvisochi-baum7572]

thank you Nik - Happy Holidays 🤗

[@tripletgirl2484]

Thank you for the explanations!, especially about the run of the grain. Chilblains are no fun. I used to get them in my toes when I lived in Scotland years ago.

[@annettehaley3338]

Thank you for all your explanations, it is very helpful.

[@danacolosimo5874]

Wow thanks for the tips 😊 hoping you are feeling better and Have yourself a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year 😘😘😘😘

[@MaximumCC]

Definitely want to give this a try. Love paper covers for the versatility. Thanks for the tip to seal both sides ! Will give it a go

[@susanmary4752]

I do love your videos. Always so informative. Plus you're funny!

[@rosalindfeemster8049]

Thanks for sharing you knowledge. Very helpful and inspiring

[@maramakesjournals2319]

Thanks for ALL the info. Sea Lemon posted an interesting video recently. She said when we go thru an affiliate link, the channel gets credit and compensation for EVERYTHING we buy at Amazon during that visit. She shared the interesting items purchased by people who used her affiliate links. She sees ONLY the products purchased and NOT the names of purchasers. It was a list of very eclectic items. Very funny! Anyway, it’s a good way for us to support channels (by shopping thru the channel’s affiliate links). Good to know. Don’t know if they would help you, but I use fingerless gloves sometimes to keep my hands warm. Before Christmas, I had my hands in water so often, both thumbs and two fingers developed cracks. It was hard to wrap gifts without bleeding on them (uck). Went thru about 1/2 box of Bandaids. I hope your hands feel better soon. 👍🏼

[@Ms.W529]

You make perfect sense. I never knew about paper grain. Thanks.

[@roxiebaker1158]

Thanks for all the great information!

[@CraftingwithLani]

Great tips, as always! I've had trouble with my end papers tearing the fold; I think your skewer tip is going to save the day.

[@helenbrown6092]

I really enjoy watching your videos Nik, I have learnt so much and feel really inspired by your taste in pattern and design x

[@jeanlilley3139]

I don't get to see your videos as I did in the past. I am enjoying this new DIY idea. It's past Christmas. Hope your day was special. Happy New Year 2023.

[@michaelata2458]

Happy Holidays, Nik🎄⛄❄

[@Paint3dRos3]

I like how you explain books. I love to learn new things, no matter it's importance. My mind has an endless capacity for useless information, lol. Anyways, you teach in a way that is understandable (and I love your humor). Also, you breaking down the blood flow into the fingers, was insightful. I have diabetes so, bad circulation. When my fingers get cold, they turn whiteish yellow. Looks weird. Lol. Just wanted to say, I enjoy your content. I hope you and yours have a safe and happy holiday! ❤❤❤

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Hi Rachel! I am glad to hear it, thank you for the compliment. =) Yes, the white blanching is nearly as lovely as the purple phase. Yikes!

[@penelopemarshall6320]

Love the Pepin papers. I have hoarded a few as well. That addiction must have caught on! Great idea with the dowel or skewers.

[@jam4441]

Happy Christmas. and hope you have a great new year.

[@fludrbywest3886]

Thank you Nik for the education 😊🥰❣️🥰

[@NorthlightsStudio]

Great tips!! Have a Merry Christmas!

[@AnnetteGreen]

The bamboo skewers tip was excellent! And thanks for the education on Chilblains. I hadn't ever heard of it. I feel for you. Sounds pretty uncomfortable. Thanks for all the good info you always provide. I believe I've seen every last video you've made. You're an inspiration! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Aww, thank you Annette, that means the world to me! Please have a most excellent weekend yourself! 🥰

[@gillramsay1112]

I love your information with ramblings…that’s how my mind works. In the UK the head band twill is called bias binding x

[@wandaspencer9523]

Always an interesting video! Chilblains, oh my goodness I have not had those since I was a child, when we had to walk to school in the most frigid weather and not always dressed for a sudden drop in temperature during the day. Pre bus 🚌 era!

[@jenniferwatson7118]

Very helpful video - thanks so much!

[@mickansj334]

Merry Christmas and thanks for this tip ☃❄☃❄☃

[@dianeschneider7442]

Love the lesson on paper book covers and chilblains. Both very interesting. Hope your hands warm up. Now to shop for Pepin papers…

[@charliedrury6224]

Hello, I use Pepin paper for many uses and I love it. Cheers

[@howlingwind1937]

Felted paper for book covers is really nice and you can use acrylic paint on it while you felt the paper, and you can add more paper to it and continue to felt it, and it doesn't take overly long. Cheers!

[@howlingwind1937]

😁

[@collettekunkler7211]

Lol late night shopping! Love all the great ideas! Oh poe

[@lorikendrick5076]

Merry Christmas!

[@paularindal3642]

Chilblains! I got ya girl. I have Lupus and Reynolds and live in Montana where we, like you, have had -36! Getting warmer all the time. Meds have changed my life. PS My fingers are fine but my toes are toast.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Guurrrrlll....the struggle is real, amiright?? I hope you are doing well, keeping warm today!

[@marshacastello8350]

So, your medical information about the chilblains is what I love so much about your videos - you inform us of so much! I think I have this problem too...only mostly on my feet! Thank you! No doctor would ever explain that to me....she just stares at me when I ask questions and suggests to put some vaseline on it (or something like that). Thank you!!!! This all makes sense to me now. Oh and the Pepin paper is really lovely - I may have to order more! ! Love your videos and everything you do.

[@AS-xi6lp]

those papers are amazing!

[@toriswanson5451]

Hi, Nik! I have never commented but I really appreciate all the info you share. Have a Merry Christmas! Stay warm!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Thank you for commenting Tori, it means so much! 🥰

[@annajavier5712]

This was very helpful

[@annamorgan6530]

Fairly new to book making, Still practicing getting my hinge gaps correct (I’m a bit hit and miss 🙄😄) love the skewer tip. I started book making hoping to use my own design papers on the covers, so yay for this video! Merry Christmas 😊

[@sandybabb8313]

Oh my, I already have a bit of a paper problem now I will have an even bigger problem, this line of papers are scrumptious! Thank you for sharing.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

rut roh, Sandy! Lol

[@blackcoffeeandwildflowers]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing 🤗❤️ Tamara

[@aliceadler4569]

Loved your chit chat!!! ♥️♥️♥️

[@rneustel388]

I’d love to see how you cover the curved corners on the Pepin covered book. And I really sympathize about how you might have purchased just a few 😉Pepin paper books! 🤣

[@madebylora]

Another great video! Thank you! For the last few years I’ve been making little diaries for friends with customised covers (usually with photos of their pets printed on the cover). I print on 100 or 120gsm paper. I hadn’t thought to coat the back side of the paper, but did 2 coats of mod podge on the printed side (and a light coat of spray sealer on top). I brushed one coat vertical and the other horizontal so that any visible brush strokes have a bit of a canvas weave sort of look haha. I was interested to see in the previous video how you did the rounded corners on the cover because I’ve not tried round corners yet! Think I’ll try that on my next book! Thanks!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Good morning! I like the coat the back so that the cover paper is as flat as possible when I go to cover a book. At least it makes sense in my head. Lol

[@madebylora]

@@NiktheBooksmith I might try coating the back too next time, I guess it would also make it stronger!

[@suzettefaircloth5037]

I love watching your videos. You are always interesting and teach stuff that i didn't know . I know i have raynauds but didn't realize all the implications or that the tips swell up like that. I have noticed that it feels like bees are stinging my finger tips when the blood starts to circulate again.

[@margavanderwel1485]

Thnx Nik, and Merry Christmas, see ya soon 🥰😘

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Thanks Marga! I may be able to squeeze one more video in, we'll see... Have an excellent weekend ;)

[@margavanderwel1485]

@@NiktheBooksmith Thnx and I really hope so 😅

[@francineh.7825]

Thank you for the Patreon freebie!

[@ann-ingridhelik3056]

Hi ! Great explanation of paper grain! I have used chyogami (spelling ?) Japanese paper to cover a book. It’s thick butas long as the corners are not rounded it’s fine, the rounded corner, even with all the “slits “ not so great! Will use the varnish to keep it clean!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Oh yes, the dreaded rounded corner. Why I did that is beyond me...🤦‍♀😄

[@JoanLePage]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! This video was timely for me as I was just struggling with the paper cracking when creating covers (also, thank you for the chilblains comments 😏 I suffer from that in my toes)

[@omkirtan5684]

I love love love your videos thank you! For your cold hands and autoimmune probs. (I have too) check put the Wim Hof breathing method. Being a cold cat myself on day 2 i noticed a change for the better ❤

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Noted! Thank you for the comment! =)

[@fionalindsay2859]

I love listening to you and your work is awesome. But, ouch 😮, I hope your hand isn’t too painful and is back to normal soon ❤

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

May you have a terrific winter and continue to be blessed by your muse! Your channel is in my top 3 fave channels!🦌💌❤️📚✌️👍🙏👏👏👏👏👏👏🛎️🥰💪👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@winterlude100]

Great video with a lot going on lol! Very interesting as I've never worked with paper. I was wondering about mulberry and lokta papers as end pages because I saw a couple of videos that said to use thicker paper than the text block. Hard when you have no way to feel the papers and really don't know what you're doing lol!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Good morning! I've heard a similar idea, to use a thicker paper for the endpapers. As far as I'm concerned, it depends. If I'm rebinding a huge Bible or something with tissue thin pages, I'll always use a heavier endpaper. When it comes to small books like these, I find it adds too much bulk to the hinge gaps and can cause wrinkling and such.

[@MorganPlans]

I love this idea!! Thank you for sharing! Question for you-I have a super old cover of a book, it's just the front though and I'm not sure what to do with it? Any ideas?

[@deborahbloom4624]

I LOVE Pepin papers!!!!

[@susanvk4844]

I absolutely have a problem with pepin paper hoarding😊

[@mugglescakesniffer3943]

What about the blue screen of death? lol. I saw that more times than I would like to admit.

[@lucy7b]

😊😊😊 thank you

[@mariep-MAPAT]

Hi Nik, I think the name of the ribbon is "twill fabric ribbon" ( I asked Google translate, cause I only knew the french name "ruban de tissu sergé") XXX

[@PacoElMapache]

I was looking at using heavy watercolor paper as a velum alternative but the fibers rip if you fold them. I have never tried with the 300lb paper but with the 140lb you can wet it and fold it nicely. Im trying to find a robust yet affordable material that wont rip or fray at the stress points in limp vellum bindings.

[@aprilnelson9044]

Pepin paper or death!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

I concur!

[@glendawilson3260]

The "trim" you used is called "twill tape" 😊

[@charliefoxtrot6017]

Apparently the plastic bags from boxed cereal are non stick and great to use when gluing.

[@sarahscraftyallsorts6482]

I must try this thank you for all the pointers and tips. I have chillblanes on my toes at the moment as I to have raynauds my left hand gets affected more than my right and my right foot more than my left lol strange isn’t it. X

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Hi Sarah! Isn't that odd? That one side or the other would be worse off? I need to research why that is. 🤔

[@sarahscraftyallsorts6482]

@@NiktheBooksmith it’s definitely a strange one . Am left handed to so it can be a pain at times Take care and all the best merry Christmas xx

[@sousalarson6858]

So in my limited experience, most printer paper runs the grain the long way, "hot dog style" fold, if you will. Which is really impractical for book binding. What are the best ways or best places to look for paper that runs the grain along the short ends, hamburger style.

[@michelleguest1720]

Back in scrapbook days there was lots of printed twill tape available. Lots of words & sayings...

[@NiktheBooksmith]

I remember that, too!

[@bulldogsathome]

Quick question! I am wondering what kind of thread you use to find your books. I ended up getting wax thread, but it is so fat and thick and then I realize it is supposed to be used with leather. I unfortunately did use it before I realized I should not, and my journal is just kind of yucky. It was the first one i made. Thanks!

[@fjolliff6308]

Your head band is called twill tape.

[@judyaznm820]

Would matte medium work to coat the paper instead of varnish?

[@creolelady182]

I have got that paper

[@kirstencristobal3204]

Can I use wallpaper for book covers?

[@LRogersPhoto]

I love this video, so informative. I'm just confused about the 1/4 inch on each side of the narrow strip, why do you add so much space, what happens if you add less?

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Good morning! The 1/4" is a good rule of thumb for the hinge gap on a book of this size. If there is less space allowed in this area, it would put more stress on the cover material and it would most likely crack when opening/closing the book.

[@LRogersPhoto]

@@NiktheBooksmith Thanks, the book is going to be 3x3 inches.

[@amyb82941]

💜💜💜

[@HaliaLOVESMac]

@Nik the Booksmith Hi! I don’t see in your Amazon favorites the paper mentioned (in 13.47). I also couldn’t find it by doing a basic search

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Good morning! The paper is in the "Booksmithables" list, here is the direct link (if it works in a comment!) www.amazon.com/ideas/amzn1.account.AFCA3N4DPWOBV4JJYX5ZGOEB7IYQ/C37KLC0WR1Y1?type=explore&ref=idea_cp_vl_ov_d

[@HaliaLOVESMac]

The link you provided takes me to your Amazon favorites. However I already went through all of the paper links and that particular paper it’s nowhere listed

[@terriyoung2389]

There are times when I think I’m the only one who has chronic issues with hands. It’s always my right. Boy does it hurt too. Makes it difficult to do what I love but I struggle through it. I lose the feeling in my fingertips regularly.

[@suewallis100]

What letters were used on the spine?

[@rebeccahesser8057]

Your health issues sound like MCTD. I have a lot of the same issues great explaining it to people who don’t deal with Raynauds.

[@francinetjones1814]

where is the video with you actually covering the little dictionary Span-Eng? Would love to see that one. Thank you

[@NiktheBooksmith]

hi Francine! I didn't make that book on camera, it was the book I made to test out the paper cover material.

[@heatherm2125]

Can you varnish the paper either before or after covering the book or is it best to do it before you put it on the book?

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Hi Heather! Definitely before. This allows the paper to expand and contract as the varnish dries. Prepping the paper beforehand reduces the force of that expansion and contraction on the cover boards.

[@edaalparslan2206]

sorry if this is asked already but I didn't see if it was. is scrapbook paper too thick for this? I'm from Turkey and there isnt really much different types of paper here, so trying to improvise :) Also, Im really a fan of you for teaching this cool stuff

[@suewallis100]

Chilblains really painful!1

[@francinetjones1814]

Do you iron the paper after varnishing when dry. Mine is rippled.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Hi Francine! No, I didn't iron it. I suppose you could. But, when I glued it to the book cover, it smoothed down sufficiently enough.

[@amyaitapata6155]

Hi! I'm new to bookbinding, and less than 2 minutes into your video I'm over on Amazon trying to whittle down a $300 Pepin Paper cart down to like, $20. Help?

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Ha! The struggle is real, Amy. I get it, my cart looks amazingly similar. Lol

[@muhlenstedt]

I have read that metal cups with holes on the glazing let plumb residues out, please take care when trinking such . Merry Christmas!

[@londawhitt6841]

🎄😊👍👋

[@wrlSivan16]

How do you press your gold foiling

[@NiktheBooksmith]

good morning! I use a hot foil machine (video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZC1omqgid-Gr9k ) the machine is listed on my amazon favorites under "tools", the link is under my videos. Hope that helps!