Solid Iroko sketching journals and notebooks, featuring hemp rope raised supports and overlapping raised supports across the centre of the spine, comprising of hemp rope and jute webbing.

The signatures were wrapped in handmade Lotka paper dyed with cacao beans and strands of jute grass. This thick and heavy decorative paper with randomly weaved fibres helps to protect and decorate the exposed spine.

​

Hemp ropes were lashed to the covers and anchored with brass binding posts. Across the centre of the spine are overlapping hemp rope and jute webbing supports, that are lashed to the covers and secured with brass binding posts. The signatures were sewn to the supports along the spine using a pack and loop sewing. The sewing across the overlapping supports at the centre of the spine secures the signatures to both supports simultaneously. The supports provide immense flexibility, allowing the book to completely fold back on itself, whilst remaining structurally sound and long lasting. The jute support across the centre of the spine wraps around the back cover to hold the book closed ` 

with a brass button on the front cover.

​

With many of the books I make I attempt to conceal the supports within the covers with carved channels, however, with this book I really wanted to emphasise how the supports are attached with functional and attractive lashings.

​

The covers were burned on one of the books to produce a dark and decorative finish that pairs well with the natural unburned covers.