A solid mahogany exposed spine sketching journal and notebook, featuring Celtic sewings, coptic headbands and spiral bindings on hemp ropes.

 

Continuous lengths of hemp rope were lashed to the boards using heavy Barbour linen thread to act as raised supports. The signatures were wrapped in handmade Lotka paper dyed with natural charcoal and cacao beans. This thick and heavy decorative paper with randomly weaved fibres helps to protect the exposed spine.

 

The hemp ropes at the head and tail extend to the fore edge on the front board and are anchored to oak pegs with brass binding posts. These hold the book closed by sliding through loops of thick cotton webbing that are attached to the back board with brass binding posts and linen thread lashings. Slots in the front board allow the straps to be pushed through, whilst the tension of the pegs against the front board secures the book closed.

 

Three separate sewings were performed simultaneously. Firstly, two Celtic sewings attach the signatures to both boards and decorate the spine. The colours of the thread compliment the various natural hues and highlights of the mahogany. Secondly, a spiral binding along the spine secures the signatures to the hemp ropes, decorating the exposed spine and firmly supporting the Celtic sewings. Thirdly, coptic headbands were sewn at the head and tail for additional support and decoration.

 

I wanted to explore alternative methods of securing the supports and holding the book closed. I took inspiration for the design from the wood itself, as I am always enamoured by the tones and of natural mahogany.