Tag: bookbinding tools

Posted on

Nokey Travel Size Sewing Frame

Nokey-travel
Nokey travel size sewing frame, open.
Nokey-travel2
Nokey travel size sewing frame, closed.

This smaller, and less expensive, travel size Nokey sewing frame is ideal for teachers or students who often travel to workshops. Or if your bindery is the kitchen table. The size of the base is 12 x 9 inches, overall weight 4 lbs. Folded it is 13.25 x 9.25 x 2 inches. Same features as the larger models, includes 5 buttons for attaching supports and an an adjustable 90 degree stop that can compensate for wear. 13-ply birch plywood and 6061 Aluminum. Lightweight ball-point hex driver included. Information on how to purchase above, in the store tab.

Nokey Travel:  $350.00

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Posted on

Are Beating Hammers Important?

image002
Forging a beating hammer. Photo: Smederij Berndt.

Pictured above is a custom made beating hammer we will be using for my upcoming 18th C. French binding class in the Netherlands.

Using a historic tool, or a replica of one, is an invaluable exercise for book conservators. It increases the ability to interpret subtleties of how a book was made. Beating hammers, for example, once ubiquitous, have been obsolete for almost 200 years. Using one in this workshop is usually a new experience for participants. In addition to the cathartic thrill of beating a book with a gargantuan 14 pound hammer, it helps us to understand the complexities of leaf morphology and textblock undulations.

Thanks to Smederij Berndt, the blacksmith, for taking the time to make this great looking tool. I can’t wait to give it a swing, that is, if I can lift it!

 

unnamed
The finished hammer. Photo: Smederij Berndt.

 

 

 

Posted on

Shanna Leino’s Online Bookbinding Tool Store

Shanna Leino, who makes beautiful bookbinding tools, now has an ecommerce store, so you easily purchase her wares online. Buying directly from her puts a few more dollars in her pocket, rather than giving it to resellers. Come to think of it, I could use another pair of her leather polka dot paperweights.

Screen Shot 2016-03-08 at 7.34.39 AM
Leather polka dot paperweights. Available from shannaleino.com. Image courtesy Shanna Leino.