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2 more leather journal closures…

I decided on the closures for two more of my leather journals. I referred to my Pinterest board of closures while making my choices.

Once again, I tried to choose closures that echoed the stitching method used on the book.

The first book I worked on was a multiple section pamphlet. The green leather is an alligator-embossed cowhide and it is stiff! I attached a softer, yellow leather strap to the front cover, adding three parallel stitches to each end in a manner like those on the spine.

The yellow strap secures another strap that is attached to the outside back cover of the journal. I used a green waxed linen thread to attach the strap because I didn’t want to overdo it with the detailing. I used the same stitching as I did on the yellow cover strap.

Here’s a better look at the stitching on the spine:

While I worked on this book, I made an interesting discovery – my dog ate my homework:

My Wiggum is a rascal!

I have no idea when he went into my studio and did this. All of my other journals were unharmed.

At first I considered taking the book apart to resew it, but now I find it strangely charming. Maybe it was Wiggum’s way of contributing to the project? Now I plan to just iron the pages flat and keep the bite marks intact.

My next journal was sewn using Keith Smith‘s Dos Esquis binding:

I love this binding!

I decided on a simple button closure for this journal, mostly due to the cool shape of the overlaying leather flap. Most of that was the natural edge of the leather I cut, but I did do some additional trimming. The button design seems to indirectly reflect the stitching pattern on the spine.

I used my Japanese hole punch to create pilot holes marking the ends of my buttonhole. I used an X-Acto to cut the slit between the holes. Easy peasy.

I’ve been reconsidering my choice to create a vertical buttonhole. Would a horizontal buttonhole have been better? I’d love to hear your feedback.

Look, ma…no bite marks!

So I now have four journals completed. Only two more to go…