I've been wanting a blank journal for my own use—one with pages suitable for watercolor or other wet media. A few months ago I bought a pad of watercolor paper on sale at Hobby Lobby. I tore this down into folios for two 5 1/2 x 7 1/2 books, and started on book #1. For the covers I dove into my paper stash and found a Japanese metallic I'd purchased by mail order 25 years ago (this was pre-internet!).
For the endpapers, there was a perfect suminagashi marbled paper from a trip to Portland.
I assembled the signatures, wrapped them in gray paper to enhance the spine, and punched the holes. Choices, choices. What color for the waxed linen thread? At first I thought I'd pick a green or violet from the endpapers, but eventually I chose butterscotch. I didn't want the cover to be the star here, but the contents. Also had to choose a button.
Here's the winner:
The signatures were punched, and the book now ready for its coptic stitching. If you click to enlarge, you can see the holes. The red string is just to hold things together temporarily.
This is the part I love. Starting is a bit tricky, but after that things go well if one pays attention.
Halfway through:
Stitching done! Now into the press for an hour or so.
The button and tie are affixed. Journal finished. Or actually it's just beginning. Have to add the contents.