Done!

On Saturday, when I went to line the covers with 2 ply bristol, I realized I really needed more.  So off to Old Colorado City for an foodie Open House with a stop at Meininger's on the way.  As I bought more 2- and 4-ply Bristol, I found out there are various rag contents (I am using the one with the most).  Will really need to start a technical file for such info.

So cut and pasted the boards, being careful to make sure the grain was running the same direction as the spine.  I really don't want a repeat of the other cover and am taking all precautions.  Am using a 70/30 mixture of PVA/paste too to make sure it's not too wet.  After re-reading my instructor's book, I did use a 4-ply bristol sandwich to absorb some of the moisture in the press.  After waiting five hours (more than enough time), I took a peek.  Success!  I did use water once more to open the book to make sure it wasn't stressed at the bend in each cover.

For the flyleaves, I used a sheet of Daler-Rowney Gun Metal Canford Paper.  The grey is the perfect foil for the grey of the cover.  It is just a few shades darker.  The grey of the leather is a silvery mottled grey calfskin.

 On to cutting and installing the leaves.  I cut & folded each flyleaf to size for the cover (which makes them oversized for the book block).  I then tipped them in, per the manual - pressing for 10 minutes.  Then bucking the manual, I finished pasting down the flyleaves to the covers, put back in the 4-ply Bristol sandwich and put it all in the press for 10 min.  Then, carefully opening the book, I pasted down each flyleaf, having carefully protected the book block with an extra sheet of waste paper.  My spatula-shaped teflon folder was the tool of choice here.

I now inserted the 4-ply Bristol for a five-hour press - just enough to make sure it is dry. (Note to self: next time 2-ply would probably be fine - don't want to create too much space in the book).  I then took the Bristol out and inserted plastic pages and then placed all in the press for a very firm, four-hour pressing.  Removing the book from the press, it looks good and all the pull is in the correct direction.

Sunday morning, up early cutting the flyleaves to size and rounding the corners to match the flyleaves on the cover and the shape of the book in general.  As I re-checked the book, I found one more page that had pulled away near the spine.  So one last quick fix with PVA and a bit of Japanese tissue.  Done!   Photos to follow as I did document this final version of the book.  The bill is annotated, including the drama of earlier this week.  And, the book is delivered to one happy customer.

Now, I am ready to venture back into the world of lettering and writing.