13 Comments

I use a glue called Yes from Dick Blick I glue photo copies of my artwork printed on Moab Entrada Rag Natural 190 on to acid free foam board. It is kind of thick and gooey but I spread it on with a palette knife and I notice that it dries very smoothly without any bumps. Is is also relatively fast drying and acid free. You may want to try it on one of your projects.

I love what you are doing along with the devotion to technique and detail.

Richard

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Much appreciated, Richard. I've heard reports on "Yes", but thanks to your recommendation I'll now buy some from Blick to experiment with. I must have at least 20 different adhesives in our studio, but I like to experiment with new ones to see if they fit into my various projects. Just this morning I used the wrong glue for a mat board and it curved on me due to the water content. Lesson learned! Do you find that "Yes" has a high water content?

Les

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I don't think it has much water content at all. As I said it is pretty thick and gooey but spreads out with a pallet knife very easily. I was surprised and pleased that the photo I glued on was absolutely smooth with no tiny bumps.

Let us know if your book is ever out there for sale.

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I am interested in making books, but have only toyed with small efforts. I appreciate all that I am learning from this newsletter. Craft and paper are very important to me.

The book is beautiful. I love calligraphy and this aspect of the book is endearing.

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Thanks, Michael. I find that it's really one step at a time. Like I said in the newsletter, it took longer than planned, but that's because I followed the one-step rule. I do plan a complete write up of this book-making project, but hard to say when I'll be able to do that. Bob has photographed all the stages, so that should help. Stay tuned, but also start planning your own book. If you have questions, this is the place to post. Our community obviously has lots of talent, skills and experience.

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Mistakes are the best teachers and are invaluable for the evolution of the creative process. :)

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I couldn't agree more. Yes, it's frustrating when it happens, but that's the time to take a deep breath, re-evaluate and try a new approach.

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I imagine the book is stunning to see in person.

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Thanks so much for the compliment. I'm certainly pleased with it, as are others who have seen it in person. There is not only the visual aspect, but the tactile sensation of handling such magnificent papers. Still, I've always viewed this as the first step toward my vision of a completely self-made book. The journey continues.

Les

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I can attest to that!!! Then again I am a HUGE fan-boy of the Unryu...

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Will do, Richard. I just ordered a pint of the "Yes" from Blick. I'll let you know what I think of it after a get a chance to experiment. Thanks again for the tip.

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Have you considered asking a museum conservatore for the book arts? Or the center for the Book inSan Francisco. There is lots of help out there who know which glues, which papers, which bindings for handmade books? Bill@ahearnarts.com

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Bill,

Thanks so much for the sage advice. If you can recommend such a conservator I would be most appreciative. You can reach my through my website <les@lesterpickerphoto.com>.

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