A master bookbinder told me my covers were 'too perfect' and it stung

I was showing off my latest rebind at a guild meetup in Portland last month. This old timer who's been at it for 40 years took one look and said my covers looked machine-made, not handcrafted. He pointed out I was sanding my boards too smooth and using way too much PVA glue in my corners. At first I was annoyed, but he showed me his own work and I saw the subtle texture he got from using a bone folder with just the right pressure. I started leaving tiny marks and using a mix of wheat paste with my PVA. Now I actually get compliments on the handmade look instead of people asking what machine I used. Has anyone else gotten criticism that forced you to totally rethink your process?

2 comments

2 Comments

elliot_miller2219d ago

That bone folder trick changed everything for me too.

emerycarr19d agoTop Commenter

Tried using it as a bookmark once and the spine crease almost made me cry.