Making a Batch of Upcycled Pocket Notebooks - Easy No-Sew Binding

After experimenting with different types of adhesives to laminate the covers, I finally settled on a professional spray-on adhesive. It works on many types of paper, including glossy or coated ones, and it dries quickly. Most importantly it imparts virtually no moisture into the paper, which prevents curling and warping.

Though I use a variety of professional tools in this video, these notebooks can just as easily be made with everyday tools. A stack of books can stand in for a press, while a sharp utility knife and a steel ruler can, with practice, produce nicely trimmed edges. The size of your stapler somewhat limits the size of notebooks you can make in this style, though I have used a pin to poke staple-holes in notebooks and inserted individual staples by hand. The only limit is your own determination!

I actually filmed this project in the fall of 2020, but only recently rediscovered the footage. I’m glad I was able to put it together in a coherent manner, and I hope you enjoyed this little found gem.

Thanks for watching!

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All original works of art in this video are copyrighted exclusively by Four Keys Book Arts.

[sharonelliott]

I don't know how I got here but I'm so glad I did. Totally mesmerizing. I truly appreciate your craftsmanship.

[xVentax]

Wow, my shopping list just got serious:
Wooden press
Corner cutter
That paper trimmer!

[sharaleaming]

I know this is 2yrs old, but so glad I found your page

[namratakambli]

YouTube recommended this gem to

While watching the explaining process -
1. No music
2. No Nonsense dialogue
3. In-dept analysis of accuracy
4. Videography is top notch as we can see the process without any disturbance and with clear angle
5. Sound clarity

These points are rare to find nowadays....

for EFFORTS and DEDICATION #Respect

And that music while completion was peaceful feeling....

It's like my dopamine was released...

Thank you so much for everything....
Take Care
Keep doing the great work....

[PeterSanchezDotCom]

I don't know how I ended up here. I don't know why I watched the entire video. There was something so satisfying watching you make these notebooks. Nice work!

[bhornannawindeedeigh]

I took a bookmaking workshop many years ago - it was an all day gig. We made a stapled booklet, a triangular folded page book with hard covers, and a hardbound book as well that had 8 signatures of 8 pages each. It was a lovely experience. I still have them... don't know why I couldn't bring myself to use them, actually. People and blank pages are funny.

I love your work. I love your tools and your workshop! What fun! Heaven, really. 💐🙏🏽🤗

[stephdunham]

Your paper cutter is pure bliss *chef’s kiss*

[debcatman]

Oh my goodness, the TOOLS! I need those! The little notebooks are so neat. Well done!

[TheWendyJohnson]

Watching him slice through the notebooks is SO SATISFYING!!!!

[kmwwrench]

I'm in love with your corner rounder. That is the coolest tool I've seen.

[carlpeberdy]

I really like the overall look of the notebooks, and seeing the process was a lot more interesting than I was expecting - I was having 'a nice cup of tea' and this was an excellent accompaniment - and less calories than a biscuit!

[capricebrown]

Thanks so much for the tip about closing the cover with the pages! I have cracked many a cover. Looking forward to learning more from you. Your books look pristine!

[itsgettingold]

Beautifully produced video. Photography, sound, pace - everything was well done. Your voice is easy to listen to.

[julieduncan]

That is a SERIOUS paper cutter! Dang! I loved watching this video. Very satisfying. 😊❤

[eurekamarijka]

Perfect balance between handmade and logically efficient! I've made a few booklets and books with stab-stitching, and loving your channel - really opening my eyes to the overall process of bookmaking. Thanks for sharing such clear, uncluttered instructions!

[allisonjames]

👀 all those yummy paper scraps that could be made into handmade paper 🤔 Very nice notebooks.

[creepycast]

Actually, this is exactly how I’m going to make my own yearly planner books from now on because the ones I’ve seen lately are Hella expensive even more than the regular post Covid highway robbery of everything else so been putting off the planner but I really need it because I am a hands-on and individual. I have to see myself right things and doodle for me to focus and concentrate and remember things, so thank you this is what I’m gonna do. I’m gonna make some little two page per week planner calendars for people or even one page per week would be good to give away as little pocket stuffer gifts.

[cbthunderpig]

I think you just solved my Christmas list. Ironically, I was making small notebooks to learn more about book making materials.They came out so handy to use I carry one any time I go out. Your "recipe" turns out excellent quality, thanks for sharing.

[reubenpilli]

Probably I will never make books like these. But it was very calming to watch a master do it. Apart from the cool tools you use, I was very impressed with the idea of using old atlases for cover pages. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.

[jenniferholmes]

I suddenly need all these tools!

Thanks for the lovely video!