Why My Old DIY Books Are Falling Apart...

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0:00 How did my books age?
0:36 2011 Job Notebook
2:03 2012 Moleskine Journal
3:42 2014 Single Sheet Book
5:48 Lineco pH Testing Pen
8:00 2020 BuzzFeed Book
9:16 2020 Crisscross Book

[MrZoe]

As someone who keeps clothes entirely too long, elastic just breaks down over time. I've gotten rid of clothes that still fit because the elastic stopped working and was too hard to replace. The rubber just breaks down over time.

[vickiefowler]

Don’t be embarrassed… This is great information to share! I appreciate knowing what works best and what doesn’t… especially glues! I’ve used lots of different kinds of glue… some hold up great and some give up the ghost after only a couple of years.

[robinalcorn]

Really interesting! I remember watching many of your bookbinding videos and liking them so much. Re: elastic. They don't make it like they used to. I have clothing from the 60's and 70's with perfectly good elastic. Today's elastic gives out long before a garment does. Aggravating.

[lozartist]

Elastic is a Problem in the doll community too, there's several types of doll that are strung with elastic and that will need replaced over time. Same thing with clothes, anything with elastic it wears out like crazy over time. It sucks because idk if there's a more archival solution?

[JenniferDurdleArt]

THANK YOU for making this video. Seeing what’s gone wrong is so helpful, as embarrassing as it may be to show that you’ve had something not hold up. I find that if I see the experts make mistakes too, I’m less hard on myself when I do. ❤❤

Elastic is a natural material, and deteriorates over time. It stretches out and loses its ability to pull back in. When it gets old enough it will actually dry and just crumble apart.

Didn’t know a ph pen was a thing, definitely going to get one. Also good to know zazzle prints on acid free paper. I’ve never ordered from them, but will check them out now.

[JohnJones-oymd]

1:03 - Natural rubber-based elastic is almost guaranteed to fail with age. No different than old rubber bands or elastic waist bands in clothing.

[catpawrosales]

Elastic deteriorates over time, in humid conditions it can get sticky, and in dry environments crispy. Same for elastic on clothes and lycra.
Don't be embarrased - we're all here to learn together <3 Your reuse of materials are commendable, I dare say a lot of us do not have access to the best products, and just make do with what we can get our hands on. And to be fair, I've had a lot of storebought books with the same problems, so there.

[saberkite]

Your bookbinding videos were the ones I watched nearly 9 years ago, when I tried to make my own sketchbook. I love how easy they were to follow, and how stress-free they were. Love this look back at them (I see some familiar ones!) and thank you for the tips.

[berolinastrassmann]

This was excellent, thank you so much. I saw the older videos and learnt so much. However, this "test of time" shows why it is so important to use acid free materials and follow the grain of the paper/board. I look forward to the rebinding videos.

[kathrynmccluskey]

Thanks for an informative retrospective on bookmaking. Elastic lasts, but not forever. Time and environment is a challenge we all face. I’m always excited to see your continuing content.

[Lady_dromeda]

I hope you do a series fixing the old books, that would be cool

[pernillemakholm]

I have actually made holes in the cover and sewn on the elastic - for the exact reason that it would be easier to replace. I can just snip the stitches and stitch on a new elastic.

[heathervanek]

Thank you for sharing! It seemed to be a little embarrassing for you. Please don't feel that way! We all make mistakes, and it helps to share them and what you would do differently next time. I hadn't even thought of checking my card stock, paper, recyclable boxes, etc. Very informative 😊

[KrisFlint]

Elastic deteriorates over time as it ages and breaks down it will become loose start breakdown, I don’t know any elastic that would be considered archival.
Another option for book board could be mat board, used in picture framing, it is archival safe and comes in heaps of colours. You can probably buy off cuts from you local framing store at a discounted price.
With the bubbles under the vinyl cover, it could be that there were missed areas of glue or the board used might be more fibrous and separated from other layers in the board this can sometimes give the appearance of bubbles.
Your books are fantastic and not all of them need to be archival safe, making books archival safe can be a lot more expensive.

[emielabalahin]

This is a great video, which is helpful for helping us to understand the deterioration of all books and journals after some time. I purchased a journal with an elastic band some time ago, and the elastic only lasted about 4 years with rare use. I think the elastic itself naturally wears out, much like rubber bands after a few years.

[kitgar]

I think we can all look back on previous projects and know that we would and could do better now. I have the same feeling about past knitting and crochet projects I've done. I've even ripped some out and remade them. Very satisfying! It shows that you've learned and grown your craft and is something to be proud of, not embarrassed. I would love to see you remake the book with the yellowing packing tape too. Great video Jennifer!

[mjpete]

Hullo Jenn, I hesitate to say this, but I have actually experienced some bad elastic in clothes and sketchbook binding! I read several comments and I agree elastic is made so cheaply today, very sad! Thank you for sharing your experience with us and your honesty is truly appreciated. I am looking forward to seeing your binding redo in a future video.

[dragnstr]

Takes guts to admit problems encountered in work and use them as learning experiences

[KatieKayL]

I really appreciate you - this is an amazing video. Being able to celebrate what worked and learn from what didn't from projects that are ten years old... what an incredible investment and resource! I have enjoyed your videos for years and even though I'm just a random internet stranger, I just admire you. I think it definitely takes bravery and vulnerability to reflect on older projects like this. Both for the wins and the things learned! Thanks for continuing to share helpful and authentic videos 💖

[AngelavengerL]

This was super interesting. I think the first two books bindings look crazy good for 10 years. Especially considering the spine on the first is exposed. The pen was interesting.