#bookbinding kit

[starblightbindery]

My personal goal is to try and make fanfic binding as accessible to everyone as possible, so here are some resources on how to make a fanfic hardcover for under $25.

This is a barebones bind for the broke college students and such. Happy to field questions, too!

Here's a proposed budget breakdown:

Loosely organized thoughts:

Fanfic bookbinders often share typesets amongst each other. Never pay for a typeset for a fanfic. (A typeset is shorthand in fic binding circles for a fanfic that has been formatted/designed and paginated like a book, to be printed out.)

You'll hear a lot about grain direction for your printer paper, but as a newbie on a budget without your own printer, settle for some nice 92 bright or cream colored paper. If you like the hobby, splurge after but expect to pay at least 2-3x more for short grain paper.

Printing is a pain because some copy shops won't let you print intellectual property smut, and it's very expensive. You are better off bartering instead or looking for a free printer on Buy Nothing.

You know the thick paper wrapping that comes with online orders? It's a good weight for endpapers if you need to scrounge. Paper grocery bags or gift bags (birthday presents) might work, too.

Ask your local library to give you covers from books they are throwing out. Ask for outdated textbooks (those covers are built like tanks) or three-ring binders that are too busted to be binders anymore.

Obtain a used book that was mass produced (so your destruction of it does not impede anyone's access) and maybe even become a little vindictive with it.

If you can afford it, I recommend the Olfa SVR knife (~$10)

If you can afford it, upgrade your ruler to a t-square.

(Links to Amazon products above are affiliate links)

I really hope this resource is helpful! I want to stress how possible this is and encourage people to cherish what they love through art.

If you are interested in fanfic binding and have a little more disposable income, I have an affordable Fan Fiction Bookbinding Starter Pack that I carry on my site. I pack them myself and drop them 1x/month on the 15th.

[thingsidrawgohere]

I have absolutely fucked up my back after lugging that cabinet around and, thusly, I have taken my sweet time rebuilding my press. I was losing pressure when squarshing and I figured the bow in the top support arm was the cause. So instead of getting a 4x4 like a reasonable person, I got a cast iron support. What's the quote? 15 bucks on your hobby is the best 400 dollars you'll ever spend? This was, thankfully, not 400 bucks- but Yeah.

Yeah.

To that end, does anyone want a pony screw press? It's not an expensive piece nor is it new, obvs, but I'm happy to send it out if you're in the continental US. If you've got a drill and a couple specific drill bits (or spite), you can build a very good press. Maybe get a 4x4 for the support tho'.

Edit: The pony press has been claimed.

[lady-wallace]

Still time to take advantage of my summer journal sale! I’m trying to clear out some stock to make way for fall ones, so go wild!

I have also added my journal kits to the mix if you want to try out making your own and learning a little bookbinding! 

If you don’t see anything you like, I also do customs which are also on sale for 10% off

Sale runs through the end of August.

SHOP HERE

[starblightbindery]

Fan Fiction Bookbinding is an act of liberation and self-determination.

So this is me trying to keep a 🕯️ in the dark. Something I can control--make the hobby of fan fiction bookbinding more accessible in United States. Archive the stories you love, tell the stories you want to tell, and feel empowered to keep creating.

This is a giveaway to try and reach folks in states who may have more difficulty accessing bookbinding supplies. There are 9 eligible states + US territories. The intention is to help folks who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford or access. (If you can afford a kit or are not in one of the states listed, you can consider buying a kit the next time they drop on Feb 14/15--proceeds are used for initiatives like this one.)

I will not charge anyone any money for this (I will cover shipping) so if you get any messages asking for money to ship, etc. be skeptical (scam!) Tumblr Legal Disclaimer/Rules Thing By entering this promotion, each participant fully releases Tumblr from any and all liability related to this giveaway, and acknowledges that this promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Tumblr.

[starblightbindery]

This is the bookbinding kit that I wish I had when I first started out. The goal was to put all of the hard-to-source supplies in one newbie starter kit--only the good stuff that we fanbinders actually use. (Also, I really, really wanted a storage pouch celebrating our hobby.) THE FANFIC BOOKBINDING STARTER PACK

So we've got:

Bone Folder

Awl

Hole Punching Guide

Bookbinding Needles

100% Linen Thread

Raw Beeswax

Linen or Ramie Tape

Mull

Pre-Made Endbands

Corner Miter

Resource Brochure

Fanfic Themed Pouch

Olfa Knife (optional, but so useful!)

I figure most people already have things like rulers and brushes at home, and other things like glue and boards are easier to source separately. I'm hoping this kit takes the stress out of finding all of the fiddly bits from people who are new to the hobby. (Seriously, why are Lineco products so expensive!!!)

I'm hoping to use this space to blog more about the kit as time goes by. It was several months in the making. Local fanfic binders in the SoCal area helped me figure out what to include and what to leave out. Their feedback on what to include in the resource brochure was invaluable.

I sourced materials from China, India, Poland, Lithuania, and even my local farmer's market. I taught myself 3D modeling to design the corner miter. I corresponded directly with linen and mull manufacturers. I learned a lot about bone folders. Fanbinding is an act of resistance, liberation, and celebration. We're creating codices and preserving what we love. I don't bind in the fandom that inspired v.2.0's theme, but I know a lot of my fellow binders do. It was important for me to put the progress pride flag and trans pride flag on the kit to stick it to you-know-who.

[starblightbindery]

Hi! I know it's out of stock right now, but what's the price difference in the beginner binding kid (linen) + olfa knife vs the same kit without the knife? it's extremely awesome that you've put together such kits!

Thank you for your interest in the Fanfic Bookbinding Starter Pack!

It's $10 extra for the knife, so $46 instead of $36 (cost of the kit.) That's the MSRP of the Olfa SVR-2, though you can also use coupons at art supply stores or search around for a better price. I put the kits up as quickly as I can pack them! There are a lot of steps, including winding and cutting tape, weighing beeswax, measuring mull, etc. I am currently putting together the ones for September 15th, so you can set a calendar reminder for 12am EST.

[lady-wallace]

Journal Craft Kits Now Available!

Hey everyone! I’m super excited to launch my first ever craft kit! 

You can now learn to make a coptic bound journal yourself with this kit. Everything is pre-cut and I have added a 13 page instruction book with both text instructions and full color photos. 

This would make a great summer project!

I also have 20 different cover papers for you to choose from.

You can order your kit HERE and you can use a special code just for my followers to get 10% off your order if you order before the end of June. Just use LADYW10 at checkout to claim your discount

[knickknackgalore]

The Packaging for a Bookbinding Kit

Purchased at Sam's Club