My teacher at the Chicago workshop said to always use a bone folder on the spine before gluing. Tried it on a leather journal last month and the pages sat way flatter.

3 comments

3 Comments

Is that a common trick for leather work? I always thought it was just for paper, but I was wrong. My last few books have been way easier to open after I started doing this. It seems to really help the glue set in a better shape.

olivia_bailey1mo ago

Oh, the "just for paper" thing gets me. I used to think that too until I tried it on a leather journal and it was like the book sighed in relief. Honestly, @alicew68, it's one of those things you don't miss until you try it, then you feel silly for fighting with a stiff spine all those years. It's not about being perfect, it's about not having to wrestle your own book open. Some of us just like our hobbies to be a little less like arm day at the gym.

alicew681mo ago

But does it actually make a big difference or is it just a small step? I've glued plenty of spines without one and they open fine. Feels like maybe it's just for people who want everything perfect.