How to Make a Junk Journal out of an Old Book
I’m really happy to share my video bookbinding tutorial, where I go through a step-by-step walkthrough for creating a handmade book from a vintage book. I’m making it as part of the Unfolding Slowly project, but you can use it for whatever you want, of course.
note:
An abbreviated form of this video tutorial first appeared in two parts in my weekly email:
video book binding tutorial: part 1 - by Jessica Maybury
video book binding tutorial part 2 - by Jessica Maybury
Subscribe to it here:
[gathering materials for the book]
Part 1: the foundations of an artist book:
In this beginner-friendly tutorial, you’ll learn how to:
remove the original text block from a hard cover
gather and prepare your papers
fold the papers into signatures
sew those signatures onto a sturdy false spine, giving your book a solid structure to build on.
This is the foundation stage of the process, so if you’re new to bookbinding or want a clear, practical walkthrough, this is a great place to start!
Part 2 takes things further:
rebuilding the book with a new spine
adding extra embellishments and finishing details
adding extra paper if you feel you need to, & other on the fly decisions. 🍓
If you follow along and make your own version, I’d love to hear how it goes.⋆˚꩜｡
I ended up having to embed part of this tutorial here, as I can’t upload it because of my website plan restrictions that costs 💸💸💸 to upgrade.
here she is!
this is the book I finished making in this tutorial :) <3
Some questions or clarifications on any bookbinding terms I’ve used:
Do I need special tools to follow this tutorial?
Not really. Most of the basics can be done with simple tools like a needle, thread, scissors, and paper. A bone folder and awl are helpful but not essential.
What kind of paper works best for signatures?
You can use a mix of papers depending on your project—printer paper, sketch paper, recycled pages, or decorative sheets all work. Just try to keep thickness relatively consistent within each signature.
What is a ‘false spine’?
A false spine is a supportive structure that holds your signatures in place before the final spine is built. It helps keep everything aligned and makes the next steps easier.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes, this tutorial is beginner-friendly and focuses on clear, practical steps you can follow at your own pace.
Related reads:
A love letter to half‑finished drafts & a weekly‑ish ritual for coming back to whatever you're working on
Go full on feral (make your own art materials) - what else would you be doing with your time?
Making hay in the burning age (an art video & watering wildlife).
If you’d like to follow along with future tutorials, behind-the-scenes process notes, and new creative projects, you can subscribe to my newsletter for regular updates. & if you’re curious to see finished pieces or support my work, you can also explore my collection of handmade artist books available in my shop.