This lovely book, Mrs Elliott's Journal, came for help to put her spine back together from three pieces barely holding, her covers back on, corners smoothed and straightened, endcaps reconstructed, ... and for a new dress. This is how it came together. Taking the old cover papers off was a priority, and though I hesitated … Continue reading More than a new French dress for Mrs. Elliott
I am occasionally asked to use my skills to protect treasures other than books. This last week I have completed a job to line a small cabinet ready for a precious shell and mineral collection. Shell, as I have learned and researched some more recently, does not like timber, so the timber of the cabinet … Continue reading Sshhh, sleeping treasures – creative enclosures
I started answering questions on facebook and Instagram about big family bibles, and as most folks have been asking about the same thing, I thought it best to write them here for everyone. There are many issues that arise with bibles, but these are the ones you can have an impact on at home, before … Continue reading Big bible advice
Needles. Most folks start out in binding just using whatever is handy - I did. Cheaper the better, whatever the weather, whatever the project - not a priority. A retired binder mentioned early on that a lack of attention to my needles would change the way I work and develop poor habits and unflattering books … Continue reading Let’s talk needles.
Heyho paperpeeps, fellows in binding and friends, This time of year is coooooold in the bindery, so from May to August, it is the season for tax (uuurgh) and bindery housekeeping (yawn), and more enjoyably, planning the year ahead, ordering supplies and engaging in community events (thank goodness) and... updating the bindery website. It still … Continue reading New website and online Sago bindery store
Another family bible. This one is special; it belongs to my little brother. I was keen to get it ready for delivering in person when I visited recently. It's text block was in good shape - just the brass furniture on the outside coming loose, and the brackets bent out of shape (happens a lot), … Continue reading A special bible
Sago on Tuesdays bindery Book Care workshop Where: Ballarat Mechanics Institute, 117 Sturt St., Ballarat When: 4 sessions available - May 27 (11am, 2pm), May 28 (11am, 2pm) What: How to clean, protect and archive books you love. How: Book HERE at Trybooking to secure a place Cost: $40 for the tool kit you can … Continue reading Ballarat Heritage Weekend
Many of the notebooks, recipebooks, fieldbooks, diaries, weather journals, flight logs, memoirs, scrapbooks, sketchbooks and albums I repair were never intended by the author to last beyond their lifetime. Perhaps the expense folks outlay to repair, conserve and protect them might even horrify the owner that their mess, musings and written debris are attracting so … Continue reading NOTES THAT LAST
I've had more family bible repair work this year than ever before. Is it because of the age of these books and their structural weaknesses that they are all breaking down about now? Perhaps it is that the transience of modern life makes us more attracted to the tactile bridge they provide to our heritage. … Continue reading Bible season.
With gentle, persistent pressure from customers,the Sago bindery is now open on Saturdays, Oct-Apr.For consultations on book repair, commissions, sales,and general socialization of a bookbinder who doesn't get out much. 😁🙄😉👍🏻 Stay tuned for the next post, to see what you can find...#sagoontuesdays #raretrades #openbindery #boookbinding
Sago on Tuesdays 