making hand-made books: Tab Binding
I've been really into making handmade books lately. Small ones. More as art pieces than anything else. But I'm still a bit intimidated by bookbinding and stitching. So when I found a YouTube video demonstrating a no-stitch binding method called tab binding, I was intrigued. I was eager to try a binding method that seemed more approachable for a beginner like me.
Tab binding is a unique technique where you bind each sheet, or signature, together with small tabs. The result is a book that feels special, almost like an artifact or a discovered treasure. The exposed tabs add a visual element that elevates the book beyond a simple collection of pages.
Here's what I love about tab binding:
No stitching required: This is a major plus for anyone who finds sewing intimidating.
Unique look: The tabs create a distinctive aesthetic that sets tab-bound books apart.
Artifact feel: The exposed binding gives the book a handmade, almost ancient quality.
Now that I have a few of these little books constructed, I'm excited to start filling them. My initial thought is to use them for tiny drawings and diagrams. I love the idea of creating miniature worlds within these compact pages. But I'm also considering using my itty bitty thermal printer to create tiny books of quotes and poems.
Working on these handmade books has brought about a welcome shift in my creative process. Lately, I've been too focused on making art with the intention of selling it. And that puts you in a different headspace – one that can sometimes stifle creativity. But with these little books, I haven't been thinking about selling them at all. It's been nice to simply make something for the fun of the process. It's a good reminder of why I make art in the first place. The freedom to create without the pressure of commercial viability has allowed me to reconnect with the pure joy of making.
