The right bookbinding stitch depends on the pages you have and how you want the finished book to open. A small booklet, a stack of loose drawings, and a thick sketchbook need different constructions. For a first folded booklet, start with a pamphlet stitch. For loose sheets, consider Japanese stab binding. For a journal with…
If you are an artist, then you probably know how important it is to have paint thinners around. As a versatile solvent, there are so many ways to use paint thinners in your work. Of course, the first purpose of paint thinner is to “thin” out paint for airbrushing, pouring, or for a lighter application….
The rise of digital art tools hasn’t quite overshadowed the humble pencil and sketch pad for drawing anime and manga. Drawing the traditional way can tend to be easier if you’re not well-versed in the digital world or if you’re just starting out drawing in general. For beginner anime artists, the one question that always…
If you are just starting to learn about bookbinding, all of the different techniques, materials, and stitches may seem confusing to you. You should know that many people – including experienced bookbinders – can feel confused at times, especially when the stitches appear so similar. So, what’s the difference between a kettle stitch and a…
Tapestry used to require a lot of skills and craftsmanship, as you needed to be able to map out a chart with the stitches and colors to create a pattern. Nowadays, there are a lot of tapestry needlepoint kits with pre-printed templates and all of the required tools that you will need to make beautiful…
Acrylic paints are every craftsman’s best friend. With a water-soluble formula that vanishes when it dries, they can be used for virtually any project. Undoubtedly, they are all-around versatile and valuable paints for many different types of projects. However, if you’re an artist, then chances are you’ve experienced the frustration of a dried-up acrylic paint…
The first journal I ever bound came apart in about a week. The stitching held fine. It was the glue that failed, a bottle of basic school glue that dried stiff and cracked the third or fourth time I opened the cover. That flop taught me what every binder figures out sooner or later: the…
Everyone knows the feeling of trying to finish an entire candle unsuccessfully – there’s always some wax left on the sides or at the bottom of the candle jar. The candle often looks messy, and by the end of the candle’s life, you’re mostly creating smoke. If you do this for a long time, you…
Sewing is a deeply rewarding hobby that allows you to create clothing and household items that are perfectly tailored to yourself and your loved ones. However, one annoyance that most sewing enthusiasts have is how loud their sewing machines can be – you can hear its echoes throughout your home, and sometimes, even your neighbors…
The kimono is a type of traditional Japanese clothing with a long and rich history. Traditional kimonos, which have many layers of fabrics and a complicated structure, are still worn today during special occasions. As fashion evolves and the kimono is adapted to everyday wear, it is now a light layering piece for the summer….