Problem VIII
Problem VIII
HINGED COVERS
Time: 8 hours.Materials: Newsboard, vellum, paper for leaves, eyelets, cord, and (if desired) cover paper for C and D.Note: In selecting materials, choose those which harmonize with each other, i.e., the vellum, cover paper, and lining paper should be of the same hue.
The problem is to make two separate hinged covers between which loose leaves may be bound, the whole to be fastened together with macrame or other cord. This may be designed for one of many uses, suggestions for several of which follow (see Plate XXIV).
Plate XXIV.Examples of hinged covers made by grammarschool children.
Plate XXIV.Examples of hinged covers made by grammarschool children.
A.A Sketch Book
Plate XXV.Freehand dimensioned sketches showing partsof a sketch book cover.
Plate XXV.Freehand dimensioned sketches showing partsof a sketch book cover.
In making dimensioned sketches for the various parts (see Plate XXV) determine first the size of the pages and plan the covers to extend beyond them about one-eighth of an inch. Make the sketches of the pages and the newsboard foundations. Lay out and cut the latter, of full size, and then from either a long or short side of each, in accordance with plan, cut a strip to form a hinge. The width of these strips may be from three-quarters of an inch to one inch. Vellum should be planned to cover completely one side of both pieces of each cover, to fold around the small piece and to lap over onto the large piece about one-half inch. It should also fold over the other three edges about one-half inch. (See Plate XXVI.) The lining paper shouldcover to within about one-eighth of an inch of the edges of the large pieces and should not extend onto the hinge. Constant bending soon breaks paper, but with ordinary use does not affect the tough vellum. Make dimensioned sketches of these pieces (see Plate XXV) and lay out and cut all remaining parts.
Plate XXVI.A diagram showing the position of the two pieces of newsboard on a piece of vellum.
Plate XXVI.A diagram showing the position of the two pieces of newsboard on a piece of vellum.
Properly place main part of newsboard on vellum, drawing around it. Lay small part one-eighth of an inch from main part and draw around it. Remove the pieces of newsboard and apply paste to vellum inside the pencil line, being careful to cover the surface smoothly and evenly; lay both back pieces in place, turn the vellum over and rub down. Cut from the projecting vellum on the hinged side a small piece even with the edges of the hinges as far as the outside corners (see Plate XXVI), and clip off the outside corners as before described. Apply paste to projecting vellum, fold over first the hinged side and its opposite, then the other two sides, and rub down. Paste the lining paper in and dry the covers separately under weight. Remember to place newspaper or blotting paper between each pair, otherwise the moisture from one will cause wrinkles in the other.
For the leaves, use drawing paper, which may be cut singly or in folio (with single fold). The latter method is preferable, as folded sheets are easier to place at the back, look better, and are more secure.
Plate XXVII.Two methods of cutting and folding paper for the pages of a scrap book or postcard album.
Plate XXVII.Two methods of cutting and folding paper for the pages of a scrap book or postcard album.
Two holes in each cover are sufficient for the cord, but a little care should be taken to determine the best position for them. The distance of each from the end of the hinge strips should be from one-fifth to one-sixth of its length, and, of course, they should be placed midway between the long edges. After punching the holes, see that the leaves are properly marked so that the holes in them will exactly fit the holes in the cover. To do this, place one sheet on the cover, leaving correct margins, and through the center of each hole mark the paper which should then be punched. Treat the other sheets in the same manner. Eyelets should be inserted in the covers only, and for that purpose a good eyelet punch is necessary. Directions for its use and sample eyelets accompany punches when sent from the dealer.
Complete by tying all together with a piece of cord. Make a small flat bow on the front cover.
B.A Scrap Book
This should be planned and worked out in the same manner as the Sketch Book, but it should be somewhat larger, possibly 6 × 8½ inches. For the leaves, screenings or wrapping paper may be used.
To prevent covers from flaring after the book has been filled, the thickness at the back should be increased by additional folds in the paper, as shown in Plate XXVIIA. The “stub” should be about one inch wide after it is folded. The Japanese method, which is to fold a very long strip many times in the same manner, forms a pleasing arrangement (see Plate XXVIIB).
C.A Postcard Album
Make the covers described in A and the leaves of a heavy paper. Green or brown screenings look well and give a background generally harmonious with colored postcards. The size of the leaves should be sufficient to leave a generous margin around the card. If two are to be placed on one page, have the space between less than the margins around the edges. A little additional margin at the bottom is always pleasing. Slits for holding the cards may be made in the following manner: cut a blank sheet of paper of the size of a postal card and from each corner measure both vertically and horizontally 1 to 1¼ inches and connect the adjacent corners with straight lines. Place this pattern in proper position and use the ends of the lines on it to locate the lines to be drawn on the page itself. It a hole is punched at each end of the line, it gives a neat appearance and prevents the paper from tearing easily. The lines on the page should be cut with a sharp knife. Insert each card by placing its corners in the slits.
A second set of oblique lines parallel to those already described may be drawn and cut three-eighths of an inch fartherfrom each corner. This will form a strap to hold the cards in place, and on the opposite side of the leaf cards may be inserted in the outside slits.
D.A Clipping File
Between two separate covers several envelopes—say five—are to be fastened and used for holding clippings, etc. Select the envelopes—3½ by 9 inches is a convenient size. Plan covers to be about one-eighth of an inch longer on each end than the envelopes and seven-eighths of an inch wider. This allows three-quarters of an inch for the guard and also a projection of one-eighth of an inch on the opposite side. Strips of vellum should be planned to cover completely both sides of the hinge, to lap over onto the large piece about one inch both outside and in, and to extend beyondeach end about one-half inch. To cover the rest of the newsboard, cover paper should be used and the pieces should lap over the vellum about three-quarters of an inch on the side next to the hinge and fold over the other edges about one-half an inch. The lining paper should cover to within one-eighth of an inch of the edges of the large pieces of newsboard. Make dimensioned sketches of all pieces and lay out and cut all parts.
Plate XXVIII.Relative positions of newsboard and vellum in making the cover of a clipping file.
Plate XXVIII.Relative positions of newsboard and vellum in making the cover of a clipping file.
Draw a line through the center of the vellum showing where the back edge of the small piece of newsboard should come. Lay main part one-eighth of an inch from this line and draw around the edges of both pieces except where the large piece projects beyond the vellum (see Plate XXVIII). Apply paste to vellum, lay pieces of newsboard in place, turn it over and rub down. Cut from the projecting vellum a small piece even with the ends of the hinges as far as the outside corners. Apply paste first to projecting ends, then to long strip; fold over and rub down.
Properly place cover on cover paper and draw around it. Apply paste to cover paper and finish as when vellum is used for entire cover. Paste in the lining paper and dry under weight.
Strips of vellum about 2½ inches wide and one inch longer than the envelopes should be folded lengthwise down the middle to form guards. Cut strips of newsboard three-quarters of an inch wide, and of the same length as the envelope. Apply paste to half the vellum and lay the newsboard on it with one edge against the center fold. Against the other edge of the newsboard lay the lower edge of the envelope with its ends and the ends of the newsboard in the same straight lines. Treat the ends of vellum in the same manner as on the covers. Punch holes in covers and guards, insert eyelets, and fasten together by tying, or with paper fasteners.