Purchased a 2/2.5 oz leather swatch for practice and confirmed it as the minimum workable thickness for future cover testing. Assessed local tool availability and noted gaps in thread, needle, and awl sizing, establishing the need to source appropriate materials from primary suppliers before proceeding with prototype development. Date:  Saturday October 18, 2025 Classification:  Week 3 Day 6 | Admin Day Our practice leather has been acquired! Not the color I want for the fini

Received the Classic Crest Smooth 80T (118 gsm) Epic Black sheets in the 12×18 format selected for prototype work. This stock meets archival, grain-direction, and print-compatibility requirements and resolves the earlier sourcing gap that delayed template development for the 9×6 and travel-sized journal layouts. Classic Crest Smooth 80T (118gsm) Epic Black 12 X 18

Focused efforts on sourcing 12×18 black text paper, correcting grain-direction mismatches, and evaluating alternatives after widespread stock shortages. Reviewed commercial notebooks to validate size and usability expectations, while assessing options for viable cover-material suppliers as prototype requirements became clearer. Date : Wednesday October 8 – Friday October 9, 2025 Classification : Week 2 Day 3–4 | Admin Day As I’m sat down to write this on the 14th last week’s

Created a small-form watercolor booklet for first in-house commission. Used pewter sample stock for cover and single-page signatures to increase flexibility. Sewing method showed loosening over time, unsuitable for long-term use. Planned improvements include switching to thicker 18/3 linen thread, adopting a Coptic binding style, and using reinforced cover material for greater rigidity and stability. Date : Monday October 6, 2025 Classification : Week 1 Day 4 | Craft Day Made

Completed first five-signature notebook. Adjusted thread length after miscalculation from previous attempt; established correct formula for measurement. Improved wax application reduced fray and improved threading. Identified uneven tension caused by inconsistent tightening at head and tail. Achieved proper alignment and closing through use of punching cradle. Results established baseline for thread length, spacing, and stitch consistency. Date : Friday October 3, 2025 Classi

Received Neenah sample stock and began the first five-signature notebook. Large cover sheets required cutting adjustments for accuracy. Pewter cover stock proved durable but slow to handle. Template-based punching improved alignment; one signature was remade due to punch offset. Sample cover stock paired with Staples text paper; threading postponed for precision under better focus.

Constructed three 16-page pamphlets to test cutting, punching, and threading accuracy. Initial freehand methods caused misalignment; use of a punching cradle resolved spacing and threading issues. Established consistent hole placement, improved thread tension, and confirmed cradle use as essential for uniform stitching.