It’s the year-end and New Year holidays that have been renovated from the 2024 schedule book. I have renovated it to incorporate the techniques we learned in 2023. It also serves as a practice to master the use of my new partner, the foil stamping machine.
I’ve gotten used to making the German version, which I had a series of failures with. I think it’s better to use durable leather for the back and cloth for the cover. What happens if it’s the other way around? I will make it, use it, and try it out.
角は革を漉いて菊寄せ。 昨年習った技術の復習です。
The horns are made of leather and kikuyose. I will review the techniques we learned last year.
スピンは元からついていたものを再利用。 花布は箔押しの色に合わせました。
Spin reuses the original one. The headband matches the color of the foil stamping.
The back is made of indigo leaf-dyed cotton cloth. Hand-dyed by my friend, the artist Keshiki. Indigo fades quickly, so I will experiment with that as well. This is a practice of stamping the foil straight down the center of the back.
The year 2024 began with a disaster. I wanted to be able to repair books, so I knocked on the door of my current bookbinding class. Industrial bookbinding technology is wonderful because it is inexpensive and can be quickly supplied in large quantities. However, a book that is out of print or a book of memories cannot be replaced. I believe that hand-binding allows me to respond to each person, one book at a time. I want to solidify the foundation for this and build upon it.
A lot of people came to the pre-opening of the bookbinding cafe the other day. I sincerely thank you.
先日は製本カフェ試食会に、予想以上の方にお越しいただきました。 本当にありがとうございます。
I exhibited bookbinding tools. 製本道具を展示しました。
A bookbinding cafe is a cafe for making books. It is a cafe as an entrance for those who are interested in books. I also sell bound albums, notebooks and stationery. The cafe offers cheesecake, coffee, tea and apple juice.
These are notebooks to be sold and half-finished. 販売予定のノートと作りかけのノート。Past productions. 過去に作った物。On this day, we also made it possible to experience calligraphy. この日はカリグラフィー体験もできるようにしました。
I will open once a month from this month. Well, here’s the announcement of the 1th opening day.
Date and time ▶︎ Sunday, March 26, 11:00-18:00 Location ▶︎ kitorasu, inside the former Yame-gun government office 2-105 Honmachi, Yame City, Fukuoka Prefecture 834-0031
I hope it will be a time to read a book slowly and open a notebook quietly. ゆっくりと本を読んだり、静かに手帳を開いたりする時間となりますように。
This is a cheesecake that will be offered at a bookbinding cafe. 製本カフェで提供する予定のチーズケーキ。
It’s been a long time. It was a great experience for me to see and hear about bookbinding during my stay in Tokyo. After that, I was lucky enough to attend a bookbinding class in Fukuoka. Right now, I’m in the process of resolving questions that arise as the book is bound.
The ones I bound for practice last year. 昨年、練習に作ったもの。
Then I noticed a change in my senses and sensibilities. So far, I’ve opened a store at events and planned events with someone. My challenge this time is to try it myself. I still haven’t decided what I want to do or what kind of bookbinding I want to do. I want to clarify that.
Also, I’ve been getting more questions about bookbinding. There is also a purpose of a place to respond to it. I would be happy if you could familiarize yourself with bookbinding. Of course, you are welcome even if you are not interested in books or bookbinding. I want you to read quietly, be absent-minded, and relax.
Date: March 3rd 12:00-17:00 Location: kitorasu inside the former Yame-gun government office Cafe menu: Cheesecake and drink set only. 500 yen. ＊ Drinks are hot coffee, hot oolong tea, and cold apple juice. ＊ There is a possibility that you may have to wait for practice on this day. That’s why I have a service price.
Flat surface with no irregularities. Right angle. If I say so myself, it’s good. 凸凹のない平坦な表面。 直角の角。 我ながら上出来です。
Another purpose of my stay in Tokyo is to study bookbinding and calligraphy. I received a workshop by Yonne, who I had been following on Instagram for a long time. It’s my first time to meet face to face. I am excited at the thought of seeing her.
Books inside the case are free as long as they are within the specified size. I made a case of two books bound by myself. 規定サイズ内であれば、ケースの中に入れる本は自由です。 私は自分で製本した本2冊組のケースを作ります。
There are many types of Yonne’s workshops. It covers a wide range of fields, from thread binding, book structure, book repair, to box making. I wish I could receive it during my stay in Tokyo. Fortunately, I had a seat at the slip case making workshop, so I applied immediately.
One of the problems with my bookbinding was cutting cardboard. I couldn’t cut the cross section straight. This time, this problem has been solved! The teacher gave me some tips. I succeeded in cutting out at a right angle!! The size of 3 sheets of cardboard is also perfect.
After cutting out the material, it is time to assemble. Check for size errors during the assembly process. Since the cardboard can be cut out accurately, a box with no unevenness can be created.
When the base is ready, I will put the cover on it. 下地ができたら、カバークロスを貼っていきます。
It was completed! 完成！！
The corners are also beautifully finished. 角も綺麗に仕上がりました。
The size of the book and case is also perfect. Not too big, not too small. According to the teacher, books will last much longer if they are put in a box. I was able to learn not only how to make a slip case, but also basic techniques and information on bookbinding. It was a very fulfilling workshop. Thank you, Yonne.
The front of the bookstore. Here is Bookstore / Seikatsu tsudurikata. 書店の正面。 こちらが本屋・生活綴方。
I visited Fumiko Iyori, who I met at an event in Hirokawa Town, Fukuoka Prefecture in December 2019. When I met her, I heard that the bookstore she was involved in was rare and interesting, and I was following SNS of the bookstore. The name of the bookstore is “Bookstore / Seikatsu tsudurikata“. Seikatsu means living. Tsuzurikata is Japanese with two meanings: writing a sentence and binding a book.
I arrived without hesitation using this appearance that I saw on SNS. I heard later that it was originally a bookstore for children’s books. The old signboard is left as it is.
Near the entrance is a corner of books published by Seikatsu tsudurikata. Only the top is Tara books. It was said that Mr. Nakaoka of Sanrinsha, who publishes the Japanese version of Tara books “Tsunami”, was involved in the launch of this bookstore. In 2019, the “Town Bookstore Renovation Project” was launched. Opened as Bookstore Seikatsu tsudurikata in 2020 as a result of a project started by a real estate agent, a publisher, and a bookstore in this town.
It seems that everyone in the town made this place, which was once a storeroom. Currently, there are about 60 people involved in this bookstore. Wow, awesome …
I was guided to the back of the store. お店の奥まで案内していただきました。
I noticed the sign on the door. ドアの上には気になる照明が。
This “on air”, yes! This bookstore broadcasts radio. It was broadcast at noon in 2021, and the record is left on YouTube. Click here → Honkota Radio Now they are livestreaming on Instagram at night. Click here for Instagram → Honkota Radio
Well, when I went to the back, it was the room of the Risograph printing machine. What I’m most interested in is the part related to a book production. There is a printing method that is neither a printing company nor a private printer!
Toner and color swatches are right next to the printing machine. 印刷機のすぐ側にはトナーと色見本。
It is a system that anyone can use the printing machine if you pay the usage fee, and after the first explanation of how to use it, you can print freely by yourself.
Furthermore, when I out from the back door, I saw this kind of scenery. Beans, barley, and vegetables grew this season. The potatoes were just planted, and Nozawana had flowers.
There is also a handmade water place. 手作りの水場もあります。
Sometimes a modeling class was held, and there was even a water place. This was also made by an architect in the town.
造形教室を開催されることもあり、水場までありました。 これも町の建築士さんが作ったのだそう。
The building taken from the back of the store and the field side. お店の裏、畑側から写した建物。
Inside this window is a tatami room with a kotatsu. Honkota Radio will be delivered from here. Sometimes it was a radio booth, and sometimes it was a bookbinding place. The air created by the many people involved and moving their hands is fascinating. It wasn’t special, it seemed to happen naturally.
This is the main store, Ishido Bookstore. こちらが本店の石堂書店。
The bookstore is diagonally opposite Bookstore Seikatsu tsudurikata. Ishido Bookstore is the main store of Seikatsu tsuzukukata. It deals with magazines, manga, practical books, etc. At the Seikatsu tsudurikata, literary books, Little Press, etc. were mainly selected. The books they have and the way they are operated are completely different, but both are the bookstores we need in our town.
The second floor of Ishido Bookstore is a shared coworking space, and its name is “the second floor of a bookstore.” On this day as well, there were users who were working. The room I was shown was a handmade interior with retro chairs lined up, and although it was a workplace, it had a relaxing atmosphere.
The lunch box I ate for lunch. Iyori and her friends also showed me around the shopping district. It was really fun! !! お昼ご飯に食べたお弁当。 伊従さん達が商店街も案内してくれました。 本当に楽しかった！！
And, actually, Iyori introduced me to a person who makes hand-made notebooks. Happy encounter! !! Thank you very much to Fumiko Iyori and the people of Myorenji. A sequel is likely to be born in this story. It will be the next opportunity.
I received a DM from the organizer. It is distributed to acquaintances in Fukuoka who are engaged in creative activities. Contact me if you want. 主催者からDMが届きました。 創作活動をしている福岡の知り合いに配っています。 欲しい方は私に連絡を、ぜひ。
I entered my work in an exhibition. The is exhibition called “Book Lovers”, which is an exhibition of book art. It will be held at MOTOYA Book Cafe Gallery in Tokyo. It will be held from March 2nd to March 27th. You can also see the work online during the period. There are many authors other than me, so you should be able to enjoy it. If you can, go to the gallery, if you’re far away, go to the website, and if you’re creating, join us next time.
展示会に出品しています。 それは ” Book Lovers ” というブックアートの展覧会です。 東京にあるMOTOYA Book Cafe Galleryにて開催されます。 開催期間は、3月2日−3月27日。 会期中はオンラインで作品を見ることができます。 私以外の作者がたくさん出品されているようですし、きっと楽しめるはずです。 可能な方は会場へ、遠方の方はwebサイトへ、 そして、もし、創作活動をしているのならば、次回はぜひ参加を！
I had released it 2019 may. However, there was an undisclosed special binding version. It’s a hardcover binding. This work needs paper knife to read. I had a craftsman make a bamboo paper knife for this book. It has the shape of a drop that can be used with both hands. This design also has meaning.
Title is printed by silk-screen same as softcover binding. Letters are intentionally blurred. タイトルはソフトカバー製本と同じくシルクスクリーン印刷です。 文字はわざと滲ませてあります。
The end paper was colored to match the photo. 見返しは写真にあわせて色付けしています。
Handmade paper for this book. Before the paper dries, it drops water and marks it. この本のために漉いてもらった特別な手漉き和紙。 落水紙といって、漉きたての紙に水を落とし痕をつけてもらいました。
The three end papers are Yame handmade Japanese paper. These also match the colors in the photo. It’s a very thin paper, and it’s a light color that you can see compared to white. 見返し紙3枚とも八女手漉き和紙です。 これも写真と色をあわせました。 とても薄い紙で、色も白と比べてわかるくらい淡いです。
This book is uncut. You will need a paper knife here. I planned to make a work using this structure. この本はアンカットです。 ここでペーパーナイフ登場。 アンカットを生かした本が作りたくて企画した作品です。
Double section. The keyword of this work is “2”. ダブルセクション。 この作品のキーワードは”2”。
The font used is Tsukushi typeface. I adopted the suggestion from the designer. This is a font that is particular about non-uniform Japanese shapes and spacing. And the point of this work is the emotions that attract each other. I imagine a relationship where the one and only two people fit perfectly. 使用フォントは筑紫書体。 デザイナーからの提案を採用しました。 これは均一ではない日本語の形とスペーシングにこだわったフォントです。 そして、この作品は二人の惹きあう感情がポイントです。 唯一無二の二人がぴたりと嵌る関係をイメージしています。
I use Japanese and English. Not a complete translation. Japanese and English have an auxiliary relationship. The layout of the letters also makes sense. 日本語と英語を使って表現しています。 完全な翻訳ではなく、双方が補助になっている部分があります。 文字のレイアウトにも意味を持たせています。
Strangely, it was exhibited in a work exhibition called Lovers. ” Love is a yearning to be one ” Ancient Greek philosopher Plato’s words. 奇しくも、Loversという展示への出品です。 ”愛とは一つになりたいという願いである” 古代ギリシャの哲学者プラトンは愛をそう説きました。
The second keyword is tears and drops. It expresses the sadness that two people who are attracted to each other cannot become one. They are just two people, and because they are two people, they can attract each other. Drops are tears of joy in finding a one-of-a-kind partner, love to pour, and tears of sadness that cannot be one. 二つ目のキーワードは”涙” ”雫”。 惹かれあう二人の一つになることができない切なさ。 二人はあくまでも二人であり、二人であるから惹きあうことができるという事実。 雫は、唯一無二の相手を見つけた喜びの涙であり、注ぐ愛情であり、一つになれない悲しみの涙です。
What is a book ? Spell the letter. Binding paper. It will be in the form of a book. The book we are looking for. What kind of book is it ?
The text in the frontispiece of “Tsuduru”‘s first issue. Fontworks‘s Kafu pen-style font is used. The word “tsuduru” has both meanings of writing sentences in a row and sewing paper for binding. It’s a word for making books. That is the origin of my shop name and the name of my publication. The design and DTP is creative works Grouper ( Yoko Futagami ) .
I wonder. Why do people want visual elements? Long before the word Mingei was born, we have been patterning earthenware. Not only the building, clothes and tableware, but also the serving of food is enjoyed by the eyes. What we are looking for is not only beauty, but also various kinds of pleasures such as coolness, cuteness, relaxation, and stimulation. In other words, we need more than just usability.
In my last blog, I mainly talked about concept setting and didn’t talk much about design. This time I would like to talk about the visual issue, design.
“Tsuduru” is a booklet that I edit and publish. I started making it for the purpose of popularizing a project that triggered the bookbinding. But when it comes to creating, “what is a book?” I was faced with the question. I can’t make it without answering this question. So I decided to put that question into shape. Since then, I have been publishing with the attitude of making books that I really want to make.
The first three book designs from Yoko Futagami. An image of calligraphy in the pink colored part. フタガミヨーコ氏からの最初の表紙デザイン3案。 ピンクに色付けされた部分にカリグラフィーが入るイメージ。
The cover of Volume 1 of “Tsuduru” expresses the etymology of the Chinese character 綴. The basic meaning is to connect disjointed things together. That is design A. It is the Chinese character of the radical that represents the thread. So, it has a special meaning of connecting with a thread. Plan B is a design that expresses the meaning of connecting with threads. In addition, the sound of Tsuduru’s “Tsudu” has the same roots as the Tsuduku’s( following , continue ) “Tsudu”. Both are words that describe disjointed things stick together and do not separate. From that meaning, design C represents the everyday life that continues.
All three were designed to express the etymology. But, all three have completely different designs. When you find something that suits your heart, it’s easy to decide. I chose design A at a glance. The first edition was 2017. I thought it was great at the time, but now that 2021 is nearing the end, I can finally talk about design. And I still fall in love with this design.
There were two conditions in the design of this book. One is to use handwritten calligraphy (not printing). The second is Japanese binding. The text inside is written vertically, so it is a book design with right binding. The binding thread pattern of the bookbinding is also considered as part of the design. Matching the content, binding, and design is also an issue of “Tsudurru”.
Encounter with Yoko Futagami from this book. From planning to publishing, she made zine “Irohani”. フタガミヨーコ氏と出会うきっかけになった一冊。 企画から出版まで彼女が作ったniche na zine 『いろはに』。
I was looking for a designer to make a booklet for the purpose of popularizing a project. I found her zine in my favorite bookstore. The name of the bookstore is taramu books & cafe. It’s a good bookstore, so I recommend checking it out. The owner introduced her to me. First of all, I was attracted to the design of the cover of this zine. A title logo that is not an existing font. Block pattern of watercolors. I felt that the color and the atmosphere of the typeface were in harmony.
“Irohani” frontispiece. The content is also very good. 『いろはに』の口絵。 表紙デザインはさることながら、内容もとても良かったのです。
The content of “Irohani” consisted mainly of interviews with local radio stations and electric companies. This issue is in the winter of 2016. It was the year when the electricity retail market was completely liberalized in Japan. And the opening of radio stations in this area is also in 2016. She interviewed herself about current affairs at the time and wrote an article carefully. The project I planned was aimed at supporting the reconstruction of the Kumamoto earthquake, so I asked her to interview the project. I thought her zine was good for making the project widely known. But unfortunately, this zine was the final volume. So, it was “Tsuduru” that she and I started together.
Advertisement for Kumamoto earthquake reconstruction support project, Nishiharamura fusuma arts & crafts project. This is described in Volume 1 of “Tsuduru”. Yoko Futagami is redesigning the advertisement I was making. Easy to read and well-balanced. This kind of sensibility is the ability of people who work in design. 熊本地震復興支援プロジェクト、西原村ふすまアート＆クラフト プロジェクトの広告。 これは『綴る』vol.1に載せています。 私が作っていたものを、フタガミヨーコ氏がデザインしなおしてくれました。 それにより、読みやすく、バランスも整いました。 こういった感性が、デザインを生業にしている人の能力だと思います。
In the final issue of “Irohani,” Yoko Futagami wrote an article about what she was really interested in and designed it as she wanted. The medium of zine clearly expresses the person who created it. I fell in love with the design and content. This is probably because our philosophies and sensibilities are in agreement with each other. Therefore, the communication in the production of “Tsuduru” was very good. Next time, I would like to talk about a typesetting.
The morning of the second day of the event. イベント2日目の朝。
I haven’t blogged for a while. Because I managed the event and my bookbinding. The events name is Tsunagu marché. The event beginning was made by Craft tsunagu owner. she runs a craft store named Tunagu, she called out four of us. The first event holed last year December. At that time, we were restricted our actions. We only wanted a place to the action.
This is my booth at first event. I prepared a lot of Christmas cards of calligraphy for season. My calligraphy friend helped me. She wrote many cards for me. I just wanted show many people calligraphy. However, I couldn’t write a calligraphy card because I was busy binding. 最初のイベントの時の私のブースの様子。 季節に合わせてカリグラフィーのクリスマスカードをたくさん用意しました。 これらはカリグラフィー仲間の力によるもの。 私のためにたくさんのカードを書いてくれたのです。 手書きアルファベットを知ってもらおうと考えてはいましたが、 私は製本だけで精一杯、とてもカリグラフィーカードまで書く余裕がありませんでした。
Tsunagu means connecting what is separated. She named her shop Tsunagu. Because she wanted be connector to maker and user. And she connected us by this event. The frist Tsunagu marché had no time until hold. Anyway, let’s do it !! So we challenged. That time, I one more challenged. It’s flier design.
The first Tsunagu marché flier. The front. I used an application called Affinity Publisher. 1回目のツナグマルシェフライヤー。表。 使用したのはAffinityのPublisherというアプリケーションです。 This is the back. こちらは裏面。
Then, I will want to tell you why I had challenged flier design. Because, I started making books and had more opportunities to work with designers. I have an ambition to use calligraphy in my designs. Before that, I didn’t know if the design was good or bad… To do that, I first needed to know the design. Opportunity came around there. I got chance design Tsunagu marché flier. Designing a flier has taught me a lot. This is the record.
Tsunagu marché second flier. The front. ツナグマルシェ2回目のフライヤー。表。This is the back. その裏面。
Did I grow up by comparing the two. The first flier design helped me with the good photos taken by the members. If we use the work of the same member as the last time for this event image, we can’t use it because it seems to be the event of that maker. For that reason, the second flier design needed a photo shoot. What is needed here is image shooting. At this time, I learned that there are two types of advertising photos, image photos and product photos. (The story will be off, so I’ll talk about photos next time) Even if we ask a cameraman, we have to clarify the image of the event. No, shooting is also necessary, but styling is also necessary. I finally realized that everything was underpowered.
Cafe Nagykovácsi cookies. The black band on this wrap is the basis of the design. Nagykovácsi is a small town in Hungary. It is also a wonderful communication to ask the owner about the origin of the store name. カフェ ナギコバスキのクッキー。 包装の黒い帯がデザインの素になりました。 ナギコバスキはハンガリーの小さな町の名前です。 店名の由来を店主に聞くのも素敵なコミュニケーション。
Now, I have no choice but to do my best !! All we have to do is clarify and share the event image. Tsunagu marché is a joint management of five members. Actually, the first meeting with each other was at the time of the first event. Only Craft Tsunagu knew everyone. We had to spend a lot of time in a meeting to put together the opinions of the five people.
Jiji printing of silk screen printing shop. I went to see how the members are opening stores. The signboard is an antique clay tablet. It is painted with Kakishibu and printed on silk screen. シルクスクリーンの小さな印刷屋、jiji printing。 メンバーの出店の様子を見に行きました。 看板は骨董の粘土板だそう。 柿渋を塗り、シルクスクリーンで印刷してあります。
I would like to record how I faced the concept. The concept, which is also important in making works. The first, reconsidered the concept of the event. If the event get continue, needs reliable concept. Assuming that the event will continue as the members change, I wanted to decide on a concept that would not change easily and would apply to many people.
I also went to the riverbank looking for a place to shoot. A glass of Crafts Tsunagu. Blown glass was what inspired her to open the store. 撮影場所を探しに河原へ出かけたり。 これはクラフトつなぐのグラス。 吹きガラスがお店をひらくきっかけになった工芸品。
The reason why the members change is related to our lifestyle. There are tasks in life that should be prioritized over our own activities, such as childbirth, childcare and long-term care. Some of them may be working while working for a company. They are very important, and what you want to do is also very important.
Members gathered with the keyword of handicrafts. Bon Voyage hand dyed yarn. Ayutthaya, my favorite color yarn. She does not sell knitted products, but dyed yarn. 手仕事を鍵に声をかけられたメンバーたち。 手染め毛糸作家 Bon Voyage hand dyed yarn. アユタヤという私の好きな色の毛糸。 編んだ製品を販売しているのではなく、染めた毛糸を販売しています。
Wouldn’t it be happy if you could find something worthwhile in a life without a fixed purpose? We wanted to keep up with what we finally found and wanted to do. For example, you can’t participate this time, but you can participate in the next event, or you can enjoy yourself as a customer even if you can’t open the next store. I wish I had a place to regain my original self. Isn’t everyone looking for a place of activity ? Just as we were looking for a place of activity as Tsunagu marché beginning. Then, I decided on the concept of connecting with my true self.
It’ me. Not all handicrafts were good. I searched for something in common so that I could respect each individuality. What kind of handicraft event is it? That is the character. これは私。 手仕事であればなんでもよかったわけではありません。 それぞれの個性を尊重できるように、共通するものを探しました。 どういう手仕事のイベントなのか？という性格の部分です。
Happily, this was accepted by other members. I was blessed with wonderful members and I should be grateful Actually, I didn’t make it based on a clear concept, but I saw it while searching for a flyer design. So, I think it came from all the members, not the concept I thought of alone. I felt that the invisible things were taking shape. The idea and shape are the same. It looks like the exact opposite, but it’s really one. I think this is the biggest realization I got when I was in charge of design.
Gallery Kashizuku at the venue. The owner of this gallery is a metal artist. She is a secret member of Tsunagu marché. 会場のギャラリー・カシズク。 このギャラリーのオーナーは彫金作家なのです。 ツナグマルシェの内緒のメンバー。
It was to bring the concept of the event to design. I learned that a good designer has a great ability to grasp the concept. I thought I knew it in my head (idea), but the fact that it comes with a real feeling is something that I can experience because I have a physical body (shape).
