Does anyone here know anything about building books?

[Happy Cat]

Probably a useless question to ask here.. but I figured I would try asking.

I'm going to be building my own sketchbook due to the vast crappy selection of sketchbooks that exists. I got most of the materials down on a list that I need.

I'm having a problem finding paper that could be used as "endpaper". If you don't know what end paper is it's that fancy.. or not fancy paper that goes at the end and beginning of a hardcover book. I'm finding fancy paper just fine, but I can't find anything plain. If anyone knows what type of paper is used it would really help a lot! XD

Just because it's plain doesn't mean I don't want something nice. I don't want to use construction paper. I want something that feels fairly nice to the touch.

[fluffymoochicken]

Oh wow. I can't say I've ever tried making my own book before. =O

So you can't just use plain white paper for an endpaper, I take it?

[Happy Cat]

Oh wow. I can't say I've ever tried making my own book before. =O

So you can't just use plain white paper for an endpaper, I take it?

Well.. I could. But that's boring.

[fluffymoochicken]

I see... xD So you want something that's simple, but not plain. Gotcha.

Would Pride colors fit the bill?

[Barry the Nomad]

I've built books before, built about 5 back in college.   8-)

For endpaper, I've used something that is sturdy (but not rigid) with a pattern. Something that turns easily. Don't want it to rip easily. Something that won't ripple if pasted to the inside cover. Perhaps

I'd avoid construction paper, as it comes apart too easily when wet and ripples when glued.

Since you want something plain, I'd suggest checking scrapbooking stores or paper wholesalers if you can find one. Here are some photos of one of my books:

cover


inside cover

[Happy Cat]

what kind of weight / gsm would you recommend the endpaper has?

[Barry the Nomad]

A rule I remember is that the endpaper should be twice the weight of the text paper.

Take a look at something at 150-170gsm, any lower and you'll probably encounter rippling from the adhesive.

I've referred to this web page in the past, it should be of some help, though it's a bit wordy:
http://cool.conservation-us.org/don/dt/dt1192.html

[Sharky]

trollface.

[Happy Cat]

A rule I remember is that the endpaper should be twice the weight of the text paper.

Take a look at something at 150-170gsm, any lower and you'll probably encounter rippling from the adhesive.

I've referred to this web page in the past, it should be of some help, though it's a bit wordy:
http://cool.conservation-us.org/don/dt/dt1192.html

shit... XD

So basically I'm gonna have to use watercolor paper as the endpaper?

This is the paper I was going to use in the book.

Mix Media Pads — These wirebound pads feature 98 lb (160 gsm) heavy weight paper that is micro perforated for easy removal. Heavy sizing makes this paper excellent for watercolor, acrylic, or dry media.

edit: now that I'm looking. watercolor paper is actually in some cases cheaper then that low weight decorative paper. Plus watercolor paper could be used to create something creative! YEAH! XP I think I'll do that.