How long does it take to make a book?

 My friend asked this question recently, as she said it might be helpful in giving people an idea of what to bid for a book. I couldn't answer the question at the time as I haven't made one this year so I made one yesterday and today to check. Of course each book is individual but this should give you some idea of the time and processes involved in making each book.

This is the simplest form of book, pages put together in sections called signatures,
sewn together and attached to the cover. 

It starts with sheets of paper and a selection of card.

 The all important bag of accessories - 

from which the various equipment emerges - 

Cutting the paper to the correct size is the first step, 

using a metal ruler to slice the paper and leave lovely rough edges

Now the signatures, 6 double pages per signature, 

are ready for sewing holes in their spines.

Holes are pencil marked ready to be stabbed.

Making the holes

Starting to sew the signatures together

Signatures sewn together, ready for gluing.

At this stage it goes into the book press.

And the scrim that holds the spine together is glued in place.

The signatures are now left in the book press overnight to set.

Meanwhile, the cover can be prepared.

The pages are measured with precise millimetres added to work out the size for each card cover.

The card covers and spine are cut.

A selection of gorgeous papers to choose from to decorate the cover.

The equipment for the cover.

Gluing the corners down

Preparing the triangles for the front cover

The cover is now ready for pressing

with vital kebab sticks to press the spine neatly

As the book press is occupied I use a pile of books to press the cover overnight.

Now everything rests under weights overnight for the glue to set.

It is important to let the glue dry properly before the final stage of assembling

the signatures inside the cover.

And here is the finished book, with a ribbon bookmark and heart attached

 Another view of the finished book.

So how long does it take? 

This took 2 hours 16 minutes without the pressing time overnight.

But bear in mind this is the simplest form of book, with no added text or printing or embellishments!