2004: may 15
Accordion Books: A Japanese Paper Place demo
The orihon structure was developed by the Buddhists during the Heisan period (794-1185). It is perfect for housing photos as it will expand as new items are added. It is also an elegant, and simple way to bind the single sheets that an ink jet printer spits out.
Paper Grain
When paper is made the plant fibers line up in a specific direction. This is known as the paper grain. All books should be made with the grain parallel to the spine. This page is grain-long. Pinch the edges of the page along the bottom and then along the side. You can see the page flops further when you are pinching along the bottom (long side).
Using Ink Jet Printers
Unlike the fussy laser printer, ink jet printers will print onto nearly any flat, porous surface. Ink jet printers deposit the colour into the page. Laser printers, however, leave a plastic film on top of the paper that is prone to releasing over time. Ink jet ink is water soluble. You can use this property to create a lovely brushed effect when you apply a watery glue or paste to the surface.
Paste and "Glue"
Always look for the words acid-free, pH neutral or archival quality when buying any kind of adhesive. You may also want to consider making a starch paste. In a double boiler add 1/3 corn starch to 2/3 water. Heat over medium high while stirring constantly. The mixture will thicken after a few short minutes. Cool and strain before using.
The Hinges
Here are five ways to hinge an accordion fold book.
Pinched (album or nori-ire gajo)
The hinge should be at the front (fore-edge) of your book.
Single Hook
The extra bulk from the hook allows some space to add pasted items.
Double Hook
No real advantage book-wise, but it is easier to print pages with an even margin.
Full Sheet (nobiru gajo)
Instead of only a lip being used to hook the pages together, the full sheet is used. Useful if you want to hand write text with a pen that bleeds. Also helps the book to stand up as the pages are stiffer.
Added Hinge
Instead of the sheet being used to hinge a page, an additional piece of paper makes a bridge between two sheets.
The Covers
Here are four ways to cover your book.
Integrated Cover
The cover is the same sheet of paper that makes up the rest of the accordion fold.
External sheets
An extra sheet of paper is wrapped around the book.
External Boards
Card stock, or a book board is first covered in paper and then pasted onto the ends of the accordion.
Folded Cover
No glue required! This method allows you to add a different paper to your cover without worrying about adhesives. (See The Essential Guide to Making Handmade Books by Gabrielle Fox)
Resources
Accordion-Style Books
Cover to Cover by Shereen LaPlantz (2000) Lark Books
Concertina Book Instructions
Creative Bookbinding by Pauline Johnson (1963) Dover Publications
The Essential Guide to Making Handmade Books by Gabrielle Fox (2002) North Light Books
Japanese Bookbinding: Instructions from a Master Craftsman by Kojiro Ikegami (1986/2003) Weatherhill
The New Photo Crafts by Suzanne Tourtillott (2001) Lark Books
Pocket Accordions (PDF) and also in this style Gyromancy
