Oops.... Typed the URL in wrong (though it still seemed to work when I clicked it!). The correct URL is http://www.atlasquest.com/tutorials/logbooks/codex/

-- Ryan

Thanx. going to do one right now

I went to both URL's and photo 3 wouldn't load.... but other than that... GREAT job! Simple AND clear instructions. Kuddos to both designers/writers/glue applicators : )

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there are a LOT of different ways to make a logbook,

So instead of solving virtuals or doing laundry last night, I took some time to attempt something new. Imagine my surprise after improvising a logbook, that I sign onto AQ and there's a tutorial. I was making a logbook (out of 4x6 index cards no less) while you were uploading the tutorial. If only I'd been on AQ instead of pulling out my hair making a silly logbook!

I followed the tutorial and made a second book. I thought the directions worked well. I plan to make a few more!

Thanks for adding logbooks to the tutorials.
Amy

Wow, nicely done. Love all the detailed photos and the stitching instructions.

If you create another logbook tutorial I would recommend a few really easy logbooks.
For instance:
-- cut cardstock to size, punch a hole in the corner and bind with a nylon cable tie or screw-post.
-- cut paper to size, fold in half and staple the spine magazine-style (or stitch the spine).

Lone R

Hey Lone R, it sounds like you could made those tutorials!

My standard logbook is made much like you suggest:

• cut 3x5 or 4x6 card in half (depending on the size logbook I want)
• after creating cover designs on two of the cards, laminate covers
• punch a hole in the corner
• bind with buttons and elastic cord

(I cover the bottom and top of the hole with buttons. Then, I run elastic cord through the button on the bottom, through the stack hole, through the button on the top, and back through all of it. Finally, I tie it on the bottom. A picture would be worth a thousand words. I'm not sure how long the elastic will hold up in the elements, but I check my boxes regularly and will be able to see how they do over time.)


MC

That's a great idea! I've been doing something similiar. I use the cards, but make the covers out of Fun Foam. To hold them together, I use short pipe cleaners formed into a ring with the ends pinched down so they're not sharp.

Woodsong

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If you create another logbook tutorial I would recommend a few really easy logbooks.

It's on my to-do list. *nodding* This tutorial is definitely goes in the 'advanced logbook making' section, and I would like to get some tutorials for easier (and faster!) logbooks as well.

-- Ryan

Advanced? Slow? Come on now...I took some logbook making stuff with me to work on while I waited for my car to be inspected and have an oil change.

I did the folding, peircing, and sewing for 3 logbooks and almost finished a 4th in 45 minutes. Yes...I got a few curious stares from people, but it was nice and quiet and felt good to accomplish something when the others around me were reading old magazines or twiddling their thumbs. It was also nice later on when I needed a logbook and just had to finish the covers for them. (which is also quick and easy!) Granted...the first one or two might be difficult for you and take a bit longer, but once you "get" what you're doing...and can do it without looking at the directions...it's very quick and easy! You know...like driving or riding a bike! Seems hard at first, but once you "get it"...it's SEW easy! (pun intended!)

D5 Mama

The fun foam -- great moisture resister. Good idea.

MC

I have all but finished the one made using the tutorial. I didn't need to refer back to the instructions and have only stopped because I don't have tacky glue (or elmers or anything else on hand). I added colored paper on the end of the stitched sets and am using that to adhere to the cover for an interesting look. I also tied some fibers to the end of the stitching thread so that they will come out of the top of the binding. These can be bookmarks or not.

I have two other sets stitched so that I can make up a couple of little books for the kids teachers. Fun to do and pretty easy. (and yet again I'm using scrapbooking supplies that I never seem to get around to using)

I was thinking of making some with watercolor paper as field books and some with simple paper for the kids to jot notes and draw pictures in.

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I went to both URL's and photo 3 wouldn't load....

Hmm.... You aren't the first person to say that, but it made no sense to me since I see all the photos just fine. And I tried it on Netscape, IE, and Firefox before I uploaded the files and they all worked fine.

Had me scratching my head. Then I tried the live site with IE and sure enough, photo 3 didn't load. How ODD.

Then I compared the files I uploaded with the files on my development machine and they ARE NOT the same size. Seems that some of the images were corrupted when I tried to upload them. FireFox seemed okay with that and displayed what it could (which looks like the whole image, but something from it must be missing!), but IE just refuses to display the photo at all.

Anyhow.... I'm working on getting some uncorrupted images up there and if you check in a few minutes, hopefully all the photos will be working correctly. Stupid FTP program. *grumbling* (I started using a new one. Turns out there's a setting that automatically disconnects if it takes more than 15 seconds to upload a file. Ha! On a dialup connection, practically ALL transfers take more than 15 seconds!)

-- Ryan

THIS IS FANTASTIC!! * Yelling for joy at the ease of instructions*

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cut paper to size,

This probably belongs on the "Stupid Questions" board, but what do you all use to cut logbook paper? I got some white blank very thick paper, sort of cardstock-like, and tried to cut it in one of those mini-slicer things, the kind with a round blade that you push across, not the guillotine kind, and the edges just shredded. Does the guillotine kind work better? If I try to cut with scissors they don't end up even either, but they're kind of crummy scissors.

What's the best way to cut, several pages at a time if possible, very thick card paper to a uniform size and shape with even edges?

Mariette

You may need a new blade on your paper trimmer. I've noticed on my paper trimmer that if I use anything more than scrapbook paper, it dulls QUICKLY. You might need a heavy duty paper cutter for something like that. Or perhaps a straight-edge ruler and a sharp exacto knife?

Hope this helps,
D5 Mama

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...what do you all use to cut logbook paper?

I use a rotary cutter like this one:

http://www.dickblick.com/zz574/27/

in conjunction with a metal straight edge and a self-healing cutting mat, like this one:

http://www.dickblick.com/zz589/00/

I have been using the same cutter for about 12 years for cutting paper (all types) and fabric (mostly tackle twill, which is what the letters and numbers on baseball and hockey jerseys are made of). I have replaced the blade once in that time. Ideal for your needs.

I use the Fiskars 8.5" portable paper cutter
http://www.dick-blick.com/items/571/15/57115-0012-2ww-m.jpg

Definitely sounds like you need a new blade. I can usually cut through 2-3 index cards at a time without any frayed edges, but I have had the blade fray the edges of even thin paper once it goes dull.

Lone R

Thank you!

I want one of those cutters - they look really cool!

Mariette
(thinking up a good excuse to go to the art store again)

I love mine.

Larva Lady of the Zelie Zips