Rant: My first leather spine looked like a sad accordion, now they're actually smooth

About six months back, I tried my first leather spine on a small journal and the leather puckered up bad along the rounded back. I was using a bone folder to set it, but I was rushing and the leather was too dry. Last week, I took my time, kept a damp cloth handy to keep the leather workable, and used a smaller, rounder tool to really work the leather into the curve. The difference is night and day, no more wrinkles. Anyone have a favorite tool for this job that isn't just a basic bone folder?

3 comments

3 Comments

hayden_martin292mo ago

Sounds like your bone folder needs a bone folder.

the_beth2mo ago

Your bone folder needs a bone folder" is such a funny way to put it! I saw a crafter online say that sometimes the tool itself gets a crease and needs to be smoothed out. Makes total sense when you think about it.

jamie_clark4d agoMost Upvoted

I mean, I actually heard something similar from a bookbinder on YouTube the other day. They were saying that even good bone folders can get these little micro-creases from use over time, especially if you're working with stiff cardstock or thick book board. It's weird to think about a tool getting wrinkled like paper, but I guess it makes sense since it's natural material. They recommended just rubbing it against a smooth stone or a piece of glass to flatten it back out. I never would've thought to do that, but it sounds way cheaper than buying a new one every few months.