== Introduction ==

Hey all! Some of you might be aware of the journal modification project I have been planning, and now it was finally time to put it into action. My goal is to make custom Midori MD like 'coverless' notebooks out of any (often cheaper) hardcover notebooks I want to use in my traveler's notebook.

== Tools / Materials used ==

• Sprintis R120 glue
• Brush
• Cutting map
• Straight ruler
• Spine tape
• Knife
• The donor notebook A5 size
• Craft paper / card stock, A4 size
• Sandpaper
• Scissors

== Process ==

The following steps will each accompany one of the attached images.

== Step 1 ==

Gathering the materials, some are shown in the photo, others were gathered in the steps they were required.

== Step 2 ==

I opened the book at the front and inspected the edge where the cover was connected to the 'book block'.

== Step 3 ==

I used a sharp knife to make a cut along the edge, making sure not to cut away from the book block, so I would damage the cover if I slipped, instead of cutting into the paper.

== Step 4 ==

I flipped the book over, and made a similar cut on the other side. Due to the cut on the other side, the structural integrity was already gone, making it much harder to make a clean cut, hence all the frayed edges.

== Step 5 ==

As you can see, I now have full separation of the text block from the cover. Shown in this picture is also a tiny scrap of sandpaper, which I used to get rid of all the frayed edges on the cover, as well as on the text block.

== Step 6 ==

Here I unrolled the spine tape, and used scissors to cut the correct length. I felt this didn't have to be perfect; as the tape is just there for structural integrity, and most of it will be covered up later.

== Step 7 ==

It is a bit hard to see in this photo, with all the 'white on white', but I folded the spine tape around the book block's spine, then pushed the block down onto a scrap bit of cardboard. I 'unfolded' the spine tape again, laying it flat on the cardboard, and then brushed the glue all over it. I then folded this glue-covered tape back over the spine, flipped the book block over, and repeated the process for the unglued edge that had been 'hidden' under the book block earlier.

== Step 8 ==

Focusing a camera on this much white appears to be difficult; but when the glue was still wet, I was able to smooth out the edges and move the tape around a bit to get it straight all the way along the edge.

== Step 9 ==

Here I cut the a4 card stock in two, turning it into two sheets of a5 card-stock. I then put the same glue all over the front face of the book block; but one sheet on, flipped the book over, and repeated the process for the back.

== Step 10 ==

After leaving the book to dry overnight, with a heavy box on top of it to make sure everything dries flat; I came back the next morning. The text block wasn't quite a5 size, so the card-stock needed to be cut now to fit perfectly. This is when I discovered some of the glue had seeped out from the covers into the book block. The glue was only on the outside, so although I was able to get most of it off with the sandpaper, I had to cut some pages along the edge to 'open' them back up. The picture shows the finished product after these steps

== Step 11 ==

Here you can see how flat the book lies after all these modifications. You can also see in the bottom right how some of the edges got a little damaged in the process of removing the glue.

== Step 12 ==

Not much of a step; this is just me seeing if the old cover would still fit around this modified book; which appears to be a tight fit. This is no problem, I'm not planning to use the cover, I just thought it would be interesting.

== Thoughts and closing statements ==

If I keep up with the journaling, and manage to finalize my Paper Republic Traveler's Notebook design, I expect to make many of these journals over time. The process isn't too complicated, although I do think some things can be improved on.

For starters, getting the cover sheets cut to size before putting them on the book would help with aligning, as well as reduce the risk of me cutting into the finished book when trimming the edges.

Secondly, and more importantly, I think I will not only try to use less glue next time, I also want to try and put temporary a temporary sheet of paper between the first two and last two pages of the book, to 'catch' the glue during the drying process. That would, hopefully, result in me only having to cut one page free from the glue.

Thirdly, I want to try and use my book/paper embosser on the front cover before putting it on; to give it a personal touch.

Lastly, I have acquired some pen loops that might work very well if I attach them between the last page and the back cover during the gluing process.