Woodsided Coptic Books

Coptic binding was invented by Early Christians in Egypt, and was used for approximately a millennia.  It appears to be the first true codice binding--meaning the book form we utilize today.  Coptic binding is a non-adhesive binding style, so no glue is used in the construction.  Paper is folded into gatherings which are sewn to the wood covers and linked to one another.

We use various woods to make the covers.  Clay cuts and shapes the wood which Rebecca detail carves and finishes.  Archival text paper is folded, pressed and trimmed and finally sewn into book form.  Each blank book is individually crafted by Clay and Rebecca Wagstaff, and is unique.

The coptic binding style is nice for sketching and journaling (also guest registers) because the book will lie flat when opened, due to the uninhibited spine.

      Spalted Tamarind Coptic Blank Book no.11
     Tamarind comes originally from Africa, and grows in the tropics.  "Spalted" is a special figuring of the wood caused by fungi.  Wood sides are oil rubbed.
     Blank archival text paper with decorative end papers.  
     Each book comes with description and decorative and text paper samples so that drawing/writing media can be tested first, before using in the book.
     Sewn with artificial sinew, flexible spine allows book to lie flat when open.
     Dimensions:  5" x 3" x 1.25"
$52





      Padauk Coptic Blank Book no.22
     Padauk trees grow in Africa and Asia. Wood sides are oil rubbed.
     Blank archival text paper with decorative end papers.  
     Each book comes with description and decorative and text paper samples so that drawing/writing media can be tested first, before using in the book.
     Sewn with artificial sinew, flexible spine allows book to lie flat when open.
     Dimensions:  7.25" x 3" x 1.25"
$44


Poplar Coptic Blank Book no.15
     Native to the Eastern United States, cream and olive green in color. Wood sides are oil rubbed.
     Blank archival text paper with decorative end papers.  
     Each book comes with description and decorative and text paper samples so that drawing/writing media can be tested first, before using in the book.
     Sewn with artificial sinew, flexible spine allows book to lie flat when open.
     Dimensions:  4.5" x 3.5" x 1 1/16"
$34


Aromatic Red Cedar no.16
     Different varieties of juniper grow worldwide.  Sides are not oiled, allowing the wonderful fragrance of the wood to disperse.  (This means that oily or sweaty hands will stain the wood.  A gentle, light sanding with fine paper should eliminate light staining if desired--as well as releasing more fragrance.)
     Blank archival text paper with decorative end papers.  
     Each book comes with description and decorative and text paper samples so that drawing/writing media can be tested first, before using in the book.
     Sewn with artificial sinew, flexible spine allows book to lie flat when open.
     Dimensions:  6" x 5" x .95"
$42


White Oak Blank Book no.17
     Native to the North American Continent. Wood sides are oil rubbed.
     Blank archival text paper with decorative end papers.  
     Each book comes with description and decorative and text paper samples so that drawing/writing media can be tested first, before using in the book.
     Sewn with artificial sinew, flexible spine allows book to lie flat when open.
     Dimensions:  7.75" x 5.5" x 1 3/8"
$66


Black Walnut Blank Book no.20
     Native to Eastern U.S. Wood sides are oil rubbed.
     Blank archival text paper with decorative end papers.  
     Each book comes with description and decorative and text paper samples so that drawing/writing media can be tested first, before using in the book.
     Sewn with artificial sinew, flexible spine allows book to lie flat when open.
     Dimensions:  7.25" x 3 1/8" x 1 3/16"
$44


Cherrywood Blank Book no.18
     Yup!  Comes from the black cherry fruit tree. Wood sides are oil rubbed.
     Blank archival text paper with decorative end papers.  
     Each book comes with description and decorative and text paper samples so that drawing/writing media can be tested first, before using in the book.
     Sewn with artificial sinew, flexible spine allows book to lie flat when open.
     Dimensions:  12" x 5.5" x 1 3/8"
$155


Black Palmwood Blank Book no.12
     Grown in forests in India and Asia. Wood sides are oil rubbed.
     Blank archival text paper with decorative end papers.  
     Each book comes with description and decorative and text paper samples so that drawing/writing media can be tested first, before using in the book.
     Sewn with artificial sinew, flexible spine allows book to lie flat when open.
     Dimensions:  4" x 3" x 1.25"
$44

 


Cherry Wood Blank Book no.21
     From the popular fruit tree. Wood sides are oil rubbed.
     Blank archival text paper with decorative end papers.  
     Each book comes with description and decorative and text paper samples so that drawing/writing media can be tested first, before using in the book.
     Sewn with artificial sinew, flexible spine allows book to lie flat when open.
     Dimensions:  7.25" x 3" x 1 3/16"
$44

Zebra Wood Blank Book no.19
     Grows in central Africa. Wood sides are oil rubbed.
     Blank archival text paper with decorative end papers.  
     Each book comes with description and decorative and text paper samples so that drawing/writing media can be tested first, before using in the book.
     Sewn with artificial sinew, flexible spine allows book to lie flat when open.
     Dimensions:  13" x 8" x 1.5"
$175



























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