This is the block used to make the girdle book loaded up with black paint to see the contrast.
This is the book open
This is the book from a wider angle to show the long end for the knot
This is a close up of the book cover
Girdle books were small books worn by European monks, clergymen, and nobles between the 13th and 16th centuries. They were made of leather or cloth.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girdle_book
I began by carving the block for the block printing stamp. I used a speedball rubber mat as these are easier to carve, and have give. I the mounted the carving on a board. In period, the stamp would have been carved directly out of wood, but rubber or linoleum is easier to carve. I then printed the design onto the fabric. I used acrylic ink as it was handy and safe. In period, block printing was frequently done on linen with various inks. Frequently black on white was used as it is easier to make black pigments. However, I choose to print white on black as black will look dirty slower. I found one example of white pigment on blue fabric. https://collections.imm.hu/gyujtemeny/szovettoredek-nyomott-mintaval-kecske--es-griffparok-alakjaval/7535 Lead would have been used to make this white pigment.
To print the fabric I took the carved block and applied the ink to it using a sponge. Then I placed the block on the fabric and applied a lot of pressure.
Once the fabric was printed, I sewed my girdle book cover around my notebook and added the ribbon as a fastner.
If I made one of these girdle book covers again, I would want to use linen. I was out unfortunately. I would also use a heavier hand with my ink. I have a tendency to not put enough ink on the block, and get spotting on my blocks. One could hand sew the girdle book cover for a more period. I would also carve the block deeper. This was a little too shallow.
