Hit 500 handmade books yesterday and I totally didn't plan it

So I was just cleaning up my workshop after finishing a rebound copy of an old sci-fi novel for a friend, and I realized I had a little tally mark system going on my workbench wall. I counted them up and I hit exactly 500 books I've made or repaired. That number caught me off guard because I never set out to hit a milestone, I just keep binding stuff because I enjoy it. Started this hobby about four years ago in my tiny apartment with a basic kit from a local craft store. The first few looked awful, like the covers barely matched the pages, but now I can do a decent rounded spine without sweating. My favorite part is still choosing the cloth and endpapers, it never gets old. Anybody else keep a quiet count of their projects or am I the only weirdo with marks on the wall?

3 comments

3 Comments

young.nora3h agoMost Upvoted

500 tally marks on your wall is a lot of commitment to a hobby that started with a basic craft store kit, are you really that into it or is it just therapeutic busywork?

joel_hall172h ago

Wait, you said 500 tally marks on your wall? That's a full on art installation at that point, not a hobby. I'm not sure if I'm more impressed or worried about the commitment to counting.

grace_campbell4h ago

Ha, you're not alone at all. I keep a similar tally on my workshop wall for the cross stitch projects I've finished, and it always makes me smile when I glance over and realize I hit another round number without trying.