284.5

This archival, hand-sewn journal/sketchbook is made from 85 gsm, hand-laid Arches 100% cotton rag archival paper stitched with Irish linen thread in the linked pattern that was used as early as the ancient Copts.  This stitch allows the book to lie open easily at any page.

This book’s endbands are red and yellow cotton, and its bookmark is goatskin.  Its spine is covered in goatskin, and its boards are wrapped in paper that was hand-marbled by Betty Caponi in San Monte Giusto, Italy.

 Treasure binding began with monks in the 6^th Century who would encrust volumes with jewels.  During the Renaissance, there was a resurgence in treasure binding.  This is a contemporary revival of the treasure binding in which a lucky charm has been embedded in the cover of this book.

The talisman in this book is a souvenir medallion from the 1971 Sesquicentennial celebration for the city of Indianapolis.  The Soldiers and Sailors Monument at the center of the Circle City stands 284.5 feet high and cost nearly $600,000 to build in 1902.  What you put in writing today may similarly accrue in value.

This book is approximately 6.5 x 10” with a few more than 150 blank pages.