ECO_FORGE // CRISSCROSS // HEMP + RICE + PAPYRUS

A book is a structure before it is a story.

The structure is visible. The spine is not.

ECO_FORGE // CRISSCROSS is a compact, hand-bound notebook built from hemp, rice paper, papyrus, thread and one of contemporary bookbinding's most distinctive structures.

Also known as the Secret Belgian Binding, the Crisscross structure was developed by Belgian bookbinder Anne Goy. Separate front cover, back cover, and spine components are brought together through an interlaced sewing system, creating the characteristic geometric thread pattern across the covers and hinges. The result is a remarkably tactile book that opens flat while keeping its text block contained within a defined spine structure.

Inside are 144 blank rice-paper pages ready for writing, drawing, sketching, notation or whatever else needs to leave a mark. The paper receives pencil and ink beautifully.

The covers are wrapped in traditional Indian Sunn hemp paper. Handmade in Rajasthan, the sheets are individually colored with vegetable dyes, retain the subtle laid impression of their grass-stem mould, and are burnished smooth by hand. Papyrus pastedowns finish the interior covers.

This is not factory-perfect paper. Fibers, tone, texture, and surface will vary from book to book. That variation belongs to the material and to the object.

Hand-bound by BOOKFORGE at Erie Labor Temple in historic Erie, Pennsylvania.

MATERIALS

Sunn hemp cover paper

Rice-paper text blockPapyrus pastedownsThread-sewn Crisscross / Secret Belgian structure

FORMAT

144 blank pages / 72 leaves4.5 × 3.25 inches

Approximately 1 inch thickLay-flat constructionThree-part cover structureHand-bound

COLORS

HALDI // TURMERIC GOLD

A warm, saturated golden yellow with earthy mustard and ochre undertones.

MADDER // BRICK RED

An earthy red moving through brick, rust, and muted salmon rather than a bright commercial red.

POMEGRANATE // FIRED CLAY

A warm, muted terracotta with clay-red and softened orange-brown undertones.

Made to be carried. Made to be marked. Made to become evidence.

The exposed spine uses a modern Coptic-style sewing structure, allowing the book to open flat from beginning to end. Inside are 144 blank rice-paper pages ready for writing, drawing, sketching, notation, or whatever else needs to leave a mark.

The paper receives pencil and ink beautifully.

The covers are wrapped in traditional Indian Sunn hemp paper. Handmade in Rajasthan, the sheets are individually colored with vegetable dyes, retain the subtle laid pattern of their grass-stem mould, and are burnished smooth by hand. Papyrus pastedowns finish the interior covers.

This is not factory-perfect paper. Fibers, tone, texture, and surface will vary from book to book. That variation belongs to the material and to the object.

Hand-bound by BOOKFORGE at Erie Labor Temple in historic Erie, Pennsylvania.

MATERIALS

Sunn hemp cover paper

Rice-paper text block

Papyrus pastedowns

Exposed Coptic-style waxed linen sewing

FORMAT

144 blank pages / 72 leaves

4.5 × 3.25 inches

Approximately 1 inch thick

Lay-flat construction

Hand-bound

COLORS

HALDI // TURMERIC GOLD

A warm, saturated golden yellow with earthy mustard and ochre undertones.

MADDER // BRICK RED

An earthy red drawn toward brick, rust, and muted salmon rather than a bright commercial red.

POMEGRANATE // FIRED CLAY

A warm, muted terracotta with clay-red and softened orange-brown undertones.

Made to be carried. Made to be marked. Made to become evidence.