It’s no secret that I truly enjoy making a book for the author. I find the entire process a personal journey for both the client and me. Whether or not the book is intended to be published on a large scale, the idea of having one special book for the creator is always fun. 

I’d actually worked with this client many years ago, shortly after my apprenticeship concluded and I first opened the bindery. Back then I was known as Sound Leather Books and I operated out of a small studio space in the Old Rainier Brewery building, which is nestled next to I-5 and welcomes people into the cityscape of Seattle. I think back on that time fondly. I was just finding my way as a bookbinder, establishing clientele and my own artistic voice. Clients early on took chances with me and helped me develop professionally and personally.

Since our last project together, I’d grown immensely and I was very excited to take another crack at this book.  I’d acquired a new collection of leather, decorative techniques, and, more importantly, a sense of confidence to execute an ambitious design scheme.  

With darker colored leathers I enjoy working with silver, as opposed to gold, for lettering and tooling. I feel like silver has a strong look when applied on a dark background, allowing the book to stand out and invite readers into its contents. During the binding process, I asked the client if he’d like to include any kind of design, line drawing, or other kind of decorative motif. When he sent me a draft design of a “sigil”, I immediately began working on it to translate it from the page and into a format that can be tooled properly. The marbled endleaf sheets give the book another wow factor once the covers are opened, giving the reader one last treat before enjoying the text.

Overall, this was an incredibly satisfying project. My mission statement is “Let’s make the book of your dreams” and I feel like this hits directly on that mark.