So Far ... So Good.

Both text blocks are rounded, backed, with edge decoration and end bands. The boards have been attached, the various spine linings applied and the whole lot has been sanded. The various operations take time but it is important to get everything right.

It is at this point that one of the books will be put to the back of the bench, while I concentrate on just the one binding.

I have chosen Fair Goat to cover the book with. A fantastic and wonderful material to work with. Being very light in colour it will take dyes with ease, thus allowing me to start to layer up the images, textures, colours and objects.

The image gives some idea of the edge decoration, the goat skin before paring and one or two of the tools I use.

With a book of this nature very little of the production process is done with machinery, hand skills and an eye for detail are more important. This approach also means that I am able to really work with the book, understand the materials and be in control of all aspects of the art and craft. Well, at least in theory.