Leveling Up My D&D Books - Making an Epic Dungeons & Dragons Tome

Leveling Up My D&D Books - Making an Epic Dungeons & Dragons Tome - FINALE

Рет қаралды 587,896

11 ай бұрын

Hello everyone and welcome to the bindery! In this video I complete my quest to combine three D&D rulebooks into one epic tome! In this episode I tackle covering the book with leather, and I deal with the subsequent warping of the covers. Then I move on to blind tooling my custom design on the front, back, and spine, and finally I attach the metal furnishings I handmade for the book. I also made an extra-special piece for the central escutcheon, which isn't in the thumbnail so you'll have to watch to see what it is!
This has truly been an epic project, especially this last installment which required long periods of time for things to dry, so thank you all so much for your patience! I think it has been worth it though and I hope you will agree.
To all of my new viewers and subscribers who have found the channel through this series, you have my heartfelt appreciation, and I hope you'll stick around for my new projects which are just over the horizon. And of course a big shoutout to those of you who have been here from the very beginning; your views and comments have helped me make the channel what it is!
Until next time, happy binding and happy gaming!
Cheers,
Dennis
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You can now buy me a coffee here: www.buymeacoffee.com/fourkeys...
Or you can drop a tip in my PayPal account: paypal.me/FourKeysBooks?local...
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My Wheat Flour Paste Recipe
2 tbsp (18 g) white flour (strong flour or bread flour preferred)
1 cup (250 ml) water
Combine the flour and water in a double boiler or bain-marie and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, whisking constantly until thick and smooth. Transfer to a clean jar and cool completely. When cooled the paste should be solid, with a jelly-like consistency. Force the cooled paste through a sieve 2-3 times until smooth. Add a bit of water to thin to the desired consistency if necessary. Store in the refrigerator and use within 2-3 days.
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In case you missed where this all started...
Part 1: • I Destroyed My D&D Boo...
Part 2: • Reviving My D&D Books ...
Part 3: • Enhancing My D&D Books...
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Four Keys Book Arts marbled papers and handmade books are available for sale in my Etsy shop, with worldwide shipping available: etsy.me/2VGqhcr
Follow me on social media:
Instagram
/ four_keys_books
Facebook
/ fourkeysbookarts
________
Music Credits:
'Dragonquest', 'Adventure', 'Wayfarer', 'Wanderer' and 'Dungeons and Dragons' by Alexander Nakarada | www.serpentsoundstudios.com
Music promoted by www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
creativecommons.org/licenses/...
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Dungeons & Dragons '&' Logo trademark Wizards of the Coast

Пікірлер: 1 600

@razorsitch9882 Ай бұрын

Let’s just show a moment of appreciation for the MVP of this series…..that little bone folder. Such a useful little tool

@Nerdforge 11 ай бұрын

This is amazing, love it so much!!

@FourKeysBookArts 11 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you so much!!!

@michaelforrey1030 11 ай бұрын

Every time I watch your videos, I think of Nerdforge. And every time I watch Nerdforge do book binding, I think of your channel. Epic collaboration in the making?

@YourFriendThePalmo 11 ай бұрын

Hey Martina! Hey Hansi! You guys rule, been following you guys for years now, glad to see you’re still in the book binding community!!!

@LaineyBug2020 11 ай бұрын

@@michaelforrey1030 I second this motion!

@NotAnAlchemist_Ed 11 ай бұрын

skjera bagera!

@stortsy8873 Ай бұрын

The bob ross of book binding.

@warriordrum 3 күн бұрын

No, more like the Andrew Wyeth of bookbinding.

@Hokay01 5 ай бұрын

One of the best things about KZfaq is finding and appreciating someone who is a true artist and really good at their craft!!! Well done man!!

@randomcommenter7343 11 ай бұрын

If I found this book in a dungeon, I'd definitely cast detect magic

@Smajtastic 11 ай бұрын

And it is, truly

@gymnosophist7471 11 ай бұрын

Wouldn’t need to. It’s obviously magic!

@Bigdaddyluv68 11 ай бұрын

It would glow but it would be trapped with contingency spells above your level 😢

@gymnosophist7471 11 ай бұрын

@@Bigdaddyluv68 🤣

@anonymous-sus406 11 ай бұрын

But you would have to watch out for any dragons

@nightmajic 11 ай бұрын

You know what they say -- Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder!

@cavemanbob82 11 ай бұрын

This needs more likes

@heman85515 11 ай бұрын

Or eyes of the beholder

@ike2783 11 ай бұрын

Lol, I approve this pun

@PerryPictures 8 ай бұрын

there are two masterpieces here: The book, and the video! You're outstanding in more arts than one. This was a wonderful journey and your videography and editing made it fly by. You're very talented!

@FourKeysBookArts 8 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you!

@heli0ns 11 ай бұрын

I'm really thankful for you showing the mistake. I tend to get these bouts of paralyzing perfectionism that strike me when I work on things, but seeing you continue regardless gave me such a sense of freedom and healing. The end result is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us!

@KoTTrpg 8 ай бұрын

Yeah, he does an amazing job, I prefer the imperfections in it as well, shows that it was truly hand crafted which is something I fear is going away.

@J3loodT4lon 8 ай бұрын

A small mistake here and there can tend to be a good thing. I can't tell you how many times I have gone into a store claiming all their products are hand made, only to find that nothing is. Everything was literally TOO perfect to have been made by any human hand. As someone that's been working with leather for 18 years now, I will always pay more for a product that was hand made because I understand the care and work that goes into it.

@explorer47422 7 ай бұрын

Watching the mistakes and best ways to try and correct them are some of the most important parts for me because it's the parts many other instructions miss, and the part most of us are most likely to make lol

@dominicfenix2201 4 ай бұрын

I think this shows that a master crafter is not one that never makes mistakes, but one that knows how to own them, fix them, and embrace them.

@jessbarclay472 11 ай бұрын

I think the tiny “mistaken line” is a wonderful human trait, that shows it’s made by a human NOT a machine. It’s a talented & skilful masterpiece. I’d be VERY proud of what you’ve made. It’s STUNNING!!!!

@OdeInWessex 11 ай бұрын

Beautiful point and so true.

@karenwendling7228 11 ай бұрын

I was going to say something similar, it’s reassuring to me that it isn’t “perfect” (also makes me more likely to experiment more with bookbinding!)

@uscstaylor 11 ай бұрын

Absolutely a stunner. Great Job

@KoTTrpg 8 ай бұрын

Couldn't agree more.

@lordofgraphite 11 ай бұрын

Easily the coolest dnd book in existence

@craftysean945 11 ай бұрын

By far!

@KoTTrpg 8 ай бұрын

I speculated the mere cost of it as he was making it. So many man hours for a passion! I really enjoyed this content and had never seen such a thing like it before.

@holeymcsockpuppet 11 ай бұрын

Big respect for showing your mistake rather than flipping the book over and upside-down showing the back as the front. The video is amazing....and so is your integrity.

@zekieldennis399 9 ай бұрын

How the hell did you make this so pleasing to watch, you didn't go over the top or anything. I sat down with my morning coffee just absolutely mesmerized and sipping my drink. I didn't feel myself bored or just wanting to skip any parts of this journey. I feel like I could probably sit and watch every video if they're as good as this one, and I'm about to go find out.

@jcortese3300 11 ай бұрын

That is beyond spectacular. I swear to you someone will be bringing this to whatever Antiques Roadshow has turned into in 250 years, maybe a descendant if you have kids, and it will be one of the most memorable items as the book appraiser talks about the most popular role-playing game of that period of history, and how Four Keys' handmade books always bring top dollar at auction. 🙂 What a beautiful piece of work!

@aartadventure 11 ай бұрын

Now I want a TV show called: "Future Antiques Roadshow" about a magical merchant who travels through time and the multiverse to collect and appraise the rarest items in all creation!

@JustAnotherBuckyLover 11 ай бұрын

So worth the wait, and a gorgeous end result. Even the little "accident" is barely noticeable and unless you're really looking for it, I feel like most people will miss it. Just blame it on those silver teeth biting back. 😂 Thank you for sharing your incredible craftmanship with us, this project was the first one I discovered, and the one that made me subscribe to find out the end result - and I'm not disappointed.

@ThompsonBrosStudios 11 ай бұрын

that scared me so bad! haha, but then he fixed it so well, you can't even tell.

@RunninUpThatHillh 11 ай бұрын

Why? A more rough looking book is more interesting; it's what separates it from something from the store.

@88blackandwhite88 11 ай бұрын

It's got a suitable battle scar, befitting a powerful, ancient tome. 💪🏼

@JustAnotherBuckyLover 11 ай бұрын

@@88blackandwhite88 Exactly.

@Epic_DaVinci 11 ай бұрын

This is a true masterpiece, made by a true craftsman, absolutely stunning.

@ScarMoonYT 11 ай бұрын

The DnD creators need to see this! It's amazing!

@prarg26 11 ай бұрын

If they find out about this they would probably try to monetize it.

@afarwiththedawning4495 11 ай бұрын

They are no longer living, I'm afraid. Gary and Dave don't even get talked about by some of the newer "fans"... You most likely didn't even MEAN to reference them, you are talking about a megacorp unless you mean Gary and Dave.

@prarg26 11 ай бұрын

@@afarwiththedawning4495 Yeah, the megacorp is what I mean. I'm sure the original creators would have loved it as do I!

@afarwiththedawning4495 11 ай бұрын

@@prarg26 I know they would have loved this, for sure.

@lucusloc 11 ай бұрын

So you want FKBA to be hit with a takedown notice, have all the ad revenue confiscated, and probably be hit with a C&D to top it off? Because if WotC/Hasbro ever found out about this that is probably what would happen. They *do not* like anyone else making money of of anything even tangentially related to their IP and are extremely sue happy about it. Best keep this our little secret.

@gholmes182 20 күн бұрын

Extraordinary skill, craftsmanship, and imagination.

@VorpalSlade 15 күн бұрын

Watching this channel is one long series of "Wow, that was super intricate and took ages, what a patient craftsman... Wait, he has to do it AGAIN??"

@rickershomesteadahobbyfarm3291 11 ай бұрын

Now all you need is a matching DM screen.

@ivonekowalczyk5823 11 ай бұрын

Can you do a video on designing the leather covers? What kind of things do you consider to determine the designs? Is there historical significance to motifs? Thanks.

@BrentDelong1253 11 ай бұрын

Level 100 in leather work and book making. Your patience is that of a demigod.

@daricetaylor737 Ай бұрын

A true masterpiece you should be proud of! As a fellow craftsman myself, I can say we are easy to find our our faults in the things we make, but I can say that no one is going to see that minor error. You overcame it and the book is really magnificent!

@jakubkubay7418 11 ай бұрын

This is literary most beautiful thing I have seen this year.

@pedrosilveirafontana9626 11 ай бұрын

I make your words mine too, a masterpiece. Beautiful.

@spgoo1 2 ай бұрын

The beauty really is in the eye of the beholder...

@cursedchest6469 6 ай бұрын

I can see everyone looking amazed the first time he shows up with this masterpiece and then rolling their eyes every time after, like "Oh, here comes Dennis with his 5e Tome again" :)

@lordofgraphite 11 ай бұрын

LETS GOOOOOOOOO 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

@cynthiat6505 Ай бұрын

Phenomenal!!! I cannot begin to describe how much I respect your art!

@ariana-mariamontemaggi1221 Ай бұрын

I'm impressed. That's a real masterpiece of craftsmanship.

@underwaterreporter 6 ай бұрын

Love how the beholder is grinning!

@Bonglazer333 11 ай бұрын

I think that boofed lined on the front makes it proper medieval(even though it is barely visible). Back in the day they'd make something, decorate and move on, much more important to have a properly decorated and pretty surface than perfect lines(even though again yours is very very symmetrical and done to a very high standard)

@LaughingInTiny 11 ай бұрын

Officially I need to learn this skill. I want every book in my library to look even remotely like this. What a gorgeous work of art!!

@carlotta4th 8 ай бұрын

Bookbinding in general isn't hard (though obviously this leather bound hardcover is a whole different level), definitely get started and see what you think! I suggest trying a Coptic stich for a beginner.

@LaughingInTiny 8 ай бұрын

@@carlotta4th I just found a bookbinder in my area and will take a workshop with them. I realized watching this that it's a lot of physical handwork and this video series was extremely helpful!

@dragonofice24 9 ай бұрын

those little mistakes are how you know it's handmade, and in my opinion, makes it look better as a whole. amazing finale tome

@MeadowEaglesMeadowBlossom 4 ай бұрын

BEHOLD THE MASTER TOME!

@StrayBats 11 ай бұрын

This series has been such an adventure. Thank you for sharing this with us--it's amazing to see your craftsmanship at work!

@FourKeysBookArts 11 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoy it!

@joellongworth1850 11 ай бұрын

This series - and its final product - is an absolute treasure. I was smiling ear to ear from start to finish, it is clear just how much passion for your craft was poured into it. Thank you for the privilege of having this wonderful content for free, it truly does not feel deserved. I hope you keep making videos like this, and keep doing what you love ❤

@FourKeysBookArts 11 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you!

@tyree9055 10 ай бұрын

Too bad that WoTC and Hasbro don't share your passion and have discontinued the production of books. You may never again be given the opportunity to bookbind another D&D set, unfortunately. I don't agree with their effort, because books last for decades, require no electricity, and are easier to read than their electronic counterparts (generally). 😏

@tyree9055 7 ай бұрын

@chiefslapaho3178 Professionally? Yes. Household inkjet printers used by the majority of the populace? No.

@WinstonCorneilius 3 күн бұрын

I literally gasped out loud when you made that accident. I haven’t been this into a YT video in years.

@DrunkenDweorg 9 ай бұрын

I honestly thought I was going to watch the intro then skip ahead to the end, but ended up watching the whole thing. My wife's out tonight and I was going to get some gaming in, but when she comes home and asks about my evening I'm going to have to tell her about this epic book binding video I ended up watching.

@Creophagous 2 ай бұрын

Now that is skill and craftsmanship. Beautiful.

@adzrielrose5644 11 ай бұрын

Stunning! There is no other word for it! I know the minor error on the front will bug you, because every mistake I make in my own crafts bugs me! But for anyone who notices it, which will be few enough people, it's just one of those things that proves it was hand crafted. You are a master artisan, and I am in awe of your skills. Very much looking forward to more of your videos, and immensely sad that my dad is no longer alive to watch them with me, he would have loved to watch you work.

@mags8014 11 ай бұрын

That was magic. I have watched all the D&D videos and am constantly amazed by your skill. The final book is a masterpiece and it actually brought tears to my eyes. Thank you, Dennis, for being such a brilliant - and charming - craftsman.

@rhys1264 2 ай бұрын

I know this is silly, but thank you for showing us the mistake that you made. It helps show that everyone makes errors, even experts! It turned out beautifully!

@bryanchesley9435 7 ай бұрын

10 minutes in and I forgot this was a D&D related project. I got so caught up in the expert craftsmanship.

@daveturnbull7221 11 ай бұрын

You have managed to answer pretty much every question I had on blind tooling without me asking Dennis. Been lucky enough to find a bookbinder near me who has retired and selling off his tools so I've now got a few pallets, wheels and stamps that I've got to master. This video (and theGothic Binding Series) has been a really great source of inspiration and knowledge. Thank you so much 👍👍👍

@FourKeysBookArts 11 ай бұрын

My pleasure Dave, glad to hear that you have become the next steward for those tools. I acquired many of my tools (and all but two of my wheels) in exactly the same way.

@ivonekowalczyk5823 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for these wonderful videos. I enjoy the peaceful silence, or beautiful simple music while you are carefully working. Please make more!

@FourKeysBookArts 11 ай бұрын

Thank you, I will

@marlenesouliere6971 2 ай бұрын

I'm not into book binding, but I find your videos so incredibly relaxing to watch. You are a master!!!

@JoseAlvarez-gk8cf 18 күн бұрын

The amount of patience it takes to make these books are just amazing to me. Nice work brother!

@heathermunday6878 11 ай бұрын

When he said that he made something special for the front of the book, I told my husband I hope it's a Beholder. I called it! 😀

@evchristie5740 11 ай бұрын

absolutely gorgeous!!!! i'd say you absolutely have the right to call yourself a metalsmith after that beholder!

@RelateGREAT 18 күн бұрын

Most amazing D&D book EVER! And the Beholder is beyond stunning! Brilliant touch. Wow!!

@mostlyghostey 2 ай бұрын

You are so gentle with your books. I can definitely tell you have a deep respect for this craft!

@AppliedCryogenics 11 ай бұрын

Yes! I have found my excuse to stay home from work today!

@senseweaver01 11 ай бұрын

... seriously?

@AppliedCryogenics 11 ай бұрын

@@senseweaver01 Sure! Plus, It's Friday, and I brought my work laptop home. Why are you judging me?!

@Siegurd 11 ай бұрын

That tome (book doesn't do it justice) is simply absolutely magnificent, a masterpiece. I've enjoyed your series of videos a lot, learned a lot also (not doing book binding only every curiously interested and dabbled a little but neither space nor ressources to really get into), still very very informative and interesting, thank you.

@red_wullf 11 ай бұрын

Nerds beyond counting are envious of your combined, custom D&D book. I know. I'm one of them. Excellent work!!!

@targetdreamer257 11 ай бұрын

Oh you know it. Count me as one of those envious nerds. The tome is a work of art.

@lach808 7 ай бұрын

It's like watching Ron Swanson making a book. Love it!

@HumbleInitiative 9 ай бұрын

I love that a few humans still master these ancient skills ❤

@ivonekowalczyk5823 11 ай бұрын

Yes. The accidental patina on the leather works!

@dirk4926 11 ай бұрын

I love the look of the leather, the color with the sponging effect is so rich and beautiful. The hardware looks great and I really like the fact you added two clasps. Looks like your channel is growing fast and that's fun to see.

@FourKeysBookArts 11 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

@marceli-wac 2 ай бұрын

Sir, it's been an absolute treat and a pleasure to watch you work! Wonderful craftsmanship on what is clearly a labour of love!

@user-yi2mc1lu3w 5 ай бұрын

I’m so glad you had the balls to own your mistake. Kudos. You are an artist.

@animationmoron 11 ай бұрын

The build up to this has been so captivating! Would love to see something similar with the Pathfinder core series of books when they release at the end of the year.

@MrDaragh99 11 ай бұрын

It has been an absolute pleasure watching you make this, we’ll done you are truly a great craftsman.

@_B_K_ 11 ай бұрын

Incredible. That "happy accident" marbling effect looks awesome.

@lordfancourt2879 7 ай бұрын

Very, very impressive! Now make 5000 more so we can all buy one for ourselves! Love the meticulous detail.

@captn_v 11 ай бұрын

i love how you show every part of making this. you don’t skip sections or details. i feel like i learned so much

@stephanievineyard2249 11 ай бұрын

Amazing! We watched part 4 as a family. Our kids agree, this is the coolest book ever! Very well done sir 🎉🎉🎉🎉

@FourKeysBookArts 11 ай бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

@shanehoffman1925 11 ай бұрын

Well kid, you wanna learn to play DnD? Start here...."plop"

@leeoelias6237 11 ай бұрын

honestly, this man is so damn cool. D&D player, book maker, and metal worker. 😎

@dave_s_vids Ай бұрын

You are a ridiculously talented gentleman. Wonderful stuff!

@kizunadragon9 9 ай бұрын

Book binding like this is a dying art. thanks for keeping it alive The Book of Infinite Spells in the flesh

@JFJohnny5x 11 ай бұрын

This is the single coolest DnD thing I’ve ever seen (and yeah, that includes giant Dwarven Forge layouts). Well done. Incredibly well done.

@craftysean945 11 ай бұрын

Same here. its amazing.

@JennyvdK 11 ай бұрын

I'm absolutely obsessed... I love how you're keeping such a beautiful, noble craft alive!!!

@stevenogden6026 8 ай бұрын

The beauty of this book truly is in the eye of the…ah…beholder.

@Imperator_Rex Ай бұрын

Truly a masterpiece for the ages 👏 🎉

@TheGIJew. 11 ай бұрын

A spellbook even Mordenkainen or Elminster would be proud of

@dagoelius 3 ай бұрын

Pure artistic passion on display right here. As a woodworker myself, I find your collection of old school tools & techniques more fascinating than the project itself.

@MultiDemon123 6 ай бұрын

This would be the ultimate DM GIFT!

@iamdave47 19 күн бұрын

I can't even express how awesome this is. I never played D&D but the project as a whole is just spectacular!!!

@CaptDrake6969 11 ай бұрын

Oh my god, that mottled effect it got is so awesome! You have a halfling’s own luck there for sure

@jaspervictoria843 11 ай бұрын

i mean no exaggeration when i say that the reveal of the beholder gave me chills. this looks absolutely incredible!

@Daylesek 2 ай бұрын

WAOO. That's an incredible work! 🤩😍🤩😍🤩😍

@FourKeysBookArts 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

@diamonddigs6206 Ай бұрын

That's a beautiful work of art. It'll be in someone's d&d antiques collection or a museum in 100 years time.

@songstar05 11 ай бұрын

The finished project is so beautiful! It reminds me of the 3.5 core rulebooks that made me want to play the game just so I could own those books, but you brought that to life!

@Dusty_Inkwell 11 ай бұрын

Absolutely gorgeous. I teared up in the end. What an amazingly beautiful tome to…ahem.. behold. I’ll see myself out.

@sheliliaharvey3956 11 ай бұрын

‘It’s a feature ..not an error’ .love that

@davidjmaggs 2 ай бұрын

What a fantastic job, it's so nice to see traditional skills being kept alive. Thanks for the great series of videos.

@bjdefilippo447 11 ай бұрын

There aren't enough superlatives to describe this tome. The creativity, skill, and craftsmanship are both impressive and drool-worthy. I'd need a new library just to provide the honour needed to house this book.

@Atherax 11 ай бұрын

Yay ive been keen to see the result

@eddye.2358 7 ай бұрын

Left-handed, HA! The people with the highest level of artistic talent. Amazing job!

@tommykay7427 Ай бұрын

So few artisan with this skill level! Kudos to you sir! I am in awe!

@henrywsnow 11 ай бұрын

I work at a book manufacturer in Wisconsin and am fascinated by how this shows me the processes that lead to modern book making.

@hancock1066 11 ай бұрын

Magnificent. A stunning conclusion. I have really enjoyed watching this series. Thank you!

@BlenderModeling-yd5ft 8 ай бұрын

I love it when people bind an actual book instead of just blank papers. It's so much more satisfying to see you flip the pages at the end seeing something's actually written there!

@marigoldjanies5756 Ай бұрын

Pretty wild to ponder the idea of bookmaking throughout history! These books are amazing.

@xchrysantha 4 ай бұрын

I don't play DnD or do any kind of book binding or deeply involved craftsmanship; but I am a lover and admirer of all three lol. This was AMAZING to watch come to life. Thank you so much for sharing your craft!!

@mtgemperor 11 ай бұрын

Three separate books or one Tome?! Now you're making me second guess my dream plans!!

@TheOneCleanHippy 6 ай бұрын

Absolutely unbelievable. That beholder is glorious!

@mdforbes500 9 ай бұрын

Now Beadle & Grimm will be offering you a position to do their $700 D&D Tomes - seriously, this is magnificent

@sigurdbjohansson 11 ай бұрын

Wow wowy wowsers! This became something extraordinary beautiful! Before the secret reveal I thought "Too bad he probably made a dragon. What this wondrous tome needs is a beholder!" Color me surprised and happy! Keep up the awesome work!