Making a Set of Simple Leather Journals: Book Forwarding and the Joys of Working with Leather

Рет қаралды 208,747

6 жыл бұрын

Leather is a beautiful material and when combined with some covers becomes an excellent shield for the rather fragile book body.
When binding books, some considerations are to be made when choosing your leather. Vegetable tanned leather is a must. It possesses the qualities to absorb water and to be molded into the shapes you wish it to be formed. Of course, after all the work is said and done, these qualities should be controlled in order to protect the book from moisture. In this case, various oils and lacquers are used to coat the leather surface.
There is a difference between the vegetable tanned leather used for belts or saddles and the one used for bookbinding. The leather should be thinner, 1mm or below. Books have movable parts and thicker leather would restrict the movements of the joints and prevent opening or closing.
The seven journals made in the video are part of an order, I've been busy with the last month. I've been using vegetable tanned goatskin, which I've sprinkled with dye for an additional decorative effect. Goatskin possesses excellent qualities for durability as well as a beautiful smooth surface, which makes any tooling really stand out.
I hope you enjoy this short showcase of my work.
Be sure to visit my re-opened shop on Etsy!
www.etsy.com/shop/HouseOfStopan
Be up-to-date with upcoming projects, commission availability and when new collections go live for sale. Subscribe to the mailing list:
tinyletter.com/Stopan
If you wish to support my work and help me produce more educational content for aspiring bookbinders please consider contributing to my Patreon page:
/ stopan
Website and other social links for more information:
Website: www.iostopan.com
Facebook: / iostopan
Instagram: / iostopan
#Bookbinding #Craftsman #LeatherBinding

Пікірлер: 181

@acesoverkings7030 4 жыл бұрын

This is the kind of pride every man should take in his craft ... you are an artist my friend, great video! God bless you.

@Stopan 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@augustcanyon3438 4 жыл бұрын

Masterpiece! True craftsmanship will save the world.

@jadorelepapier Жыл бұрын

I can watch and practice 100 times and never be as good as you ❤

@moderndaydad8654 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely beautiful because of your channel I have built my own book press and am making the children of my church each their own prayer journals. It had also helped me with my stress thank you so much.

@ayklization 3 жыл бұрын

A true craftsmanship. Excellent

@bittsandpieces 6 жыл бұрын

This is incredibly beautiful, as always. Stopan, your work is the biggest inspiration to me. Your care and attention to detail, the calmness that lives in every one of your videos, the love you put into your work. It's breathtaking. My biggest goal is to one day create something as beautiful as you

@Stopan 6 жыл бұрын

I'm humbled, thank you for your words! I wish you all the strive in achieving your goals. I'm always available to be of help.

@syn_flood 6 жыл бұрын

Stopan, your ability to create such natural wonders of art is always breath taking. Your music choices as well as the silent nature of your videos leaves me speechless. Love your work! You’ve motivated me to find anyone in my area that is willing to teach me book binding. Can’t wait to see what else you have in store.

@Stopan 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the humbling words! I wish you all the best in the endeavor!

@foodlover4738 5 жыл бұрын

this was so relaxing, I almost fell asleep. However, wanting to see the end results kept me awake.

@judichristopher4604 6 жыл бұрын

OMG... ... Beautiful work... this was a joy to watch... Thank YOU for sharing your talent.

@khaley37781 4 жыл бұрын

Such an honor to watch!

@guelo98 5 жыл бұрын

It is a pleasure to see you work, the dedication, the prolixity, the dedication, the details. congratulations, you are incredible

@lisaspears7212 5 жыл бұрын

Why is it so satisfying to watch this? This is awesome.

@Stopan 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@solsdadio 5 жыл бұрын

Stunning. Thanks for sharing.

@mjbohn 6 жыл бұрын

Beautiful work. A piece of art.

@Baiterade 4 жыл бұрын

This is beautiful work. I'm gonna try my hand at making one for my girlfriend for her birthday... I'm not expecting it to be this good, but I know she'll love that I made it!

@masja1790 6 жыл бұрын

Very therapeutic. Thank you. Wish I could learn this and work with it all day...always!!

@Stopan 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you as well for the appreciation!

@ramtinheraklion2856 3 жыл бұрын

Hello, would you like me to help you?

@Hyrune 6 жыл бұрын

Your videos soothe my soul.

@Stopan 6 жыл бұрын

Humbling words, thank you for your appreciation!

@noalepsy8531 4 жыл бұрын

What beautiful craftsmanship!! Such stunning, flawlessly elegant skill. Thank-you for sharing.

@viceskyre 6 жыл бұрын

awesome as always

@jennyellen2606 6 жыл бұрын

Absolute perfection!

@Stopan 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@maksymushka Жыл бұрын

Beautiful work.

@soliscrown1272 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. And very peaceful.

@DrawbridgeProps 6 жыл бұрын

Another great video... Thanks so much for sharing.

@Stopan 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you as well for watching!

@cathyhaynes2700 4 жыл бұрын

I'm very impressed.

@Djoodibooti 5 жыл бұрын

Flawless bindings.

@IchigoDeFolie 6 жыл бұрын

I always look forward to your videos. Exquisite craftsmanship.

@Stopan 6 жыл бұрын

I'm very glad, thank you for watching!

@diegooland1261 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful. Something to aspire to, thanks for posting. The work around the spine is exceptional, I'm finding that part very tricky.

@vincentb2175 4 жыл бұрын

Really nice artwork!

@sheenahubbard554 6 жыл бұрын

Absolutely beautiful to watch. I want so much to learn to do this. Your books are true works of art. I am saving to buy at least one of your pieces, but I hope to be able to have many in the future. Thank you for sharing.

@Stopan 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your kind words! I'm always available to be of service.

@darklittlepeople 5 жыл бұрын

beautiful and relaxing.

@flightforfight 5 жыл бұрын

Is beautyfull work!!! Congratulations

@veronica.theswamphag 5 жыл бұрын

This is peace embodied

@vladimirkovacevic1656 3 жыл бұрын

awesome journal

@user-ht4nk5yu6j 3 жыл бұрын

beautiful！こういう動画を見ているだけで心が豊かになる気がする。

@Fat2Fit5k 3 жыл бұрын

So glad I found this! It was mesmerizing to watch you work. Subbed at 18.5k

@bleachboy14 6 жыл бұрын

He’s back!

@everose1502 4 жыл бұрын

Wow. The whole video is just so satisfying and relaxing. A lot of skill must of gone into those beautiful journals and it shows. 😁👍🏻

@Stopan 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@DP-zs3hg 5 жыл бұрын

Спасибо за добрую работу!

@donipancake 6 жыл бұрын

i love this so much ❤️

@Stopan 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@agaiths1221 6 жыл бұрын

You are amazing. This is true art indeed. I would love to try bookbinding myself in the future. Thank you for inspiration and greetings from Poland!

@Stopan 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you as well for the appreciation! Best regards!

@MsEngenius 6 жыл бұрын

Holy shit my dude, I've just binged all of your videos and I'm blown away! Your creations are absolutely stunning. Book binding is something I've been interested in trying and these videos have really inspired me! Do you have any advice for someone who is just starting out??

@Stopan 6 жыл бұрын

Hello and thank you for such kind words! I often get asked about this and I'll share some points I've been giving lately: Firstly, I would recommend seeking masters in your area and beginning an apprenticeship. I am of the few unlucky ones that due to being no one else here I had to teach myself and honestly I do not recommend it, except if one is in a predicament such as I were. With guidance, I could have achieved all I did and more in a far shorter period of time. I can not recommend it more strongly. If you want to get acquainted with basic techniques in order to start out, there is a channel that explains quite well these early steps: kzfaq.info I would recommend checking out the great collection The Gutenberg project has on bookbinding, including great books from J. Zaehnsdorf and Douglas Cockerell who are one of my biggest inspirations from the last century: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/search/?query=bookbinding And if you are forced to learn by yourself, the process is constant trial and error, reading up literature and examining examples of bindings you find appealing, trying to deconstruct the methods of its making. Best of luck!

@MontenegroCrafts 6 жыл бұрын

amazing!

@ViajanteNato 4 жыл бұрын

Beautiful

@MR-DURO 6 жыл бұрын

Are you planning offering your talent service on your Etsy store soon? You are so unique and talented. It's very rare to find such a pure, genuine and true passionate individual like you. Please keep sharing and doing what you are doing because it is truly magical and very enjoyable to watch.

@Stopan 6 жыл бұрын

Hello and thank you for your kind words of appreciation! I'm still considering whether I should return to Etsy or not. It's not really accommodating for my pace of work. Recently, I felt more comfortable to communicate with my customers directly through my website. You're welcome to visit it at: www.iostopan.com Thank you again and best regards!

@dearmodi1325 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing.

@huusseins 5 жыл бұрын

AAAH I need to learn this

@elizzievb 6 жыл бұрын

Beautiful work and video. I really enjoyed this - thank you for sharing! xo

@Stopan 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you as well for the appreciation!

@lisaspears7212 6 жыл бұрын

Gorgeous. A true work of art. It's beautiful. I would like to be able top do this and I wonder your dyeing technique. And your tools I would love be able to get those...

@hometube4165 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome 😎

@Vincintosh 5 жыл бұрын

I've found this channel and I started to watch your videos regularly because they are very relaxing... I would like to ask where did you take the music from

@vincentb2175 4 жыл бұрын

Excellente!

@gentleheartsunite 6 жыл бұрын

Боже мой как красиво! даже романтично))

@brymYa 5 жыл бұрын

Совершенно медитативное видео. Очень расслабляет и настраивает на работу одновременно.

@josimarsiete 2 жыл бұрын

Fascinante

@julianahinojosa6166 3 жыл бұрын

This is such a wonderful way to watch someone’s craft. Is it possible to bind a specific type of paper? I ask because I’m interested in binding Rhodia paper into a book since it works well for the type of calligraphy I practice

@FranckS357 Жыл бұрын

amazing

@sarahaccardi 3 жыл бұрын

Hey where did you get your press from? And the clamp thingo that you wrapped the thread around to help form the spine?? I’m looking for wooden ones and these look great

@ginabadeaux9319 4 жыл бұрын

i watched your videos last night for the first time i loved them so much .it brought tears of joy to see such skill and beauty what country are you in

@almansoral-guhrbani5611 5 жыл бұрын

عمل متقن ورائع تحياتي وتقديري

@johnproffitt3272 4 жыл бұрын

Do you use marbled papers to finish off the inside of the covers?

@hancock1066 6 жыл бұрын

Beautiful video and beautiful work. I enjoy watching your technique.

@Stopan 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@jasonhilty915 4 жыл бұрын

Stellar video, as always. What's the background music? I've been trying to find it to play while I'm working as well, it's so peaceful.

@texasbagpiper 3 жыл бұрын

What type of knife are you skiving with? I’ve been using the Scharfixx but am looking st options other than a safety skiver for hand edge work in thin 1oz leather.

@chanchalmaitra8902 4 жыл бұрын

Hello I am new to bookbinding with leather and learning it through your videos . Please let me know if I need to use mull cloth on the spine before adding the leather or use the leather directly using glue on the spine ? Is it good to use 0.6mm polyester cloth with upside paper pasted in place of mull cloth ( if I need to use it before the leather using or use the polyester without any paper and glue the leather directly on it . ) Please inform me . Warm Regards

@maximf.5537 5 жыл бұрын

Wonderfull

@sulavghimire6473 5 жыл бұрын

look at his DP!! this man is Robb Stark!

@fruzsinanemeth 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the amazing video!!! You really inspired me!!! Can please write down in the desctiption the materials you used? Thanks a lot!!!

@ragbearebikegoodlife6693 4 жыл бұрын

Very nice... How did you get rid of the water stain on the spine after soaking the leather?

@brandonrussell4491 6 жыл бұрын

Your videos (and books) are stunning. This is book porn!

@aymosb.i.w.alkuhs5969 3 жыл бұрын

Couldn't agree more

@quveks6621 3 жыл бұрын

The difference between book porn and real porn is that only one of this experiences is possible for me

@adrienneanderson-smith2257 3 жыл бұрын

I expected a narrated lesson. What did you do to get the pages where they were? What type of glue? What thickness or grade or dimensions of the leather?

@erik_carter_art 6 жыл бұрын

Gorgeous! I'd be curious to learn your leather dyeing technique. The leather you use has such a beautiful, rustic appearance! :D

@Stopan 6 жыл бұрын

I often use potassium permanganate to oxidize the leather a bit instead of dying it. I believe this leads to a more natural and rustic appearance as you said.

@delgadorebinds987 5 жыл бұрын

@@Stopan how long do you leave the potassium on the leather? Your work is beautiful. I am a self learner also. I get so much oit of your videos along with others doing the craft.

@JaredaSohn 5 жыл бұрын

Amazing videos, I've been looking into making a hardcover leather bound book for a gift, and your videos have inspired me so much! Thank you! Also what is the best thickness of leather to use to produce this style of leather bound book, and can you preform good looking leather carving with that thickness of leather (like what Dark Horse Workshop does)? Thank you for the wonderful videos!

@Stopan 5 жыл бұрын

Hello and thank you for your kind words! Leather for bookbinding is usually between 0.65 and 1 mm thick. It depends on the scale you're working with and your end goal but it's generally thin. Leather in books isn't typically decorated by carving as belts, saddles, etc. are decorated. The leather is tooled with heated brass stamps and the design is achieved by combining the impressions.

@yukieaparsley335 6 жыл бұрын

Your work is so beautiful! I sincerely appreciate the time and care that you take in crafting each of these books, even though I do not own one, but I will definitely make sure I save my money for one. I am so intrigued by your process - how did you learn such mastery?

@Stopan 6 жыл бұрын

Hello and thank you for your kind words of appreciation! It was a lengthy process of trial and error, reading up on books by old masters and examining bindings of the past. I'm of the few unlucky ones that had to learn without a master but the line was severed long ago here in Bulgaria. Fortunately, I was able to be accepted as a Master in the National Craftsman's Chamber here and hopefully the craft has the chance to be alive if more people decide to pursue it.

@elpredicadormm 4 жыл бұрын

My friend. Where can I buy one of those?

@lannguyenthi2250 3 жыл бұрын

Những cuốn sổ rất đẹp.

@ghostskin173 6 жыл бұрын

Outstanding work. If I may ask, where did you purchase your band nippers? I'm looking to buy a decent pair.

@Stopan 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! The band nippers are bought from the J Hewit store here: www.hewitonline.com/Band_Nippers_French_Style_p/tl-020-000.htm

@doghibthekobold7852 6 жыл бұрын

This is lovely work, and it really calms my head watching your videos. Are you the one playing guitar as well?

@Stopan 6 жыл бұрын

Hello and thank you for the kind words! Unfortunately, the music is not my own. The musician is Axletree and has his albums available for free at www.freemusicarchive.org

@puntodereunion4997 4 жыл бұрын

Saludos y salud desde Villahermosa, ciudad del sureste mexicano a orillas del río Grijalva! Una pregunta: que tipo de pegamento usas para pegar la piel...!? Gracias por compartir!!

@PanginooTV 6 жыл бұрын

Once again, an amazing video of your mastery in your craft. Just my opinion, I think it's a lot better if you still include the small ambient sounds like in your past videos. But still a beautiful video nonetheless! Hope we see more of your work!

@Stopan 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@epokepok8019 3 жыл бұрын

Arthur Morgan is your first customer.

@charlieberesford6891 4 жыл бұрын

Where do you find your leather i can't find any as good looking

@adogaustin 5 жыл бұрын

These are so beautiful! I am curious what did you put on the leather at 0:35 to make the spine more pliable? Is it just a rag with water or something else?

@didiermeral7620 5 жыл бұрын

Please Stopan, where did you buy your wooden press (0:11° ) - thanks in advance ! and please, keep up the good work

@Stopan 5 жыл бұрын

Hello, Didier and thank you! I've purchased the press from a Dutch carpenter you can find here www.etsy.com/shop/BovenwerkBookbinding/ Best of luck!

@nivaldomacale5264 5 жыл бұрын

What is the name of this iron tool you use to crease the ribs? I am a student of Conservation and Restoration and I find everything very dazzling. Congratulations!

@diam8749 4 жыл бұрын

Does anyone know the name of the stitching at the top/bottom of book that is shown @5:39.????? I’ve watched quite a few videos and this is my first time seeing that... PS YOUR CHANNEL, CRAFT, AND FINAL RESULT ARE BEAUTIFUL, AND AMAZING

@ramondeanda7133 5 жыл бұрын

what adhesive you used

@Michelle-dd4vm 2 ай бұрын

How do you do the inside cover?

@mirandasprinkle8316 3 жыл бұрын

Where did you purchase your leather from, and what is the thickness? it looks quite thin and malleable! I'm currently working on a bookbinding project and finding/purchasing the right kind of leather has been a challenge... Most test pieces I have ordered or found have been far too thick and difficult to work with.

@Stopan 3 жыл бұрын

Hello, most suppliers should provide thinning services for their products. I've listed here most of my suppliers and you can check the leather section too: www.iostopan.com/considering-bookbinding-a-short-first-step-guide/

@bananakitofinternetclan8350 4 жыл бұрын

*Gasp* I just had an idea! I could make a copy of The Book of Clearsight! Sorry I'm just nerding out... I could also make a Harry Potter themed "spellbook" and give it to my sister... Eeeeeeeeeeeh I'm so excited And also, I could make a book full of the creatures I make up all the time, diagrams of them, descriptions of behavior, biology and etc.. Haha I'm such a nerd lol

@00ValiantFay 5 жыл бұрын

What kind of paper do you use in these books??

@cesarbarrueto3987 3 жыл бұрын

I'm beginning in this art, but I have difficulties to find some materials. Maybe leather will be the next step.

@skailerderkonigderdiebe5499 4 жыл бұрын

How long does it take for glue to dry

@lisajarvis3820 5 жыл бұрын

What is that tool called you used to curve in the spine fold edges (round metal thing) and where did you get it?

@gregorymartin6488 5 жыл бұрын

They may have other names but I call them "Band Nippers" and any art/craft shop would be able to get them.

@DarkMalus 6 жыл бұрын

This is great! Stopan, if it's not a problem, what kind of finishers do you apply in order to protect the leather from water and so on? your books are stunning

@Stopan 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! At first, I was only using a concoction of vegetable oil and beeswax. The problem was that for some leathers it was too potent and left unrepairable stains. Later, I began using only a light coat of vegetable oils to provide flexibility, followed by light coats of shellac mixed in an aqueous solution. After these treatments, the beeswax concoction may be safely applied to provide the shine.

@DarkMalus 6 жыл бұрын

Stopan Thank you Stopan! Keep doing that lovely art.

@verkaamartis 4 жыл бұрын

cool

@unrealwolfclaws 5 жыл бұрын

*Buying some magic book*.

@paulpeplinski4579 4 жыл бұрын

Two questions: 1) what kind of glue do you use? And 2) does the knife you use to cut your paper and leather corners off have a specific name or is it a particular kind?

@Stopan 4 жыл бұрын

I use a glue called Planatol BB, which is cellulose based. The knife in this video is most commonly called a shoemaker's knife or a cobbler's knife. Although the name might vary in different countries. The video is a bit old though. Those knives aren't the best choice for paring leather and would recommend proper English or French Paring knives for the job.

@paulpeplinski4579 4 жыл бұрын

@@Stopan Thanks for the info. :) i really enjoy watching you work. I'm teaching myself the book binding process through KZfaq and other sources. I really appreciate your aesthetic. Your creations are so beautiful.

@JC-wq9sy 5 жыл бұрын

This turned out beautiful. What tools did you use and what was the thickness of your leather? Also, if possible to answer how much do you typically spend on leather and where do you get it?

@Stopan 5 жыл бұрын

Hello and thank you! The tools in the video were basically a finishing press, some band nippers and at last the nipping press. This particular leather was 0.8 mm thick. I most commonly purchase from Harmatan & Oakridge from the UK. You can find their selection of goods and quote for their prices at: harmatan.co.uk/ Best regards!

@JC-wq9sy 5 жыл бұрын

@@Stopan thank for your reply and the information.