Gold and Silver Touches

Two books I recently finished. I indulge myself from time to time in the use of metal fittings. What a delight... a touch of old, a touch of silver or of gold.

The Legend

I just finished this book. Tooling was pretty hard on the hands but I feel it's well worth it :)

And a little sneak peek into the tooling process...

Finally, a little confession - I almost never sketch out my cover design before hand. I plan it in my head and adapt it as I go. But this time I needed some guidelines, so I used this paper adhesive tape which proved kind of useful, especially because it was looking so cool while ungluing. Gave me book art ideas... for the future! 

I'm Back!

My holidays are not yet over, but I missed my books so much that I couldn't enjoy another day without binding something :) So here I am, having a wonderful summer, spending time with my family and doing what I love most: books. This time, in a joint adventure with my sister!

 

So many new books... soon to be listed in the shop!
  

Letterpress Printing

Bookbinding love doesn't come alone. I find myself interested in the most addictive things such as letterpress printing and papermaking. After having the luck to find some metal types at the flea market a few weeks ago, I now went to visit the typography where they came from. The owner was so kind to make me a printing demo on a Heidelberg press.

I enjoyed very much his workshop. Huge space, full of heavy machinery. But mostly I fell in love with the letterpress wood cabinets and the metal types.

 

  

 

 

It was a great opportunity for me to see how it's made and hear all sort of stories from the pressmen. I went away with a bag full of goodies. Next time I'll share with you what was inside!
  

New and Old Tools

I haven't been posting much lately as I've been completely swamped with work. I did however found a bit of time to purchase some new and old tools. Now, must find time to put them to good use.

 Early 1800's finishing tools, scored on Ebay

 Beautiful set of old tools from a flea market in Porto

Finishing tools from Tom Mc Ewan,
and styluses and brass band nippers from Dimitris Koutsipetsidis. 

I'm very happy with all these and normally want more!