A Try at Tooling with Silver Leaf

One of my most recent books is a little journal bound in goatskin and tooled with silver. Since it's my first attempt to gild with silver I've shot some of my time working on the forwarding and finishing of the journal.
Even though I still need a lot of practice to make things perfect, the end result was most pleasing and left me feeling quite motivated for my next projects.
In the video I attach the leather to the covers and lay the journal on the finishing press for the bands to dry properly.
Next, the leather is folded on the corners and is ready for decoration when dried.
As silver leaf is quite thin and fragile, you can't touch it with you fingers because it sticks to them and is practically destroyed. It is laid on a leather pillow of sorts and cut into manageable pieces. I tap a piece of cotton on my forehead, for it to collect just a tiny amount of oil. The cotton picks up the silver piece and I can put it where needed.
Tooling is done over the leaf, repeating the stamps already made on the leather. A heat activated adhesive is applied to the stamps for the silver to stick.
Later when finished, the silver tooling is coated in shellac to prevent damage and tarnishing.
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www.etsy.com/shop/HouseOfStopan
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#Bookbinding #Tooling #SilverLaf

[@sohilronagh286]

Just beautiful, and mesmerizing to watch! The patience and love that you put into your skill you are truly Master leather worker! Thanks you!

[@caprichosmorales]

Just to see this video of someone so dedicated to their craft is a blessing and that the craft is such an ancient one; makes it even more superb. Thank you Stopan, .

[@Stopan]

Thank you as well! Have a great week!

[@LeaBrggerDetlevsen]

That book is probably the most perfect thing I have ever seen. The video too. I nearly cried. Now I must spend the rest of my day watching all your videos and wishing I could buy all of your books.

[@allanblack8635]

As some one who is just getting curious about book binding. Your projects are the end goal for me. Amazing! I can’t wait to start learning. One can only hope to be as dedicated as you

[@howbigisyourlove]

people use the words 'breath taking " now I know what that feels like .. what amazing talent .. the journal is an amazing treasure :)

[@Stopan]

Thank you for you kind words!

[@CavaloBranco]

Wonderful ... pure art ... the book gains a distinctive smell of leathery odor. All a care with details. A work of art involving another. This artist has my respect.

[@michigandave9680]

Such a lovely looking book! It seriously looks good and anyone who owned it will have an exceptional volume for their library.

[@veronica.theswamphag]

I feel so inspired in so many different ways watching your videos... I hope this craft never dies... something about the care and patience and using your hands, it's so beautiful

[@BlueLineofthesky]

Your video is as always amazing. I really love your work and I just realize I can rest and even sleep just listening the sound of this film. It is so helpful for my insomnia. I wish you a great life. You will not get rich from this kind of work but what you do is so much more rewarding at spiritual level.

[@Stopan]

I'm very happy I'm able to bring a soothing experience. Wish you all the best as well! Thanks again!

[@85LAETITIA]

@@Stopan can you please do the same for me but more pepers inside cause I write a lot and I was really appreciate ..i m living in belgium 🇧🇪..thank you

[@ozvucinik8591]

Very nice, I really like the color combination. And of course the atmosphere is so chill, ah such a pleasure to watch. Thanks

[@cuorepulito7834]

SO BEAUTIFUL!

[@kalisto69jade]

I love the silver!!! It stands out more for me.... Excellent job!

[@Stopan]

Thank you! It was a long time ago and to be honest; silver is a lot more harder to work with gold. This is one of the last books I made in such a way. Have a great week!

[@charleshuggins7072]

Most beautiful binding high luxury great design and technical features are implemented.here.Thank you for sharing your knowledge by showing this video.

[@chipietune]

Absolutely fabulous like the previous one with the gold gilding. Just superb. Would love to have such little treasures in my library.

[@rarejer]

Made me smile! Great looking volume. Thanks for sharing this nice little video.

[@gentleheartsunite]

You are amazing, the craftsmanship is beyond anything I ever saw:)

[@Stopan]

Thank you for the kind words! There is still a long way to go in terms of skills but the work is quite fulfilling and enjoyable. Best regards!

[@Thicketworks]

Exquisite. Thank you for sharing this, my friend.

[@brianmaloney9949]

You are inspiring. Thanks for you great videos.

[@creativespace3077]

Very nice. Thank you for sharing your skill.

[@roberttassone7676]

Beautiful work!

[@acriscabral]

So beautiful

[@Anouk1976]

beautiful video, amazing craftmanship - you are a true artist!! Love, Nicole

[@klarafrlan9043]

So so BEAUTIFUL....

[@batuurdor]

your videos are just like your books pure art! very beautiful,

[@Stopan]

Thank you! It's a wonderful thing to hear!

[@ArkadiuszFlak]

amazing colours combination

[@noname-lk6oe]

love your job

[@lorrygeewhizzbang9521]

That's very beautiful.

[@EsilHarp]

Very beautiful work with a nice video quality and a good choice for the music. Love it !

[@IraSinghTheSouvenirCalledlife]

Exceptional handiwork. You are amazingly talented. Thank you for sharing

[@Stopan]

A pleasure, thank you as well for your appreciation!

[@ladylolo2552]

absolutely beautiful.

[@Stopan]

Thank you!

[@marmar1293]

So gorgeous 😍 I really love the blue spots on edge of the pages

[@Stopan]

Thank you, I am quite fond of the myself!

[@illustrious1]

Thats a beautiful book and it is a lovely piece of art. I love the design and quality.

[@Stopan]

Thank you!

[@ravenred201]

Omg that is stunning..you are incredibly talented..wow

[@Stopan]

Thank you!

[@ms-ht1cj]

Beautiful.

[@jonriley5695]

I need a book rebound. And I want a work of art inline with this style. I subscribed immediately after watching this video.

[@Stopan]

Thank you for your appreciation! Cheers!

[@blessedbless2072]

that is amazing!

[@DoubleAA4199]

Beautiful book

[@ArtaCartii]

wonderful work man!

[@Stopan]

Thank you!

[@deadsilent2761]

True artist

[@Stopan]

Thank you for your appreciation!

[@sakasadik]

Superb

[@valeriacolivoro25]

Qué hermoso 💖

good video

[@Stopan]

Thank you!

[@denisse2614]

que hermoso trabajo

[@vikingchad44]

This is an unintentional ASMR. Brain massage.

[@reallytired27]

your books are so beautiful!!! i love your videos and your work!

[@Stopan]

Thank you so much!

[@reallytired27]

Stopan do you have any tips for beginner book binders? i just started last week and have made two text blocks so far haha i’m nervous to start putting on covers though

[@Stopan]

@@reallytired27 Last year I wrote a short first-step guide that may be of help to you! You'll find some links to great handbooks of old masters and some tips of my own: www.iostopan.com/considering-bookbinding-a-short-first-step-guide/

[@viceskyre]

looks gorgeous, mate. All the skill envy ;) For your next vid could you pleeeeease put in some minor notes on what you're doing when you're doing them? Just something simple like have the words "blind tooling" or "silver leaf" or "painting on (??)" or whatever?

[@Stopan]

Thank you! I'll do my best to make things more clear next time.

[@BKJ2023]

Look in the description

[@Chcpanower]

very nice

[@veronicatoro2841]

Que trabajo más maravilloso, te felicito aunque no me puedas leer. Desde Santiago de Chile.

[@Stopan]

I translated your message and I offer my thanks for your kinds words! Best regards from me as well!

[@ireallyshouldntbehereltd7814]

So obviously I've just spent the last hour watching these videos and I now need to buy one. I need it. My life is incomplete without it. But your website is down! Oh no. I'll be waiting though. Fantastic craftsmanship.

[@Stopan]

Zac Hampton Thank you for your appreciation! The website hasn't been down you can check it out again at www.iostopan.com Feel free to contact me at any time to discuss your new journal. Best wishes from me, Stopan

[@ireallyshouldntbehereltd7814]

Stopan just messaged you now.

[@hedgecomber]

Such a beautiful process, and a beautiful film. Are you still making books @Stopan?

[@eulindinasantanadejesus4247]

Lindo!

[@Thiscouldbeyou]

damn. just....damn.

[@freespirit3775]

Thats so fucking cool i like your work!!

[@Her-J-Story]

Sunning!

[@veganaspen1959]

Hi, thank you for all your inspiring videos. Do you heat the tools you use for the silver ? How do you heat them if so ?

[@almishti]

Very nice! Do you think this technique can be adapted to use on woodwork as well?

[@coburnlowman]

What are you painting on to get the leaf to stick to? I need to do two books before Christmas and can't find much information on leather leafing. Thanks. Excellent craftsmanship 👍

[@diegooland1261]

Dang! Pro tip, cut leaf into sections and use cotton to pick it up, very good to know. What is the stuff you use to rub the leaf off?

[@Ms_AP_]

This is fascinating to watch. So peaceful. WHat is the wooden thing called that holds the book? It seems like a nod to a bygone time.

[@caitlinfoley4468]

Great video! What kind of leather did you use and what is the name of the color? It has many different tones and is absolutely stunning!

[@chhuanteachhakchhuak7770]

Great👍👍👍😯😯😯 Whatckind of paper do you use, sir?

[@hopeindirect4165]

Well well well, when I put on ma leather that I worked on, and rock to sum Metallica, Delta Parole, Foo Fighters or the Smashing Pumpkins I feel like I can do anything in the whole wide world.

[@Zappofonista80]

Wow, very wonderful work! Can i ask what substance do you use before applying the silver leaf? and then? I'm starting to leatherwork and I'd like to try these techniques

[@autumnwilson8190]

you can get dedicated silver leaf glue on amazon/ebay :)

[@gregoria3492]

Stopan ...de dónde eres ? ...hermosos tus libros. Abrazos desde Chile.

[@lesptitsoiseaux]

Stopan, where can a beginner start? Tooling, basic techniques, etc. How did you learn? I'd like to learn.

[@mysticmeg111]

beautiful! do you sell them? if so, where can I purchase 1 or 2??

[@Stopan]

Hello and thank you for your interest! There is currently only one journal left in stock, it's one of the Autumn Journals and it's available on my Etsy shop here: houseofstopan.etsy.com My newest work will also be up very soon. Thank you again!

[@jessicaroeda7082]

how did you do the raised book binding edges, so sorry I don't know what they are called

[@Stopan]

If you mean the bands on the back of the book, they are the cords onto which the signatures are sewn.

[@GloomyPizza]

Wow Stopan your work is amazing and inspiring. I was wondering what size of leather is best for books, and also do you use any finish on your projects after you have completed them? Keep up the amazing work! Looking forward to buying some of your projects in the future.

[@Stopan]

Hello and thank you! I mix a paste made of almond oil and beeswax, with some essential oils added as well as a finish. I rub it very gently however, because excess oils can be harmful for the overall health of the binding. Best wishes!

[@freespirit3775]

where do you get the designed papers?

[@apolloeleven6459]

You make a journal cover like that?

[@hanniefr]

That thunder in the beginning made me mentally nut

[@russell6011]

what weight of leather was used?

[@jla3772]

Can a book be commissioned from you? I have some favorite books that I would like bound like that.

[@Rodnover8]

Can I find out the melody please?

[@fake3474]

...

[@nahyah8014]

You smoke a pipe? Thats cool

[@user-cc2rw4gb9d]

Люди, что за матиал он использует для обложки, кто нибудь знает?

[@Stopan]

Hello, it's vegetable tanned goatskin.

[@user-cc2rw4gb9d]

@@Stopan огромное спасибо

[@jeanjean59ful]

The problem with these things is that they are so beautiful that you don't even want to write in it.

[@Stopan]

I hear this a lot, actually. I always say that people should be a bit more confident with their writings. Even if you don't write beautifully, it's still your personal expression.

[@karmaskeys]

I'm lost. The beginning of this video is not the beginning of making this book cover. Why I am seeing the first thing as the book already have been covered and they're just gluing on the leather? I don't understand how you got to that point. Why doesn't this start with a book that doesn't have any leather touching it yet? That's where I'm at in real life here. I need to know how to get to the point to glue the leather on.

[@mnauscriptconservationcent233]

can we be in your team

[@vinodnaarayaan4615]

Is this peice of art work for sale ??

[@Justmyopinionlol]

what language is he speaking?

[@Stopan]

Hello, I speak in Bulgarian.

[@chsovi7164]

* moves book around so that the camera never gets a chance to focus on the most important part *

[@Stopan]

Can't argue there.

[@85LAETITIA]

Can you do the same for me please but with more pepers inside cause I write a lot ..can you please??