Hand-Binding 'A Christmas Carol' - Part 3 of 3 - Leather Cover & Genuine Gold Tooling

[@gregsquires6201]

The book turned out beautiful, and the video is a joy to watch. Everything about this series of videos, from the pacing, the editing, the soft Christmas music, to the craftmanship displayed, has been perfect. Thanks for making them!

[@OdeInWessex]

Beautifully put, I couldn't agree more. 🥰

[@susanc2280]

This is just amazing. I'm sitting here watching you create what will probably be a treasured heirloom of someone's family. Sir, you are a true artist.

[@bobe.collins7235]

Good to see some of us are still at it Denis. I’m a 3rd generation Hand Bookbinder in Australia & although my day to day varies from restoration to new corporate binding, I still love doing it the old time consuming way, which I was taught. I loved the series, thanx. Bob E. Collins Hand Bookbinder. Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you Bob! Being self-taught, it means a great deal to me to get positive feedback from someone with your experience. All best from Canada!

[@bobe.collins7235]

It’s hard to believe you’re’ ‘self-taught’ with the knowledge & expertise you possess. I note that some of your work methods are different to what I was taught in Australia, but still very excellent. Bob E.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

That’s very kind of you to say so. I’ve picked up what I can from books and videos, with an eye to using traditional techniques. There’s plenty more I don’t know, but I’m always trying to learn!

[@wildcaterpillar4825]

@@FourKeysBookArts I'm also Canadian and starting out my bookbinding journey, self-taught as well. I don't have some of the necessary tools yet, (trimming by hand with an exacto isn't fun) but I'm getting there. It's inspiring to see this art having a resurgence in the face of mass-produced, poor quality books

[@Louise_Moura]

Imagine being gifted this for Christmas. I would cry on the spot

[@dirkdejong-qf1hs]

I'm actually baffled by the fact you say you are self taught. Over 40 years ago i had bookbinding classes at school taught by a master of the arts and i have never used the knowledge after school. Until now, i just recently got the idea to bind some books for my wife and i was surprised i still knew what i was taught over 40 years ago and to refresh my memory even more i started to look up tutorials on the internet. After seeing a lot of bullsh*t 'tutorials' by youtubers, 'content creators' or 'influencers' doing so, so many things wrong and acting like they actually knew what they were doing i stumbled across this channel, and man, you are good. Your videos brought back the final memories i needed. Even the speed you are doing this reminds me of my old teacher and the way it was taught. You are truly a master of this art, brilliant. And thank you for bringing back these memories and finally give me the motivation to use my knowledge to make beautiful handcrafted books and covers. And ofcourse for trying to teach and a new generation the art of traditional bookbinding the right way.

[@jcortese3300]

This was a joy to watch from start to finish -- thanks so much for this series! You've made a family heirloom!

[@negotiableaffections]

Your skills go to show just how much we revere thoughts, ideas and words when in written form. The digital age may have brought the art of dissemination to a whole new level but the power of knowledge is truly, only evident in the way we chose to archive the written word. Cheers Dennis, you stand on the shoulders of some illustrious giants.

[@dmvtrekscifichick6505]

This was a lovely Christmas gift for your wife as well as all of us. Thank you so much, your videos are beautiful as well as educational. I can't wait to see what you do next. I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[@reinapearse9111]

Gosh I hope whoever becomes the owner of this watches this series to appreciate what an absolute piece of art this is. Love it. Thanks for posting

[@ampersandrew]

What an absolutely, stunningly beautiful object. I'm sure the recipient was thrilled with it. It's a true joy to watch a skilled artisan at work. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@amandamcvay9811]

This was so cozy and warm that my anxiety was cured for at least fifteen minutes. Thank you for making such a beautiful book and video.

[@brettcody76]

Absolutely sublime! Dennis, you are an artist of the highest caliber. Thank you so much for this series.

[@susankahil1178]

Beautiful work and I love the silence throughout xx

[@nickscott6139]

Those three videos were the most lovely gentle run up to Christmas and encapsulating the true spirit of the season. Thank you..

[@ElisaShaffer]

First of all, I love watching your videos. Second, I had always assumed the two colored bands on the spine of the cover was just for decoration, as I had seen it mostly on fabric book covers, but I had a huge “aha” moment watching today. Such a little thing brought my nerdy fact loving heart joy.

[@inkland2003]

so beautiful. Currently, the mass bookbinding is terrible, most books become unusable after a short period of time. I hope this kind of bookbinding becomes more popular in the future.

[@marpl1979]

И всего лишь 30 человек сумели дойти до конца. И увидеть всё волшебство и таинство рождения чуда. Невероятные приключения, при свече и золотых руках Мастера. С Рождеством!!

[@aKAP7681]

Да ладно, я потом ещё три раза пересматривал. Снято классно, смотреть приятно.

[@TheMimzez]

it turned out super pretty! I can't believe how warped the book boards were and how they were completely fixed I wanna make my own book like this someday

[@rjc305]

Wonderful video. A museum quality edition for certain! Thank you for sharing your work.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you too!

[@OdeInWessex]

Watching these video's has made me appreciate all the times this process could potentially go wrong and how easy you make it look, even though it's not. Thanks for your efforts, I'm looking forward to more of your beautiful work in 2024. In the meantime, I wish you a very merry Christmas and peaceful New Year!🍧🍾🥂🍻🗝🗝🗝🗝🎄🎄🎊

[@beagru5706]

🤩Extraordinary 🏆thank you very much for sharing 📚💖📖🎄✨

[@michaelhinkson6038]

Masterfully done! Thank you for this journey through the bookmaking process.

[@williamwallace9427]

Pure KZbin gold

[@robinmartin4464]

The amount of care and attention to detail always amazes me. Thanks.

[@TheGalantHamburger]

That’s not a book, it’s a work of art.

[@daveturnbull7221]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us Dennis - it turned out absolutely lovely. I particularly liked the labels, the different colour leather really sets it off. Wishing you, yours and all your viewers a happy holiday season and hoping for a prosperous and peacefull 2024 from Scotland.

[@arabellachampaq689]

I have really enjoyed this series. Especially the quiet attention to perfection. Thank you.

[@rattapan9552]

I cannot count all the times I just burst out in laughter watching these 3 videos. This Is just the most beautiful and inspiring thing I have seen on you tube. I swear to god.

[@gemmi1]

Oh what a perfect video ❤️🌲

[@lollyhamilton1710]

I really enjoyed seeing the completion of this project. The book turned out wonderfully, the simple design did seem very fitting. I am sure your wife will get many hour of pleasure from it. Thanks so much for sharing. Merry Christmas to you both.

[@lightbulbnirvana]

Great job! The patience ! The patience! And it could go wrong at anytime! I feel humbling awe of all the anonymous bookbinders through the ages! Thank you! ❤

[@natepetrie1216]

I'm impressed and appalled at the amount of gold leaf you went through to make this. This must cost you a fortune! Stunning result though!

[@jakemeyer8188]

I love your videos, man. I don't go for those ASMR videos, but I've come to the conclusion that I think yours are both interesting and educational to me as well as possibly slightly ASMR-ish...if that's even a thing. I'm completely fascinated by your work and tools.

[@rivertalesien1321]

It is comforting to know this kind of craftsmanship is still around and a joy to see the work from start to finish. Thank you. 😊

[@lafrancemeyers7728]

Beautiful ❤

[@horusfalcon]

Magnificent! The gold leaf gave you some trouble, but you persisted and got there. So very well done!

[@soropodo7918]

I can't wait to see you do more of this to more books you love!

[@stephanieparker1250]

Three mins into the video and I can already feel stress melting out of me.. thank you for being on KZbin ❤

[@chaoshead87]

Lovely book sir. Great skill and craftsmanship.

[@vivsalittlebitcrafty4854]

A work of art! Every second of the process made me appreciate just what goes into this craft. Extremely pleasant to watch. Knowing someone had made this book just for them, a wonderful gem of a gift, to be read and appreciated by generations.

[@252Maplehurst]

I love it!!!!! Thank you for posting.

[@thecraftyhistorian]

I loved everything about this. Making someone a present is just so thoughtful and special, and the videos themselves were so soothing and comforting, perfect Christmas watch with a hot chocolate. It is truly special when all platforms want creators to make 30 seconds long videos full of cuts and music and cringe AI voice, that 3 videos of a full half hour with barely any music or sound and nobody talking is just what people want to watch ❤

[@NorthlightsStudio]

A wonderful heirloom addition to the season! Thank you for sharing! Merry Christmas!

[@sarahlongshore2605]

This was literally like watching Santa in his workshop!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@BlissUnderTheMoonlight]

I just LOVE the way you work with the gold foil! I've been wanting to use it in basically all my hobbies, but I can't stand something that's so messy. Your technique looks way more manageable than the ones I've seen where people just brush it away and leave a huge mess.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Yes it’s delicate stuff, and expensive too! The gold rubber is the key; it not only removes the excess gold, but traps it as well. In time it will accumulate enough gold to actually recover for $$$.

[@BlissUnderTheMoonlight]

@@FourKeysBookArts That's amazing! It looks similar to a regular kneadable eraser too. I'm actually going to look around for some gold foil and try it out. Thank you so much!

[@saifrahman8782]

​@@FourKeysBookArts make a video on glue . We need to know the best one for bookbinding. Also can made in home.

[@gregsquires6201]

@@FourKeysBookArts I know close to nothing about gilding, but I've never seen anyone use Vaseline after the glair - and I've also never seen as much trouble with the gold sticking. What is the purpose of the Vaseline?

[@FourKeysBookArts]

It holds the gold in place just enough to do the hot tooling.

[@mags8014]

Dennis, that was absolutely beautiful and the finished book is a masterpiece. Whoever is receiving this for Christmas is very lucky. Thank you for sharing your skill and mastery of the bookbinder’s craft. Happy Christmas!

[@LyraLyraPantsOnFyra]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Dennis. Hope it's a good one.

[@dirk4926]

So enjoyable to watch as I sit by my Christmas Tree and drink a Christmas cocktail

[@lepenx]

This turned out beautifully, thank you! Keep up the good work!

[@amandareicha5065]

I enjoyed the videos making this book! It’s a beautiful gift ❤

[@smartguru1870]

THX!

[@jakemeyer8188]

It's worth me leaving a second comment to say that you have incredible patience and skill to deal with that much gold leaf. I'd have been cursing and flailing about with gold leaf everywhere except where I wanted it to be.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I did have a few mishaps but I edited those out. Maybe I’ll put together an outtake video someday!🤣

[@tonyc3858]

Epic Work!

[@rogerg5681]

Amazingly well done by a true craftsman.

[@lynnettelopez6261]

Amazing Masterpiece and Epic work of LOVE!! I even hold my breath during the gold pressing part...a stressful moment for me...😂 Wishing you and your family a Wonderful Christmas.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you so much!

[@SWATDRUMMUH]

i am concerned for the lettering fading and the gold leaf wearing away, but it's an amazing book! I'm sure your family will treasure it as an heirloom for years to come.

[@jwonderfulsuccess]

Bound my first book this week and I watched this video. 🙂🙏

[@industrialtumbleweed3849]

What a beautiful book! The love and care put into creating this is very evident. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@Fashionetta1]

Dennis, with your handmade tools, and your remarkable skills, I am convinced that you are Santa Claus because only he could make A Christmas Carol this beautifully bound. I’ll be looking forward to seeing whatever gorgeously hand bound book you bring me for Christmas!

[@candelariaatalaya5709]

It looks amazing beautiful work you are a genius ❤❤❤❤

[@auntielaura5]

Thank you for the Christmas present - this beautiful video. The book is amazing. In this world of mass production it is good to be reminded of the patience and artistry that goes into the making of one very special object. I found just watching you tool the leather to be nerve-wracking - one tiny slip and so much work would be lost. 😳 And thank you for including the part that didn’t go right the first time - that’s the reality of craftsmanship. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. ❤️

[@schlettyb1]

Finally got to watch all three of these in a row! What a ride it was. Absolutely beautiful. I figured out how Dennis is great at art, creation, and documenting his journey after catching a glimpse of him in this series -- he's Santa in disguise!! Seriously though, with this amount of time, material, and craftsmanship, were these hand-made books out of reach for most people at the time? I would think these types of books would be closely held in personal libraries and passed down multiple times.

[@Helen_kittycat_crafts]

wow so beautiful xx i really found this captivating

[@quinnabun1173]

I am in absolute total ore of your skills ❤ Fascinating & beautiful in everyway possible!!!

[@rankinstudios5342]

Gorgeous! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2024!!!

[@patriciasellers4779]

Beautiful book . Thank you for sharing.

[@Lorddanielrushton371]

Beautiful job. Very elegant.

[@nightfan1983]

What a gorgeous book. I'm sure your wife will love it. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones :)

[@XyerDark]

Honestly wonderful serie of videos. Merry Christmas.

[@emmagrove6491]

Beautiful. Dickens would be proud.

[@kellyro77]

So beautiful! Great job, and your video production quality was amazing, too! You're a man of many talents! Merry Christmas!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you very much!

[@phranerphamily]

Why was it necessary to trim the turn-ins? Also I enjoyed watching this entire process immensely. Thank you for the wonderful Christmas present 🎄⛄❄️

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I wanted to have enough surface area for the infill paper to apply enough pull to correct the warping. Otherwise I was pretty happy with how evenly they turned out, but I was worried if the infills were too small they wouldn’t be able to pull the boards back. Thanks for the question!

[@SusangDaddy]

My small dream is to create my own book. Your video is such a great lesson and hope to me.

[@kaersten3623]

Beautifully illustrated, thank you. "God bless us, everyone."

[@maryannecross4220]

What a perfect way to end my Christmas Day. Thank you 🇬🇧

[@richardking9442]

Really enjoyed the videos, we take for granted just being able to buy books now, never really thinking about how they are made. All mass produced, had no idea so much work and time went into the process. Thank you.

[@maestro8701]

Thank you for the instructive videos. Out of curiosity, do the reference lines on the spine label stay visible?

[@tanyas.3812]

THE TOOLS YOU ARE USING AS WELL AS THE MATERIALS USED, TO EXPERTLY CREATE A “BINDING OF DISTINCTION” THAT RIVELS ALL “OLD WORLD” CRAFTSMANSHIP SUPERBLY! CAN YOU PLEASE INCLUDE THE SOURCES WHERE WE CAN OBTAIN THE ESSENTIAL TOOLS AND MATERIALS, IN THE SHOW NOTES (AFTER THE WORD “MORE”) THAT WE NEED, TO CREATE THESE BEAUTIFUL BINDINGS. THANKS SO MUCH FOR THESE BEAUTIFUL VIDEOS.

[@uncleandyv]

Amazing!!!

[@Fragkogiannakis_Vasilis]

Καλά Χριστούγεννα ! ! !

[@e-artemas7295]

please could you do a video on all of your tools that you use

[@liquidwombat]

Its so beautiful, but I was really hoping you would cover it with dark green leather, it would look amazing with the red edging on the pages and the red labels

[@claudiacoronel2929]

Disfruté el proceso de cada video de éste hermoso libro artesanal. Simplemente maravilloso. Excelente. ❤ Lo amé❤

[@allenfield36]

Far out man theese vidios are so enjoyable its wierd thankyou so very much

[@CarlosValentor]

Oh my God! I am so happy after having watched this series! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful work❤

[@mexlemax3307]

The Christmas book has also turned out beautifully. It takes a lot of effort to finish such a handmade book. The spine alone requires so many steps. It's almost madness. If you've never seen work like this before and then hold a book like this in your hand, you wouldn't believe that so much work went into it. The leather cover is also very good. You can see from all your work steps that you have been doing this for a very long time. Are you a bookbinder by profession or is it a hobby? Very good, excellent work indeed. Thank you very much for showing it to me.

[@Sintanity]

Just gorgeous! I absolutely love the way you decorated the edges of the papers. Just lovely. Really enjoyed all three videos.

[@Barbara-ty8dj]

Oh my, this was such a treasure. Thank you for this wonderful gift!

[@WelshIron]

Beautiful work! A merry Christmas to you.

[@mikastu]

This is my favourite Christmas Movie!!

[@robstagner2086]

Bravo…just…BRAVO!!!

[@richardandjanjarvis3861]

How beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@ivanmkennedy]

Excellent craftsmanship! I prefer the voice over that you do in previous videos to explain what you are doing.

[@jessicamadrid1006]

Wow! What a craftsman you are!

[@quixoticjedi942]

As much as I'm impressed with your skills I'm also in awe of your collection of tools. It's obvious that many of them are antiques, but I'm wondering where you find them and if any of the wooden tools are possibly hand made by you?

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I’ve been collecting tools for years from wherever I can find them, but I did make my two wooden presses. They were among my first pieces of bookbinding equipment.

[@berits.2346]

Oh dear. I just saw a beautiful heavy old press two weeks ago at a flea market and didn't buy it, and now I discover what I could have used it for: my future hobby for retirement.

[@poepiebuitendijk3988]

Awesome !!!

[@richardcorwin1828]

Beautifully and masterfully done sir. This edition is my favorite of this old classic. Have a better New Year and thank you for sharing.

[@ScaryMeadow]

Art showing art wrapped in art

[@Rivi_Styx]

I love watching every minute! You are a master of your craft. I'm curious how many hours it took from start to finish. I could honestly watch every single minute.

[@s.h.9514]

Gracias Dennis por tan bonito vídeo y felicidades por tan precioso trabajo. Desde España, feliz Navidad y que siga enseñándonos por muchos años.