I Turned My D&D Books into a Fantasy Spell Book

[@JessLess]

The first 500 people to use my link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/jessless02241

[@juliusnebulus7303]

THIS IS WHAT I WAS SEARCHING FOR! HOW TO MAKE GRIMOIRES OUT OF THOSE DAMNED BOOKS! But i'll do it seperately. The holy trinity. I just need a new name for each of them.

[@MasterMafiaDK]

I absolutely love the book but one small change you could make is have each gem match the general color of each dnd book cover in order!

[@Ilikedinofroz]

Can I buy this book

[@KHTimeProtecter]

When I saw the thumbnail, I thought, “Oh, cool! Nerdforge uploaded a new video!” But then I clicked and saw your delightful face. You did a phenomenal job at rebinding those books into a gorgeous tome.

[@MOGEGaming56]

Same!!

[@JasonXLV1]

Not gonna lie I thought the same thing. That's honestly a compliment

[@XanquaTheWatcher]

Me as well!

[@firebird8600]

The thumbnail does have a Martina-esque look. Absolutely what I also thought while quickly scrolling

[@PatientSqueaky]

If someone mistakes you’re work for nerdforge, you’re stupid talented

[@jordanmerriweather9242]

I imagine this book is kept on a podium and when someone needs an answer from it you need to use archival gloves and it’s a very theatrical moment with lights and heavenly choruses

[@Akira-pr5up]

YES

[@skylarsketch414]

Watching you tear apart the books nearly killed me, but the final result really speaks for itself!

[@JessLess]

😈

[@richardbinkley8487]

Yea, as soon as she extended her blade and started cutting the binding, I was oh Shit!! I never would think to do that to my books....but it did turn out amazing!

[@cuteklubs4828]

@@richardbinkley8487you know you said the s word right that’s a bad word

[@cuteklubs4828]

@@richardbinkley8487you said a bad word

[@Charles-qx6yz]

@@cuteklubs4828 They're probably older and say bad words often. People on the internet say bad words all the time, so it's better to stay away from youtube comments.

[@floflonator]

This video gave me reasons to: - Get into book binding - Get back to 3D modeling - Invest in 3D printers. And I don't even have time for that. That goes to show how much I liked it

[@DrkNinja_]

Well good news, bad news... Good news, this is epic and well edited you've gained a subscriber! Bad news (maybe good?)... They announced like 2 weeks ago that they are printing a new set of all of these books as its been 10 years since they were originally conceived... So either "damn, I have to do this again?!" or "Yay, I get to do this again!" OR "thank god, now I can let them touch these with their grubby hands instead of MY PRECIOUS!"

[@seigeengine]

Or... "I don't care"

[@Lycantis]

She can easily remove the old book stock and replace it with the new. That's the fun about real bookbinding is the cover can be transferred over, which was the most difficult piece to do!

[@malktheyellowdino5456]

As someone who try’s to play D&D with her friends I can’t wait to see this. This next part is nerding out over my caricature because I’ve ran out of people to do it to and my DM hasn’t figured out what she’s based off of. So her name is Gemstone Watcher and she’s a halfling fighter who escaped from the Watcher fighter group and now lives in a tree house and owns a flower shop.

[@22emeralds32]

Omg is she based off GeminiTay

[@malktheyellowdino5456]

@@22emeralds32 yes my DM dosen’t watch MCYTs so he hasn’t figured it out yet. Some of the other players watch HC or the Life series so we’re seeing how long it takes him to catch on.

[@cospaws8810]

Hermitcraft fan in the wild?!

[@irishuisman1450]

I've been here since the MCYT bookbinding days, and my god do I ever love how much you've improved! Comparing this book to the Revive Book, or even Karl's Journal (especially the spine), _wow_ the improvement is amazing!

[@JessLess]

Thank you that’s incredible sweet of you to say!

[@ThePerfectKagome]

Love this! On the topic of campaigns, I went the extra mile with a character for a campaign that unfortunately didn’t do well when Covid hit the US. I was a Kenku (and the rules for playing at the time were still that it had to mimic voices and sounds and not speak on their own.) I got permission to record our sessions and picked and chose lines from the other characters to say, and I had a soundboard as well. It was a lot of work and I don’t regret it, but the campaign only lasted a few months and it made me really sad.

[@jimbryant2157]

Nothing wrong with being practical and finding a cost-effective alternative to an otherwise expensive item. Your cutting board book press seems to work every bit as well as the one from Four Keys.

[@LorenzoRevolver]

Jess Less: My bookbinding skills are amateur at most Also Jess Less: *Creates the coolest books cover I've ever seen"

[@flyinglobster9552]

Them selling the three books u need the most separately is the worlds biggest crime. Luckily every rule is found on the internet as well as every monster

[@ameliegifford1477]

The little laugh you sometimes do after you say things tickles my brain :) It's actually adorable. Your energy is contagious in the best way possible

[@icycool787]

Oh my God!!! A girls who don't d&d plug?? I did a voice on that podcast! I'm the "krujiane" you'll meet later in the story! I absolutely love the plot Cory has made so far. Thanks for plugging them to your following!

[@beerent3438]

No, bc, that will be the only podcast I will recommend for anyone ever😂

[@alesswonderland]

Omg it's been on my radar for the last few months because the trailer sounded so fun. Definitely will check it out sooner now

[@KaeruuTv]

Its so incredible to see how your projects and you improve with more experience and more specialized materials

[@Jamie-m2v]

Jess, your book is amazing! I saw the Four Keys Book Arts version a while back and, though it’s beautiful, it’s well beyond my moderate skill level. Your version is so much more approachable and just as beautiful. Thanks for sharing the journey.

[@SugarSpice07]

This video was weirdly good timing because my current DnD campaign is finishing this week (hopefully lol) and I finally get to start playing the character I've been excited about for over a year at this point! I love the book, it looks amazing, and I wish I had the means to do this myself! Edit: Oop-- forgot what I was going to say! This video gives me the crafting energy I need to make custom gift for my DM's birthday, so thanks for that :)

[@LavenderAndDaffodils]

This looks amazing!! I love the Girls who don’t DnD, they’re 1 of 2 podcasts I listen to:D Ngl I was so scared when you were taking the covers off incase they ripped 😭😂

[@TheLordVyper]

“My book press is literally 2 cutting boards and some wingnuts” but does it do the job you intend it to do? And is it a better book press than the one I have? I’m assuming the answer is yes to both since if it didn’t work you would t use it and I don’t have a book press. Your ingenuity and creative problem solving is admirable.

[@madamemimsy102]

I haven't even finished the video but had to freak out because of your character, Barb. I too have a dwarven grandmother character, Audhild the War Cleric, who just keeps adopting people and making them biscuits when not smiting baddies xD (Though she is also naive enough to not realize some of the kids she adopts grow up to be villains too lol) GRANDMAS UNITE!

[@christopherjoachimwallat1429]

I have seen the Four Keys Bookbinding video and was really amazed, but also totally intimidated. Your video adds another style of art but also shows how incredible this can look when done just with readily accessible tools. Thank you!

[@not_so_funny_guy2009]

So happy I’ve found another dnd enthusiast/nerd. (I love dnd so so so so much 😂)

[@onion_little]

You are genuinely delightful and your enthusiasm is infective. Watching this video I accidentally stumbled onto really made my day. The project turned out beautiful

[@YakoKitsune]

Wow! I saw the FourKeys version time ago, and I loved it as the D&D fan I am thanks to some friends who invited me and other people to try it and now it's my life 💛 Now I could see another version for this cool project, and not only that, but also having the opportunity to discover a beautiful artist nwn I'll check your future videos from now on uwu

[@hatzuikhaz]

All your projects are amazing!!

[@shalarean]

This was amazing to watch and the end result...I don't even think there are words to convey how impressive your final product is!!!! I'm so glad you recorded this!!!!

[@Seagullfaces]

wow. ok so i gotta write down how amazing this turned out. cuz oh my. first off, using Genshin Impact's catalyst designs as inspiration yet still staying true to dnd in terms of colors and of course the dragon sigil. secondly, the genius of reusing the original covers of each respective book to separate which ''chapter'' youre reading is so smart!! i am no book binder, however i can tell you are very steady and careful with what youre doing (unlike your cat that stepped on the paint while it wasnt dry. sorry pal i would give you a treat if i were there though) i also gotta add that 3D printing the accessories and sticking them on the cover was the best thing you could've done in my opinion. and my god that gorgeous gold finish? keep it up, i subbed!!

[@SilverGhxst]

Im a huge bookworm since i was a child. I never really thought about book binding myself until a couple of months ago. One of my childhood books is very badly damaged. it's gone through over a decade of love. So it's pretty worn down. So i looked into getting a new one, but i can not find it anywhere and haven't been able to find a new copy for years. So ive finally decided to start looking into rebinding it myself! That's how i came across your video, and i am glad i have! My partner, myself, and his parents are also HUGE D&D fans. My partners mother has almost every book out there. It would be so cool to take some of her more loved ones and turn them into a beautiful piece. (Ill probably rebuy a copy bc her OCD probably wouldn't allow me to take the editions she currently has 😅 but still, this would be a cool christmas gift if i get better at book binding.) I also have to say i just love your personality! You seem like such a bubbly, kind-hearted person. I dont know. There's just a comfort about you that makes this video feel more like it's just too friends chilling, which i really like!

[@ThatRandomDude914]

It’s fine, there are new ones now

[@kelph1]

Phenomenal! Love the design and color choice! Such a fantastic job, you should be proud of yourself!

[@sammonicuslux]

Not sure how I got here but darn....you did a FANTASTIC job! EPIC!

[@BasitCeviriler]

Everything is just amazing.

[@Posedion763]

My day instantly gets better whenever I see JessLess posted

[@anna-lenae.1293]

OMG YOU LISTEN TO THE PODCAST! It's reallly good! I haven't listened to it for a while but I found it, when it had around 5 episodes and I feel in love immediately. Also mesmerizing binding work

[@xphoenixrising]

just for future reference, your mull should go over the whole spine onto your end papers. I also like to put a sheet of thin paper additionally beneath the mull.

[@SkillTree]

LOVE IT! Nice work😁

[@lifeisgood9889]

This is the first video I've seen from you, and I subscribed 2 minutes in. Your energy is infectiously cheery and I actually gasped when I saw the finished book. New fan!

[@cdlord80]

I've been wanting to do this for a while now and I did watch that otehr channel you mention and it seemed like such a daunting task.... You cannot imagine how greatful I am after watching this. This is now within my skill to do. Thank you!

[@XtraProductions590]

I'm DMing for the first time this weekend! Wish me luck!

[@celiamcglinchey]

I love your music choices so much!

[@401felix]

If you want a really good glass polish on your resin prints use zona paper, its a little annoying to go through each piece so many times but it looks so nice in the end. You did a really amazing job.

[@liamspence9763]

Great project and video documenting it, the final product looks amazing!

[@necromancer0616]

@Jess Less, You should paint the new dragon icon in the center black to make it pop. Good work BTW!

[@ashdean3474]

Probably for the best that you did that. D&D books are notorious for not-so-stellar binding. I've only opened up one of my campaign books, like, twice and already, pages are starting to shimmy out of their glue.

[@dylandylan2952]

This looks so good i thought you were Nerdforge

[@tonykrimson]

This was incredible! Now I want one too. Great podcast recommendation too! If you're ever looking for another one you should check out Enter the Fungeon!

[@georgeharrison2795]

I guess you can buy it in the States, a low resistance masking tape, probably from a hard ware store. Designed for painters and decorators it allows masking of sensitive surfaces and leaves no residue when removed after longish periods of time. Oh and good job, best wishes from the UK

[@dvan989]

I LOVE GIRLS WHO DONT DND!!!!! AMAZING PODCAST!! THE GIRLS ARE HILARIOUS AND COREY HAS AMAZING WRITING AND STORYTELLING SKILLS

[@kitsunekriss]

I have watched this like, five times so far. I absolutely love it and while this is dnd, it just reminds me how fun making cosplay props will be

[@kingofplasticine6217]

Dang the cover came out so cool. Totally can imagine some in game wizard having a spellbound like that

[@victornoel36]

Black, red and gold is by far my favorite color pallete. I love how you implemented it on your book!

[@Nexter_vex]

15:28 omg I just started listening to that podcast like a 2 weeks ago did not expect to hear that in this video

[@wizardlizard4496]

Saw some of your videos so far, and as someone who has been playing the game for more than a bit now, cant say I wasn't kicking my feet when I saw the title and project. 😆 The Grimoire looks so good! loving the simplicity of the design, I don't see that too often fantasy crafts projects, and I think it came out beautifully! 10/10 Im also definitely tempted to check out the podcast.

[@yourgirlred3817]

I love just watching you make things in your own way! I cant wait to watch more!

[@craftylittleguy]

A new creator for me to binge watch and religiously wait for new uploads from Oh my gosh I love that tea!! (In reference to the can that was holding brushes I think?)

[@seaspenders]

I have been wanting to do something like this for so long and always felt like it was way out of my league to do. Thank you for making it seem accessible and doable!

[@tigergutten1]

Kinda just stumbled upon your videos, and I have to say I'm honestly fascinated :p Love the enthusiasm and the genuine love for d&d. As someone who kinda desperately want to get into DM-ing and gathering a group for adventures...( I currently have 2 willing players :p gonna be a simple small thing first time we try this...) You inspire me, and I might wanna eventually do some similar things, like book bindings, or the digital dm screen. Love it so far. Keep it up!

[@Nintarie]

Just stumbled upon your channel through this video and that's gonna be one sub from me! Gorgeous work. :3

[@pinknblackproductions]

I was just thinking that i wanted to recover my dnd books and look what KZbin has recommended me! I love these.

[@charliestuart1544]

Super sick. I feel like you should do one with the extra books (volos, xanathars and tashas) in a dark gothic theme next!

[@cynnon1]

As a first time watcher, not only was I impressed by your skills, but by your cheerful attitude and humor as well. Nicely done!

[@donnytrellis2861]

Super late, but I just found you. It always hurts to see perfectly good books cut apart, but I love the outcome of this. It's beautiful!

[@hp4985]

Oml I love it. I always admired the weapon and grimoire art of genshin impact, especially like the dodoco tales book.

[@AKilogramOfBabySpiders]

Jess you're amazing. No other words.

[@what_can_i_say5932]

A dm screen with the left-over covers would look so cool!

[@fatesrequiem]

Great video! A tip that may help in the future: Tamiya Masking Tape. Comes in many sizes and has curving variants. It’s low tack, so you won’t have to de-tack the tape as much.

[@PlantLover3000]

I would PAY to have a generic brown leather bound trio of these guys put together for my dnd adventures

[@Corundum_Rolls]

I found you today for the first time, and like another commenter said I thought it was Nerdforge posting another video. Amazing video this binding is amazing!! Subscribed!!

[@dragondraws6403]

Ahh the artificer multi classing into wizard love it

[@indiecrowarts]

I honestly thought Martina from nerd forge had uploaded but seeing your project was such an incredibly delightful surprise! You have such a fun vibe and from one graphic designer to another I admire your skills in Illustrator because my Photoshop aged brain could never pick it up. From design to execution you did an impressive job with editing that felt well paced. Instant sub, you’re killing it ❤

[@Kept-safe-Locked-away]

18:16 Mad respect to the glove choice for the photo shoot!

[@Punkoala]

This was an amazing idea and turned out really well. 2nd edition will always be the best d&d for me growing up. My friends did a 5 year campaign during secondary school, they where fun times.

[@JoshZanders]

Well, I just found a new maker to follow! 😄 This was a lot of fun, I enjoyed watching the build process just as much as the Four Keys one. Small tip, from a painter - next time you need to mask off a surface that might be prone to peeling, use the blue masking tape instead of the white stuff! It's got a gentler adhesive that also leaves less residue. White masking tape is designed to stick to textured surfaces like walls, so the adhesive is stronger. Granted, I have no idea whether it'd make a difference over leather dye, but it might be worth trying.

[@rogue1874]

You did a beautiful job. Well done.

[@Grace_Reads]

....when I made a 3D-printed Revan mask, I printed it white and colored using Expo markers, which helped when I wanted to add wear, but since I haven't done a finish, I have to be careful not to smudge it.

[@shanevonknuth]

Yes! I've been wanting to dissect and rebind all the core books together. This is dope.

[@JasperJanssen]

Good to see a different take on this from four keys book arts!

[@StrayBardArt-offical]

Amazing work!

[@meeeg7029]

Jess PLEASE use it when you dm!!! And make it a in game tome of knowledge that the big bad has!!!

[@christophallen8859]

I saw the title of the video and thought "I need to watch this right now" and OMG ! I'm glad I did. It looks beautiful. This makes me want to do this with my own copies.

[@KronezSinphyton]

This is amazing. I've only ever played D&D a few times(I enjoyed it), but this video made me want to buy the three books and try to do something similar to yours hahaha. Of course, with my own design

[@AussieCleetus]

I am not a book person but I would be so proud to have something that cool in my library. Well done. Enjoy your amazing creation.

[@Shion.U27]

I actually love that spray paint, I use it on anything gold, for my cosplays

[@IMightBeVanny]

I love Four Keys Book Arts! I'm so glad you followed his instructions!

[@juliaizquierdo923]

I really enjoyed this build! What a beautiful project ☺️

[@AnEnchantedLife]

I just found your channel, and OMG -- NEW FAN! I don't play D&D, I need 4 clones to be able to do that, but I WANT to! LOL! Anyway, thanks for a highly entertaining video. I think your massive book turned out AWESOME! Much love from Northern Ontario, Canada

[@GFHill]

For painting tape, look up frog tape, or the blue tape.

[@MrShooter713]

Looks great! Nice work.

[@lyte8232]

I've stumbled on girls who don't DnD when I was crocheing once and they really took my heart. Even as a person who never played DnD before, it's so fun to listen to :). And when you said you found this really funny podcast i was like 'no way it's girls who dont DnD'. And it was lol. I also love their aussie accent :>. The book turned out amazing. I'm inspired to try it myself hehe.

[@Chefnekromant]

I have the same special edition books and I would never tear them apart but you did so well on your ULTRAMASTERBOOK! Absolutely love the work! Greetings from Germany. :)

[@jackal242]

You should have added a wash to the gold dragon logo to give it more depth and shadow effects (since it is 3d) and also make it look more rustic and old.

[@byfunkyoid2917]

Loved this 😊

[@EHAmos]

God, this was so cool. I do Call of Cthulhu over D&D and this makes me want to try something similar to my books, you know, someday in the far future when I'm confident enough

[@ulyssesthedm]

Ya should have kept the paw prints! 🐾❤😮 Adds character!

[@Aranlia]

The final product looks so amazing! ❤

[@cam3851]

This… is… amazing… ❤ and thank you for the podcast recommandation !

[@AkeishaLeighanneRoberts]

Definitely a lot of work, but very, very beautiful results! 🥰🥰

[@zhugzug]

THAT IS GORGEOUS! WELL DONE!!!

[@ItsMrFresh]

Wow! This is incredible! You, the book, the video! Incredible!!

[@WoManticore]

Wow this turned out incredible! You did awesome. Makes me want to try!