Leveling Up My D&D Books - Making an Epic Dungeons & Dragons Tome - FINALE

[@TheGalantHamburger]

Let’s just show a moment of appreciation for the MVP of this series…..that little bone folder. Such a useful little tool

[@Hokay01]

One of the best things about KZbin is finding and appreciating someone who is a true artist and really good at their craft!!! Well done man!!

[@Nerdforge]

This is amazing, love it so much!!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Wow, thank you so much!!!

[@michaelforrey1030]

Every time I watch your videos, I think of Nerdforge. And every time I watch Nerdforge do book binding, I think of your channel. Epic collaboration in the making?

[@YourFriendThePalmo]

Hey Martina! Hey Hansi! You guys rule, been following you guys for years now, glad to see you’re still in the book binding community!!!

[@LaineyBug2020]

@@michaelforrey1030 I second this motion!

[@Edino_Chattino]

skjera bagera!

[@PerryPictures]

there are two masterpieces here: The book, and the video! You're outstanding in more arts than one. This was a wonderful journey and your videography and editing made it fly by. You're very talented!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Wow, thank you!

[@randomcommenter7343]

If I found this book in a dungeon, I'd definitely cast detect magic

[@Smajtastic]

And it is, truly

[@gymnosophist7471]

Wouldn’t need to. It’s obviously magic!

[@Bigdaddyluv68]

It would glow but it would be trapped with contingency spells above your level 😢

[@gymnosophist7471]

@@Bigdaddyluv68 🤣

[@anonymous-sus406]

But you would have to watch out for any dragons

[@derekbaillie1433]

Little marks like that aren't really imperfections on something as amazing as this, it's just a sign of the humanity of the creator, proof that it's all hand made. It's such an amazing piece!

[@Epic_DaVinci]

This is a true masterpiece, made by a true craftsman, absolutely stunning.

[@zekieldennis399]

How the hell did you make this so pleasing to watch, you didn't go over the top or anything. I sat down with my morning coffee just absolutely mesmerized and sipping my drink. I didn't feel myself bored or just wanting to skip any parts of this journey. I feel like I could probably sit and watch every video if they're as good as this one, and I'm about to go find out.

[@JustAnotherBuckyLover]

So worth the wait, and a gorgeous end result. Even the little "accident" is barely noticeable and unless you're really looking for it, I feel like most people will miss it. Just blame it on those silver teeth biting back. 😂 Thank you for sharing your incredible craftmanship with us, this project was the first one I discovered, and the one that made me subscribe to find out the end result - and I'm not disappointed.

[@ThompsonBrosStudios]

that scared me so bad! haha, but then he fixed it so well, you can't even tell.

[@RunninUpThatHillh]

Why? A more rough looking book is more interesting; it's what separates it from something from the store.

[@88blackandwhite88]

It's got a suitable battle scar, befitting a powerful, ancient tome. 💪🏼

[@JustAnotherBuckyLover]

@@88blackandwhite88 Exactly.

[@rhys1264]

I know this is silly, but thank you for showing us the mistake that you made. It helps show that everyone makes errors, even experts! It turned out beautifully!

[@jessbarclay472]

I think the tiny “mistaken line” is a wonderful human trait, that shows it’s made by a human NOT a machine. It’s a talented & skilful masterpiece. I’d be VERY proud of what you’ve made. It’s STUNNING!!!!

[@OdeInWessex]

Beautiful point and so true.

[@karenwendling7228]

I was going to say something similar, it’s reassuring to me that it isn’t “perfect” (also makes me more likely to experiment more with bookbinding!)

[@uscstaylor]

Absolutely a stunner. Great Job

[@KoTTrpg]

Couldn't agree more.

[@jloost-gamer]

I just watched all four videos in one sitting. What a passionare craftsman and artist you are, and thank you so much for sharing the entire process for those interested, and not just showing the initial and end products!

[@lordofgraphite]

Easily the coolest dnd book in existence

[@craftysean945]

By far!

[@KoTTrpg]

I speculated the mere cost of it as he was making it. So many man hours for a passion! I really enjoyed this content and had never seen such a thing like it before.

[@holeymcsockpuppet]

Big respect for showing your mistake rather than flipping the book over and upside-down showing the back as the front. The video is amazing....and so is your integrity.

[@nightmajic]

You know what they say -- Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder!

[@cavemanbob82]

This needs more likes

[@heman85515]

Or eyes of the beholder

[@ike2783]

Lol, I approve this pun

[@marlenesouliere6971]

I'm not into book binding, but I find your videos so incredibly relaxing to watch. You are a master!!!

[@ScarMoonYT]

The DnD creators need to see this! It's amazing!

[@prarg26]

If they find out about this they would probably try to monetize it.

[@afarwiththedawning4495]

They are no longer living, I'm afraid. Gary and Dave don't even get talked about by some of the newer "fans"... You most likely didn't even MEAN to reference them, you are talking about a megacorp unless you mean Gary and Dave.

[@prarg26]

@@afarwiththedawning4495 Yeah, the megacorp is what I mean. I'm sure the original creators would have loved it as do I!

[@afarwiththedawning4495]

@@prarg26 I know they would have loved this, for sure.

[@lucusloc]

So you want FKBA to be hit with a takedown notice, have all the ad revenue confiscated, and probably be hit with a C&D to top it off? Because if WotC/Hasbro ever found out about this that is probably what would happen. They *do not* like anyone else making money of of anything even tangentially related to their IP and are extremely sue happy about it. Best keep this our little secret.

[@dagoelius]

Pure artistic passion on display right here. As a woodworker myself, I find your collection of old school tools & techniques more fascinating than the project itself.

[@jcortese3300]

That is beyond spectacular. I swear to you someone will be bringing this to whatever Antiques Roadshow has turned into in 250 years, maybe a descendant if you have kids, and it will be one of the most memorable items as the book appraiser talks about the most popular role-playing game of that period of history, and how Four Keys' handmade books always bring top dollar at auction. 🙂 What a beautiful piece of work!

[@aartadventure]

Now I want a TV show called: "Future Antiques Roadshow" about a magical merchant who travels through time and the multiverse to collect and appraise the rarest items in all creation!

[@CannedMan]

Thanks for the NPC idea.

[@KeanuReevolution]

"If it's consistent, then it's a feature, not an error" this changed my life

[@CannedMan]

My organ teacher taught me that if I make an error when playing for the congregation, repeat it for the next verses. As Adam Neely says: ‘Repetition legitimises.’

[@mags8014]

That was magic. I have watched all the D&D videos and am constantly amazed by your skill. The final book is a masterpiece and it actually brought tears to my eyes. Thank you, Dennis, for being such a brilliant - and charming - craftsman.

[@hannahj.15]

This is a strange comment, but I didn't realize how much anxiety I had until I clicked on your video and became so entralled with your creative process, I relaxed. This is such a peaceful video and your talent is a privilege to watch!

[@LaughingInTiny]

Officially I need to learn this skill. I want every book in my library to look even remotely like this. What a gorgeous work of art!!

[@carlotta4th]

Bookbinding in general isn't hard (though obviously this leather bound hardcover is a whole different level), definitely get started and see what you think! I suggest trying a Coptic stich for a beginner.

[@LaughingInTiny]

@@carlotta4th I just found a bookbinder in my area and will take a workshop with them. I realized watching this that it's a lot of physical handwork and this video series was extremely helpful!

[@spgoo1]

The beauty really is in the eye of the beholder...

[@rickershomesteadahobbyfarm3291]

Now all you need is a matching DM screen.

[@marceli-wac]

Sir, it's been an absolute treat and a pleasure to watch you work! Wonderful craftsmanship on what is clearly a labour of love!

[@heli0ns]

I'm really thankful for you showing the mistake. I tend to get these bouts of paralyzing perfectionism that strike me when I work on things, but seeing you continue regardless gave me such a sense of freedom and healing. The end result is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us!

[@KoTTrpg]

Yeah, he does an amazing job, I prefer the imperfections in it as well, shows that it was truly hand crafted which is something I fear is going away.

[@J3loodT4lon]

A small mistake here and there can tend to be a good thing. I can't tell you how many times I have gone into a store claiming all their products are hand made, only to find that nothing is. Everything was literally TOO perfect to have been made by any human hand. As someone that's been working with leather for 18 years now, I will always pay more for a product that was hand made because I understand the care and work that goes into it.

[@explorer47422]

Watching the mistakes and best ways to try and correct them are some of the most important parts for me because it's the parts many other instructions miss, and the part most of us are most likely to make lol

[@dominicfenix2201]

I think this shows that a master crafter is not one that never makes mistakes, but one that knows how to own them, fix them, and embrace them.

[@xchrysantha]

I don't play DnD or do any kind of book binding or deeply involved craftsmanship; but I am a lover and admirer of all three lol. This was AMAZING to watch come to life. Thank you so much for sharing your craft!!

[@adzrielrose5644]

Stunning! There is no other word for it! I know the minor error on the front will bug you, because every mistake I make in my own crafts bugs me! But for anyone who notices it, which will be few enough people, it's just one of those things that proves it was hand crafted. You are a master artisan, and I am in awe of your skills. Very much looking forward to more of your videos, and immensely sad that my dad is no longer alive to watch them with me, he would have loved to watch you work.

[@ultimatewitcherfan6677]

Wow! That book is beautiful! I could see my elf paladin walking into the library of an abandoned monastery and finding it on a shelf. It really does look ancient!

[@animationmoron]

​The build up to this has been so captivating! Would love to see something similar with the Pathfinder core series of books when they release at the end of the year.

[@fizbinsfire]

You are a true craftsman. I can hear the love you have for your craft in the disappointment of your mistakes. Honestly brother I would take your handcrafted mistake over a factory perfection. Ok I'm editing this to add a comment because I wrote this before I finished watching to the end. "I'm just a guy in a shed"? Bro your much more than that. The final piece just blew me away. Awesome work on that beholder.

[@Siegurd]

That tome (book doesn't do it justice) is simply absolutely magnificent, a masterpiece. I've enjoyed your series of videos a lot, learned a lot also (not doing book binding only every curiously interested and dabbled a little but neither space nor ressources to really get into), still very very informative and interesting, thank you.

[@daveturnbull7221]

You have managed to answer pretty much every question I had on blind tooling without me asking Dennis. Been lucky enough to find a bookbinder near me who has retired and selling off his tools so I've now got a few pallets, wheels and stamps that I've got to master. This video (and theGothic Binding Series) has been a really great source of inspiration and knowledge. Thank you so much 👍👍👍

[@FourKeysBookArts]

My pleasure Dave, glad to hear that you have become the next steward for those tools. I acquired many of my tools (and all but two of my wheels) in exactly the same way.

[@J3loodT4lon]

I started working with leather back when I was in 7th grade and worked as an unpaid intern at a Tandy Leather in my area. Mistakes really suck, but they are one of the most reliable ways to tell if something is hand made.

[@_B_K_]

Incredible. That "happy accident" marbling effect looks awesome.

[@woodstoney]

You have revived a dying trade and breathed life into what used to be the standard way in which books were made. Then we built more machines, bigger, faster, computerized and full of typos, binding mistakes and ended up with eBooks for heaven's sake! This is a real book sir, and you have done it great justice and it has been my pleasure watching you craft it! Well done! Thank you!

[@StrayBats]

This series has been such an adventure. Thank you for sharing this with us--it's amazing to see your craftsmanship at work!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@Росица-н7р]

Смотрю на книгу и передо мной стоит король Артур в его библиотеке😂❤ супер ,нет слов что бы определить каков мастер , нет цены ,и его труды -шедевр ❤

[@captn_v]

i love how you show every part of making this. you don’t skip sections or details. i feel like i learned so much

[@ScaryMeadow]

I'm almost emotional seeing this book finally finished, it came out so beautifully

[@MrDaragh99]

It has been an absolute pleasure watching you make this, we’ll done you are truly a great craftsman.

[@BarefootDreamers]

I am not a gamer, but I love making books. I’ve never done leather covers. The extra pages on the inside covers to straighten the page is something I never would’ve thought of and it turned out to be so advantageous for hiding the nails for your hardware. Genius! ❤

[@CaptDrake6969]

Oh my god, that mottled effect it got is so awesome! You have a halfling’s own luck there for sure

[@JanetMinxyDesigns]

Ok, this video sealed it for me. This is definitely going to be my next expensive hobby 😁 I've been looking into book binding and leather work so naturally would like to combine both. This masterpiece came out so beautifully!! I'm binge watching all your videos next. Thanks so much for sharing your skill and craft. *chef's kiss

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Wow, thank you so much!

[@ivonekowalczyk5823]

Thanks for these wonderful videos. I enjoy the peaceful silence, or beautiful simple music while you are carefully working. Please make more!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you, I will

[@branana_b]

I work at a small business that sells stationery and has racks of decorative paper. While I personally know a lot about our extensive pen collection, I’ve always wanted to learn more about bookbinding! Watching these videos as someone who both loves D&D and has dipped their toes into bookbinding, I seriously cannot believe how amazing this is!! Insane level of detail in every aspect! The leather working is absolutely gorgeous, and the metal embellishments (including the front cover centerpiece, obviously) are PERFECT for this book!! Looks like it could’ve been a prop in the D&D movie!

[@JennyvdK]

I'm absolutely obsessed... I love how you're keeping such a beautiful, noble craft alive!!!

[@lach808]

It's like watching Ron Swanson making a book. Love it!

[@JFJohnny5x]

This is the single coolest DnD thing I’ve ever seen (and yeah, that includes giant Dwarven Forge layouts). Well done. Incredibly well done.

[@craftysean945]

Same here. its amazing.

[@ben.alldridge]

Thank you for helping to keep this beautiful craft alive. My time learning to bind was one of my happiest.

[@bjdefilippo447]

There aren't enough superlatives to describe this tome. The creativity, skill, and craftsmanship are both impressive and drool-worthy. I'd need a new library just to provide the honour needed to house this book.

[@lazydaisybookart474]

I love the happy accident! The mottled effect is lovely.

[@dirk4926]

I love the look of the leather, the color with the sponging effect is so rich and beautiful. The hardware looks great and I really like the fact you added two clasps. Looks like your channel is growing fast and that's fun to see.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thanks so much!

[@Creophagous]

Now that is skill and craftsmanship. Beautiful.

[@songstar05]

The finished project is so beautiful! It reminds me of the 3.5 core rulebooks that made me want to play the game just so I could own those books, but you brought that to life!

[@BlenderModeling-yd5ft]

I love it when people bind an actual book instead of just blank papers. It's so much more satisfying to see you flip the pages at the end seeing something's actually written there!

[@ivonekowalczyk5823]

Can you do a video on designing the leather covers? What kind of things do you consider to determine the designs? Is there historical significance to motifs? Thanks.

[@RelateGREAT]

Most amazing D&D book EVER! And the Beholder is beyond stunning! Brilliant touch. Wow!!

[@jakubkubay7418]

This is literary most beautiful thing I have seen this year.

[@pedrosilveirafontana9626]

I make your words mine too, a masterpiece. Beautiful.

[@heathermunday6878]

When he said that he made something special for the front of the book, I told my husband I hope it's a Beholder. I called it! 😀

[@TheOneCleanHippy]

Absolutely unbelievable. That beholder is glorious!

[@leeoelias6237]

honestly, this man is so damn cool. D&D player, book maker, and metal worker. 😎

[@CasusBelli1000]

When you unwrapped the Beholder, you did put a genuine BIG smile on my face. Thank you! A splendid work on art. Bravo!!!

[@glitchxero4687]

It would seem your workshop is one of those very special places where craftsmanship and artistry meet. Absolutely gorgeous, well done.

[@MissRuthina]

Still watching. You are right... The dye reacting is absolutely a happy accident. I really gives the effect I think you were going for! It added so much detail that I loved!!

[@mawest71]

That is one of the most EPIC things I have ever seen created. You are a gifted craftsman and the idea of combining those books is brilliant!

[@underwaterreporter]

Love how the beholder is grinning!

[@cynthiat6505]

Phenomenal!!! I cannot begin to describe how much I respect your art!

[@henrywsnow]

I work at a book manufacturer in Wisconsin and am fascinated by how this shows me the processes that lead to modern book making.

[@noneofyourbusiness1852]

Good gods, that whole process was truly a joy to behold. Thank you.

[@sigurdbjohansson]

Wow wowy wowsers! This became something extraordinary beautiful! Before the secret reveal I thought "Too bad he probably made a dragon. What this wondrous tome needs is a beholder!" Color me surprised and happy! Keep up the awesome work!

[@di_tattoolover]

That Sir is a true labour of love. It is stunning and so fascinating to watch, To be a bookbinder has been my dream job ever since I was about 10 Years old. Sadly I am now 64 and dont think it will be worth training. If only I had known it was a real career I could have done back then.....long before the internet to aid me.

[@taraweber4]

Dennis, this is AMAZING!!! None of my friends are into bookbinding like I am, but most of them are into gaming and D&D. I've shared this with all of them. 🤓

[@toddtaylor4649]

Speechless. Such artisanship. I have been binge watching your work for the last two days. My gf finds it boring, but I, as a leather carver of over 25 years, a blacksmith of 6, and a general crafter find your work hypnotic, riveting, and methodical. I hope your customers "KNOW", understand, the hours involved in what you create. Thank you. Charge an ungodly price. It's truly heirloom quality.

[@IrinaGreenman]

This is glorious. I found your channel in late 2020 while recovering from Covid and facing the resulting fact that my career and lifelong passion of classroom teaching is over. Watching your channel inspired me to try something else I'd always wanted to do, and I bought myself a starter bookbinding kit and dove in. I sold my first handmade journal last summer. I've been holding onto my mental health by making things and trying out all the crafting I've always wondered at, and I just wanted to say thank you for your channel, and for always encouraging newcomers to take the plunge. I watched this tonight while asking my husband if we have any D&D books I could try and level up, because i would absolutely love to play with rulebooks of this type - not this caliber, I'm nowhere near that level yet, of course, but I'm not stopping my bookmaking anytime soon!

[@gholmes182]

Extraordinary skill, craftsmanship, and imagination.

[@hancock1066]

Magnificent. A stunning conclusion. I have really enjoyed watching this series. Thank you!

[@octopodo1766]

I imagine your DnD group just losing their minds as you sit down and put that gargantuan beautifully handmade beast of a thome like "yeah, let me check a spell real quick" as if it was nothing. And I think that is a beautiful scenario haha. You are a true artist and craftsman, this video was SO WORTH the wait. Thank you for sharing the process!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

If only they all hadn’t already seen the video!🤣 They definitely want to see it in person though.

[@devonterry9385]

That Beholder piece is incredible. A perfect finishing touch.

[@KoTTrpg]

I am glad he went with a beholder over the Ampersand, as they would've probably tried to get him for monetization. And it adds such a more creative touch.

[@nomadfallout]

i feel even the way the video was put together was a work of art. absolutely beautiful

[@TarotLadyLissa]

Literally a work of art!!! Well done fellow adventurer!

[@thecrev9068]

Wow! That was awesome to watch! Just think about it, what you've done here is amazing. Imagine someone finding this after a hundred years!

[@joellongworth1850]

This series - and its final product - is an absolute treasure. I was smiling ear to ear from start to finish, it is clear just how much passion for your craft was poured into it. Thank you for the privilege of having this wonderful content for free, it truly does not feel deserved. I hope you keep making videos like this, and keep doing what you love ❤

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Wow, thank you!

[@tyree9055]

Too bad that WoTC and Hasbro don't share your passion and have discontinued the production of books. You may never again be given the opportunity to bookbind another D&D set, unfortunately. I don't agree with their effort, because books last for decades, require no electricity, and are easier to read than their electronic counterparts (generally). 😏

[@tyree9055]

@chiefslapaho3178 Professionally? Yes. Household inkjet printers used by the majority of the populace? No.

[@jakemeyer8188]

I don't know if the book or your actual shop is the more beautiful work of art. What a treat to work in such a space. Kudos to you, good sir. Edit: This book is a true work of craftsmanship. You have honed skills and experience, and it's a delight to watch.

[@CrimFerret]

The end result is breathtaking. The level of skill and knowledge you have is amazing. Making books this way in the modern world has to be mostly a labor of love, because you could never charge enough for the time and skill involved. I would love to see footage of you showing up at an actual game with that.

[@michaelbkchristensen4135]

This is truly a work of art! Love the craftmanship ❤

[@tammiesspark]

This took my breath away. I was unable to look away the entire time. Thank you for keeping this art alive ❤

[@Fangedfilms]

A tome worthy of any dungeon master. Raise those flagons lads and lasses. For the work of a fine craftsmen. Is a sight to behold.

[@AppliedCryogenics]

Yes! I have found my excuse to stay home from work today!

[@senseweaver01]

... seriously?

[@AppliedCryogenics]

@@senseweaver01 Sure! Plus, It's Friday, and I brought my work laptop home. Why are you judging me?!

[@TheHado98]

I know I'm kinda late to the party, but I just wanted to say that, more than the actual skills required to achieve such a masterpiece, what impressed me the most was the level of clever planification at every step. I've seen many profesionals in their fields do incredible works but slightly go on auto-pilot and make a couple of planification mistakes here or there. You, "guy in a shed", were on top of your game all of the time! Big props for that!

[@mtgemperor]

Three separate books or one Tome?! Now you're making me second guess my dream plans!!

[@kaimamoonfury1335]

The "error" you made? What wizard never had a lapse in attention my friend? It's BEAUTIFUL.

[@Atherax]

Yay ive been keen to see the result

[@brooket1269]

When I saw the mistake on the front of the book my heart dropped. I'm so glad you were able to fix it!

[@BrentDelong1253]

Level 100 in leather work and book making. Your patience is that of a demigod.

[@dave_s_vids]

You are a ridiculously talented gentleman. Wonderful stuff!

[@elementzero3379]

This is incredible! 😲 I knew the end result was going to be awesome, but this exceeded my imagination. The Beholder was an amazing surprise. Absolute perfection! Your channel appeared in my feed at the beginning of this project, no doubt because of my love for gaming. I am also a lover of books and fine craft, and am happily subscribed since the first video. Again, this is absolutely stunning!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you and welcome! You are not alone here, either in your interests or your manner of arrival. The more the merrier!

[@guyloren]

Dennis,a trophy for you,sir!🏆🤯 An absolutely mind-blowingly beautiful project,thank you for showcasing the tools,skills & incredible build!Bravo!

[@TheGIJew.]

A spellbook even Mordenkainen or Elminster would be proud of