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

Hello everyone and welcome to the bindery! In this video I complete my quest to combine three D&D rulebooks into one epic tome! In this episode I tackle covering the book with leather, and I deal with the subsequent warping of the covers. Then I move on to blind tooling my custom design on the front, back, and spine, and finally I attach the metal furnishings I handmade for the book. I also made an extra-special piece for the central escutcheon, which isn't in the thumbnail so you'll have to watch to see what it is!
This has truly been an epic project, especially this last installment which required long periods of time for things to dry, so thank you all so much for your patience! I think it has been worth it though and I hope you will agree.
To all of my new viewers and subscribers who have found the channel through this series, you have my heartfelt appreciation, and I hope you'll stick around for my new projects which are just over the horizon. And of course a big shoutout to those of you who have been here from the very beginning; your views and comments have helped me make the channel what it is!
Until next time, happy binding and happy gaming!
Cheers,
Dennis
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You can now buy me a coffee here: www.buymeacoffee.com/fourkeys...
Or you can drop a tip in my PayPal account: paypal.me/FourKeysBooks?local...
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My Wheat Flour Paste Recipe
2 tbsp (18 g) white flour (strong flour or bread flour preferred)
1 cup (250 ml) water
Combine the flour and water in a double boiler or bain-marie and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, whisking constantly until thick and smooth. Transfer to a clean jar and cool completely. When cooled the paste should be solid, with a jelly-like consistency. Force the cooled paste through a sieve 2-3 times until smooth. Add a bit of water to thin to the desired consistency if necessary. Store in the refrigerator and use within 2-3 days.
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In case you missed where this all started...
Part 1: • I Destroyed My D&D Boo...
Part 2: • Reviving My D&D Books ...
Part 3: • Enhancing My D&D Books...
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Four Keys Book Arts marbled papers and handmade books are available for sale in my Etsy shop, with worldwide shipping available: etsy.me/2VGqhcr
Follow me on social media:
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/ four_keys_books
Facebook
/ fourkeysbookarts
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Music Credits:
'Dragonquest', 'Adventure', 'Wayfarer', 'Wanderer' and 'Dungeons and Dragons' by Alexander Nakarada | www.serpentsoundstudios.com
Music promoted by www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
creativecommons.org/licenses/...
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Dungeons & Dragons '&' Logo trademark Wizards of the Coast

[@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

[@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!

[@NotAnAlchemist_Ed]

skjera bagera!

[@razorsitch9882]

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!!

[@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

[@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.

[@stortsy8873]

The bob ross of book binding.

[@warriordrum]

No, more like the Andrew Wyeth of bookbinding.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@cursedchest6469]

I can see everyone looking amazed the first time he shows up with this masterpiece and then rolling their eyes every time after, like "Oh, here comes Dennis with his 5e Tome again" :)

[@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.

[@rickershomesteadahobbyfarm3291]

Now all you need is a matching DM screen.

[@BrentDelong1253]

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

[@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

[@jakubkubay7418]

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

[@pedrosilveirafontana9626]

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

[@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!

[@CaptDrake6969]

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

[@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.

[@marlenesouliere6971]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@lordofgraphite]

LETS GOOOOOOOOO 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@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.

[@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!

[@VorpalSlade]

Watching this channel is one long series of "Wow, that was super intricate and took ages, what a patient craftsman... Wait, he has to do it AGAIN??"

[@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.

[@Bonglazer333]

I think that boofed lined on the front makes it proper medieval(even though it is barely visible). Back in the day they'd make something, decorate and move on, much more important to have a properly decorated and pretty surface than perfect lines(even though again yours is very very symmetrical and done to a very high standard)

[@spgoo1]

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

[@WinstonCorneilius]

I literally gasped out loud when you made that accident. I haven’t been this into a YT video in 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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@daricetaylor737]

A true masterpiece you should be proud of! As a fellow craftsman myself, I can say we are easy to find our our faults in the things we make, but I can say that no one is going to see that minor error. You overcame it and the book is really magnificent!

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@underwaterreporter]

Love how the beholder is grinning!

[@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!

[@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! 😀

[@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?!

[@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.

[@cynthiat6505]

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

[@MrDaragh99]

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

[@_B_K_]

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

[@gholmes182]

Extraordinary skill, craftsmanship, and imagination.

[@MeadowEaglesMeadowBlossom]

BEHOLD THE MASTER TOME!

[@red_wullf]

Nerds beyond counting are envious of your combined, custom D&D book. I know. I'm one of them. Excellent work!!!

[@targetdreamer257]

Oh you know it. Count me as one of those envious nerds. The tome is a work of art.

[@TheGIJew.]

A spellbook even Mordenkainen or Elminster would be proud of

[@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.

[@the_purple_mage]

Thank you for bringing us along on this amazing adventure!

[@dragonofice24]

those little mistakes are how you know it's handmade, and in my opinion, makes it look better as a whole. amazing finale tome

[@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.

[@ivonekowalczyk5823]

Yes. The accidental patina on the leather works!

[@jthm0138]

I have to say, When this started I thought pulling the D&D Books apart was a bit blasphemous, but the end result amazing.

[@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! ❤

[@leeoelias6237]

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

[@JennyvdK]

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

[@jefferybooth3810]

Too Cool! Awesome video!!

[@DonaldMalmstrom]

Dude that is so awesome!!

[@evchristie5740]

absolutely gorgeous!!!! i'd say you absolutely have the right to call yourself a metalsmith after that beholder!

[@stephanievineyard2249]

Amazing! We watched part 4 as a family. Our kids agree, this is the coolest book ever! Very well done sir 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@shanehoffman1925]

Well kid, you wanna learn to play DnD? Start here...."plop"

[@tictactoe325]

Stunning!

[@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!

[@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.

[@Carolyn750]

Absolutely stunning!

[@florian438]

So wonderful!!!! I love it!!!

[@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.

[@mtgemperor]

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

[@sofiiii17]

Such a special work of art! I loved every minute of this video !

[@iamdave47]

I can't even express how awesome this is. I never played D&D but the project as a whole is just spectacular!!!

[@jaspervictoria843]

i mean no exaggeration when i say that the reveal of the beholder gave me chills. this looks absolutely incredible!

[@Atherax]

Yay ive been keen to see the result

[@ScaryMeadow]

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

[@seanwhitaker975]

Just beautiful!!!

[@DrunkenDweorg]

I honestly thought I was going to watch the intro then skip ahead to the end, but ended up watching the whole thing. My wife's out tonight and I was going to get some gaming in, but when she comes home and asks about my evening I'm going to have to tell her about this epic book binding video I ended up watching.

[@mineral520]

i literally exclaimed out loud, "No!" when i saw the mistake! i felt that man! but like a champ you fixed it and kept on going. amazing videos. amazing book. i give you an inspiration point for this! truly great.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

This video had its ups and downs to be certain. I’ll be sure to put that inspiration point to good use!

[@Dusty_Inkwell]

Absolutely gorgeous. I teared up in the end. What an amazingly beautiful tome to…ahem.. behold. I’ll see myself out.

[@darcyw156]

Simply amazing!

[@ilyaedemskiy8125]

Brilliant work! Real pleasure to watch

[@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!

[@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!

[@phattwm]

BEAUTIFUL !

[@blucatdev]

This journey was EPIC! Thanks for doing it, and thanks for sharing. You are very skilled!

[@TarotLadyLissa]

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

[@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.

[@chrislanning7062]

Incredible!

[@taoteg1941]

Magnificent work!

[@lukekline9513]

26:10 Every mistake like this is proof a human being tooled this with their bare hands, in my opinion it adds 100x more value!

[@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. 🤓

[@robertparker2420]

As a craftsman I know that all you see is the mistakes you made in the process, but I can tell you you that they aren’t visible to anyone but you. THAT LOOKS AMAZING!

[@njh113]

INCREDIBLE work!! 😮

[@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!