The Most Versatile Tools In The Bindery? My Top 10 Uses for BRICKS

[@teejaykaye]

I’ve never desired a brick so intensely.

[@carlpeberdy9086]

Your real life begins now! (50 shades of brick)

[@IanZainea1990]

Next brick you see. Sing it a sonnet

[@TheIncognitive]

Clearly you've never had a drug problem

[@gamiliaphotography1405]

exactly my thoughts xD

[@naybella8397]

😂

[@AzraelThanatos]

For a sealing layer over the brick, that sort of thing works even better if you add a drop of dish soap to it. That breaks the mixes surface tension as you apply it, which lets it get into a lot of the small gaps and more when put on. If you combine that with a second coat that doesn't have the soap, you'll end up with a far better outer surface for things.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

That's a great tip! I hadn't considered it, but now that you mention the dish soap, it's the same concept as the surfactant I add to my marbling paints.

[@Beryllahawk]

I use a lot of polymer clay in my little workshop and I immediately thought about how easy it might be to put a thin coat of scrap clay over a brick - the stone is certainly going to hold up FINE under the low oven temps needed to cure the clay and you potentially get quite a wild pattern from the scrap. Of course you'd still have to coat that surface too - unfortunately polymer clay can leach out some of its plasticizers over time, looks like oil but isn't. But it'd still be a REALLY neat way to cover up a piece of stone for someone who's pressing all kinds of smallish stuff!

[@mostlyghostey]

Oh! I knew about the soap trick but didn't think about the second coat with no soap! That's a great Idea I can't wait to try it!

[@AzraelThanatos]

@@mostlyghostey It bonds things together a lot better. Just don't use it for concrete that you're planning to paint up for outdoor decorations since sealing it up all of the way creates problems with any potential moisture that might be inside of it and it exacerbates the expansion/contraction issue from freezing/thawing since the water has nowhere to go. It works great for things kept inside though

[@caspenbee]

I have a family brick, probably used by some great grandma to weigh down fabric after ironing hems to be sewn. It's covered in cross-stitched fabric.

[@Danny.._]

i never thought a video about bricks could be so interesting! 😂

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Me neither! I wondered if I was crazy making a video about bricks🤣

[@hananeqorar2510]

😂 me neither

[@jcortese3300]

I have to be honest, this sounded unintentionally hilarious when I first saw the title of this video: "BRICKS! The Weird Trick Big Paper Doesn't Want You To Know About!" But these were some really nice tips, especially for beginners who might like to have a book press or that vertical ... thing ... that you use but don't have the money or the spare room in a small apartment for them. But four bricks, two clamps, and two pieces of plywood? You can keep those anywhere. Very nice and helpful tips!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@KnugLidi]

So happy you're back posting videos! Your cinematography for your binding is simply outstanding.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Wow, thank you!

[@thehuggz-i9k]

My wife has been getting into book binding the past few months. A couple weeks ago she was evidentially watching over my shoulder as I was watching your tutorial on the slotted wrapper binding. I took my headphones off to get up from my chair and do something afterward. I turn around and she was sitting on the bed smiling and said, "Imma do that!" 😂 And did she! I think she's put together a couple dozen of those since then. I've made her a chipboard punching cradle and just last week she was saying that she'd like some bricks. You must have been listening because here we are! Thank you! Your videos are relaxing and informative.

[@CricketsBay]

That's a wonderful story. Thank you.

[@W._Langman]

I'm a mixed media artist. When we work, a lot of us protect our tables with a sheet of paper. Usually cheap A3 printer paper for me, after a couple of weeks of use, you end up with interesting collage fodder. Or you can use cardstock and cut it up into playing card sized pieces after for the perfect ATC. That is an artist trading card. We give them to each other as a momento of a project we worked on together. I just wanted to say that I love your channel. I found it when I wanted to learn basic book binding for an art journal. The ASMR helps me to relax but so does your voice. Thank you

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I love the idea of Artist Trading Cards and I immediately thought of the splatter I get around my workspace when I do paper marbling. I am absolutely going to make some ATC's when I do some more marbling, thanks for the inspiration!

[@W._Langman]

@@FourKeysBookArts oh wonderful. Glad to hear it

[@DarthLuthier]

I never thought before that a bone folder would come in handy when wrapping gifts!

[@Naomi_Wyrmkin]

Maybe that'll be the next video: "Bone folders - Not just for crafting!" 😉😁

[@Yellowtruck55]

Dennis! Good to see you again, we missed hanging out in the bindery with you. Hope all is well with you and keep on keeping on.

[@EalasaidH]

I've collected a few glass paperweights and a vintage iron (nice and heavy, smooth on the bottom), but after this I'm moving "get and prep bricks" up on my to do list! 😊

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I recently acquired a couple of vintage irons as well! They may find their way into future videos.

[@kitchentroll5868]

My grandfather used blocks for similar binding work, only his were made from limestone he had salvaged from the entrance steps of a "brownstone". I remember he said he had cut them to size using some kind of wet saw. He had glued felt to one side, but otherwise never sealed or papered them.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I bet they looked and felt amazing, thanks for sharing!

[@yakumorisuke9403]

Didn't know I needed an Ode to Bricks today, but apparently I did! I have a pair of bricks I use, but they're old salvage bricks that are falling apart, so I've only ever used them as basic weights for pressing. I'll have to think about replacing them now!!

[@milseq]

Even your bricks look amazing

[@auntlizzy1308]

These would be attractive book ends in my library.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

That they would! I'm going to add bookends to my list of things bricks can do.

[@CanineWild]

Having seen your bricks in vids a while ago, I made a couple when I started binding. Honestly, absolutely indispensable tools! Handy in so many ways. So thanks for the inspo!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Aren't they though? I use them a lot behind the camera as well for filming, they are truly multipurpose!

[@Uneerie]

I can’t believe I just watched a video about bricks 😂🙈 I just love your content. Keep going! 🫶

[@richardcorwin1828]

Dennis. I have been waiting for more content from you as I absolutely love your style of book binding. Thank you sir!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

More to come!

[@richardcorwin1828]

@@FourKeysBookArts Great to hear Dennis!!

[@andysmith9717]

Honestly I had not thought about using bricks like this in book binding before. Now I have the urge to get some bricks. Thanks for the info! 👍

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Glad I could help!

[@schattenblume4795]

The blue paper looks amazing Kind of floral but also like water. I believe it would make a great endpaper for any kind of book that plays in or around the water

[@jessehunter362]

Very different sort of hobby, but I use bricks to help grow algae to feed some of my fishes that don't do well on pellets! I let them sit outside in water dishes hit by bright sunlight and grow algae and biofilm, then bring them inside for the fishes to feed from.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Neat!

[@marieronnegardfors122]

Went to the hardware store to pick up four bricks today. Already coated with PVA, water and dish soap solution, just need to find a nice cover material for them.

[@negotiableaffections]

I cover my bricks with (accurately cut) corrugated card before the paper layer and it makes them a bit more, accurate, for tasks that require that sort of thing. 1-2-3 engineers' blocks are handy too, for the quick 'third hand' help. They're smaller than bricks but their weight is their power. However 1-2-3 blocks can be pricey, but I've never regretted having them. Just like bricks these things are game changers esp in the 'frustration-quelling' dept. Cheers Dennis.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I like that idea, I considered doing something similar with book board rather than corrugated. Basically build a box with a brick inside. That way I could use imperfect bricks, but not sacrifice on the accuracy of the outside dimensions. I might just have to make some of those now! I also have some small steel blocks like your 1-2-3 blocks, and yes, they are very handy too. Thanks for the great comment!

[@negotiableaffections]

@@FourKeysBookArts Another tip for cutting rectangular shapes from corrugated board is to draw out the shape at 45* to the corrugations. Then when you cut it out you don't have the 'cutting-in-the-squishy-part' of the corrugation problem-every edge has neat cut.

[@JockScrapDraws]

I LOVED this video. This will sound really sarcastic but, I honestly have never wanted a pair of bricks more:) Love your content.

[@Khether0001]

I don't do book bindings, but now I think I need a couple bricks!

[@qwasdninja]

If you are looking for a more durable material to wrap the bricks in I can recommend Tyvek. It's the stuff modern maps are made out of. It's crazy tough, impervious to water, easy to work with and glue and doesn't react with anything that I know of. It's a bit hard to source so old hiking maps is a pretty easy source.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Great suggestion! I have a few tyvek backcountry maps I should take a second look at!

[@CricketsBay]

Tyvek is about $2.00 for 5 yards at Lowes. Maybe it was on sale though. Anyway, it's cheap.

[@noone-yd3zs]

Missed you!

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

We ❤ your work because we ❤ books.

[@2woofs784]

I wrapped my bricks with saran wrap to hold in the brick dust and then wrapped them with contact paper. I will try your method with another set of bricks. Thanks for the helpful video

[@FourKeysBookArts]

That sounds both easy and effective, great idea!

[@catzkeet4860]

Ahh pva and water. A handy little trick to have up ones sleeve(not literally I hasten to add!!!😲). I use it to stiffen thread crocheted Christmas baubles. Crochet the piece, inflate a balloon inside it and apply watered down pva, then dry. This stiffens the fabric and allows it to hold shape nicely...,or you could use it to de-nekkid bricks I guess 🤣🤣 Thanks for the ideas Dennis😃

[@FourKeysBookArts]

It is a useful thing to have for sure! I also use it to stiffen the cords I use as cores in woven headbands, very much like your crochet work. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@RuneChaosMarine]

@11:21 gold bricks, i tell you. he swapped them out while we were not looking.

[@thedarkcod4824]

Dude I just discovered your channel today, and needless to say, finding a new upload this soon is hilarious. Your work is amazing, and I look forward to seeing what you make next!

[@kellywicker3903]

So happy to see another video! Yay! Brick On! 🙂

[@mags8014]

Thank you! How lovely to raise the humble brick, not only to a useful tool, but also with your attractive paper, to a thing of beauty!

[@CrowSkeleton]

I am thoroughly charmed by this brick appreciation video.

[@RomantiCynic]

Great fun, as always, Dennis! Keep those videos coming!

[@ruairi_d]

Good to see you back 😊

[@jakept3238]

Hooray, you're back!

[@freedoomed]

Aside from the holes machinists 123 blocks may also work

[@augminten]

they make 123 blocks without the holes that would be 100000x better than what this video is about. better, easier, cleaner. But I do love this channel.

[@freedoomed]

@@augminten oh, neat! I'm not a machinist I've just seen them on KZbin on channels like Adam Savage.

[@Attoparsec]

They also make 2-4-6 blocks, which might be even better.

[@astroflash]

Fab, if you’re in a bind, safe as houses. If using on a camel, mind those thumbs! Great channel❤

[@petemcsorley]

I am always happy to see a notification on your new videos uploaded. Great tips with bricks 📚

[@josuelservin]

I have been fascinating by your bricks since I started watching your videos, I once thought they where made of recycled plastic and went down that rabbit hole, after a few unsatisfactory attempts, I realized the beautiful colors were the in fact the paper your use! I'm determined to make my own, and because I'm a ceramist instead of using bricks I decided to make them out of clay! I'm still waiting for them to dry, to be able to fire then safely, so wish me luck! they are very heavy so I hope they will work well for my casual use. I want to thank you for all the inspiration you always provide and the excellent quality in all your produce, it's a delight to watch and to learn.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I'm so glad to have provided some inspiration; I hope your ceramic bricks turn out beautifully!

[@Th1nk1n6]

Thanks for the examples and tips. Will make my own some day, but think I'll probably paste each side of the brick first and let it dry, for absolute tightness and adhesion with the wrap. Not sure, but think there'd be less crumbling and tearing.

[@Mama.Cadence]

I'm sold! (Using bricks to stack up and press signatures and straighten the blocks is brilliant!)

[@nightfan1983]

Long time, no see. 😄Funnily enough, recently I've been wondering about those handy bricks that feature so prominently in all of your videos, as I've been thinking about creating my own set (or sets, as I've just finished watching the video). So thank you for this newest addition to your highly informative, yet relaxing videos. I shall go hunt for suitable bricks and equally suitable paper to wrap them.🙂

[@Terry-n1i]

Lol. Ive thought about bricks a time or two, in my leather crafting.. far as it went. I see now, how i can use them, and get great use. Thanks for tip

[@GDTBindery]

I’ve always wondered about the bricks, and it makes so much sense. Would stick-backed plastic on top of the paper help to increase the life of the covering?

[@suzannerheaume8040]

I loved my bricks, covered in felt. But now I love them even more. Thanks for these tips Dennis !

[@AdamsWorkshop]

Thanks for the video. I'm about to add book binding to my leather crafting hobby. I've found your videos to be very helpful. I have not considered bricks for a book binding tool, but if there is a tool that can help me with any task, then I will definitely consider adding it to my toolbox. I look forward to seeing more videos. Stay awesome.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

You are so welcome!

[@aresaurelian]

Terrific video. Learned more about bricks. ✅It was compelling and inspirational. ✅

[@DuluthTW]

Those are all great tips. Just fantastic. Thanks for sharing!

[@xochitlcruz5821]

Gracias por el video

[@jamessullivan5168]

Brilliant! I need to check the pile of bricks out by the garden shed.

[@JackGladstoneHolroyde]

Sam from Wendover is going nuts rn that someone actually made a video about bricks

[@TonboIV]

Back when I first noticed your bricks in the background of various shots, the marbled paper made me think they were some kind of colourful stones or something. After seeing them a few more times I was pretty surprised to realize that they were just wrapped up in marbled paper like Christmas presents!

[@MegaMesozoic]

Many thanks for all the information! I shall now go hunting for suitable bricks!

[@andreyvasilyev3226]

Thanks for the video! I use old-fashioned casted Irons when I need some weight. I also use marble plate and nice granite block. Leathercraft

[@ffotograffydd]

Thank you!

[@paulaogi2246]

I have never wanted bricks so much in my life! Thank you. I was captivated watching you work.

[@jaded_gerManic]

Glad to see you upload! Love this channel and have shared! 🎉

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Yay! Thank you!

[@athome_infrance]

Thanks for the tips. I'm off to gift wrap a brick! It's often the simplest of things that make the best tools.

[@TSS161]

I really should upgrade my car brick with a nice water marbled wrapping. the only thing I would have done different is, in addition to the glue sealant I would have also wrapped them twice to better ensure the dusties never escape. once with whatever extra durable paper or fabric, and the second time with the nice decorative stuff

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I thought the same thing after I'd finished the video. A layer of packing tape under the decorative paper (or instead of, if looks aren't a consideration) would be a good option too.

[@wintertime-987]

Thanks Dennis!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

You are welcome!

[@robbabcock_]

If I left those bricks under the Xmas tree there'd be some baffled family members when gifts are opened!😲🎄😂

[@negotiableaffections]

You have to wrap them, almost indestructibly to add to the suspense and....FUN! lol

[@literateka]

Bravo!

[@ventura6988]

Me encanta ver videos enseñando los utensilios de encuadernación. Ojalá ver más, Un saludo.

[@giantra8326]

Nice to see you back with a new video. :)

[@IanZainea1990]

Lovely

[@rosehavenfarm2969]

Thank you for all the tips.

[@Naheleniel]

Thank you for this informative video. I miss you Dennis, you and your beautiful craftsmanship. I hope everything's fine and I can't wait to see your next creations! Take care. 😄

[@MoxOwl]

It's nice to see you back...please keep the videos coming

[@osbournelee]

I've always seen you using bricks but, who would have thought a couple of bricks had so many uses...apart from making buildings out of them! I think I'll be picking some up from the local DIY store! Thanks for another great video again! Always look forward to seeing your videos when they come out. 😊

[@Skittlesskids]

Am I a bookbinder? No. Do I have a hobby where bricks may be useful? Also no. Did I enjoy this man talk about how bricks are useful? Yes.

[@gewurztramina]

Me too 😂

[@elicottero]

Thank you so much, I can't wait to find my right couple of bricks now

[@JockScrapDraws]

fantastic video. I've never wanted a pair of bricks so bad before:)

[@inezgriffiths5190]

Thats a fab video, I love using my bricks for binding, so handy for all sorts!

[@Brenilla]

Never underestimate what big heavy square object can do

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Do you mean me or the bricks? (Lol, I can't resist a dad joke)

[@hildebilde6646]

You have just saved me alot of time, frustration and back pain. Thank you for sharing. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤

[@FourKeysBookArts]

My pleasure!

[@cantycanvas4150]

I love this channel!

[@sallyweiner4180]

Wonderful

[@General_reader]

Long time, no see!!!!

[@Art_Murder]

So glad youre back dennis i hope you post more

[@Khannesjo]

You use of bricks reminds me of machinists best friend, the 1-2-3 Block.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I watch too many machinist videos but I don't have time for another hobby lol!

[@blazeking9698]

thank you. it was helpful❤❤

[@XyerDark]

Cement/concrete may still bubble up and dry uneven, an easier solution that requires no mixing could be drywall fillers which should get between all remaining gaps and can be sanded for an even smoother finish, I'd also argue in the long run brushing some silicone on top instead may help with potentially damaging work surfaces and crumbling, both solutions should be equally inexpensive and work more than fine with marbled wrapping.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I agree, those are great ideas!

[@Da6moose6]

Do I bind books? No. Will I ever bind a book? No. Do I have any practical use for the bricks? No. Do I want them and did I watch the whole video as if all of my above questions were answered yes? Yes.

[@nintenplsdont128]

awesome video! thank you for imparting so much of your experience with bricks :)

[@WendyWright-gs1nz]

Thank you, I am definitely going to do this!

[@Frisco1355]

One minute ago!?! Wow.

[@neilthebookguy]

Welcome back! We've missed you!

[@bjunsen]

i love this guy

[@CricketsBay]

This has really sparked some ideas for alternatives. I wonder if a place that makes countertops would sell off-cuts for cheap. Or the furniture store when they're getting rid of the old marble tile inventory. Small pieces the same size glued on top of eachother with epoxy are very heavy. I saw a pack of 4 marble coasters at Target the other day. The package felt like it weighed 3 pounds. Bricks are messy. Marble, slate, and granite aren't.

[@darke_master]

Thank you for such great content! I never would have thought of adding clamps for a more press-like effect. Where did you get those red bricks? I don't normally see ones like that in Rona/Home Depot/whatever.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

They're reclaimed from that pile I showed in the video.

[@nixielee]

Now I have seen it all

[@piperalpha]

An ASMR, unnarrated version of this video would be top shelf relaxment. Would you consider that? Thanks!

[@Achdujeh]

I have two scrap pieces of multiplex board that accidently turned out the same size. I use them similar to you for different things, also as a base for pressing. But of course they themselves couldn't add any substantial weight. So okay, I am convined now that I really really need a nice pair of bricks! :)

[@majora748]

man, now i need some bricks and fancy paper!

[@frozenfeonix1328]

a good alternative to actual bricks could be PPE plastic bricks with some metal balls in the center to add weight and depending on the color plastics used can get cool marbling patterns like the paper

[@Totem.T.Tisana]

I tend to use UV curing resin to fix the brick surface before covering it in paper or some good pvc film

[@demtanks3491]

The unsung hero of the bindery-bricks!! who knew!? Clearly, experience, common sense, and good old-fashioned 'necessity is the mother of invention' win the day for you and your bindery! Btw the marbled paper used to cover your bricks ups the ante in the 'form over function' here, imo. Great video! Btw, could you do a video of how the name of your channel came about? Are the 4 keys in reference to how one looks at art, does your bindery require four keys, are the keys symbolic of your family? Just curious! Thanks again for your wonderful videos!