Heirloom Quality

EDUCATION

Central College – Pella, IA B.A. Art

Chicago Metropolitan Center – Chicago, IL

Trinity College – Carmarthen, Wales

University of Leiden – Leiden, Netherlands

About Marcia

I learned about Leather Bookbinding from a creative and inspiring college professor during my Art Major studies in Iowa. I was hooked from the first book I bound.

Initially, my book compositions included recycled diesel truck engine parts as design elements. As an influence from my father, a parts manager at a repair shop for semi tractors and heavy hauling equipment, I enjoyed repurposing metal components into book art.

I continue to incorporate mechanical parts, expanding my interest to include motorcycle, airplane, camera components, found objects, plus stained glass.

However, custom requests for unique carved and embossed designs, logos, or themes remains my specialty.

I am the sole creator of each Custom Leather Book. Let me create that unique keepsake binding especially for your life event or daily enjoyment. Contact me any time to chat.

Leather Bookbinding

In my Minnesota studio, I aim to create a synthesis of traditional bookbinding with contemporary compositions. For instance, fabricated metal designs intertwine with stained glass, carved and embossed forms, metal engine parts, and handmade papers.

Firstly, the bookbinding process includes folding acid-free papers in half and stacking them into ‘signatures’. Secondly, I hand sew each signature around leather cords with a needle and thread. Thirdly, a clamp secures the book while brushed with archival permanently flexible glue. Meanwhile, before the glue dries, hand hammering rounds and tightens the spine.

After that, the binding cords affix to the cover boards. In conjunction, two layers of 55 pound tensile-strength fabric reinforce the cover hinges for extra structural integrity to ensure heirloom quality.

Importantly, I hand stitch my own headbands onto the spine ends. They consist of colorful threads wrapped around leather cords and sewn directly onto the spine edges. As a result, they offer protection, strength, and decor.

Lastly, handripping individual page edges creates a sculpted or curved deckled edge. Or in contrast, the book can be squeezed askew, placed in a clamp, and then trimmed one page at a time with a razor blade. Therefore, a controlled straight or angled edge is formed.

Book Cover Art

I specialize in carving and embossing Book Cover Art to personalize your Custom Leather Bookbinding request.

Three-Dimensional designs are sculpted from binders board, 1 to 15 layers thick. Therefore, deep forms in relief become possible. I hand carve designs with a razor blade and subsequently emboss them under the leather.

A press is not used to achieve the wrapped three-dimensional shapes. Rather, brushed glue covers half inch segments while the leather is handworked into each crevice of the sculpture with small hand tools until dry.

This covering process requires selecting a precise starting point. Likewise, a directional course must be followed or the leather will not smoothly cover. It can take many hours to emboss a small 3-D sculpture.

I fabricate copper, silver, and other metals designs with fine jewelry tools and wire them through the cover for secure attachment. Some copper elements receive a natural patina by applying lemon juice, salt, and/or vinegar.

Stained glass windows become book cover art as well, individually cut and soldered to your design request.

I enjoy hand making paper. A variety of handmade papers line the inner covers as endsheets.

You may view more about Leather Bookbinding here, to see step-by-step binding process examples.

Custom Requests Are Encouraged

A special one-of-a-kind book can be bound specifically for you as a:



Personal Journal



Scrapbook



Wedding Album



Guest Book



Sketchbook



Photo Album



Portfolio



Baby Book



Address Book



Necklace Book



Notepad Cover



Engagement or Anniversary Book



Retirement Book



Padfolio



Personalized Leather Bible



Custom Binding of Printed Materials



Refillable Binding in a Multi-Ring, Screwpost or Slipcover Format



Lidded or Clamshell Leather Box

I now own four pieces by Marcia, and the quality of workmanship that goes into each one imbues them with both a durability and a unique elegance that elevates them at once to family heirloom status.

Chris B.

Fayette, IA

Every book Marcia has revived, refurbished & rescued for me are treasures to myself and my family. She is amazingly skilled and creative which is why I always think of her. Besides all that, I think she is a wonderfully interesting and lovely person to work with.

Eileen S.

Sequim, WA

I have ordered Marcia’s books for graduations, weddings, retirements, showers. Each book has been unique, thoughtful and well crafted. I love the process almost as much as I love the product. Each book is in and of itself a story before the first journal entry or picture is added.

Lorna D.

Scarsdale, NY