The paper is folded in half, or to a desired page width.

The pages are now ready to be cut to size.

Each folded sheet is cut to the desired page height.

Subsequently, I now have a loose stack of properly sized pages.

Next, the pages are placed in a clamp. I now cut shallow grooves along the spine, thereby creating a small hole in each page. These holes will line up with the binding cords.  Therefore, they act as guides for hand sewing with needle and thread.

Pages are now stacked inside one another a few at a time.  Each stacking is called a Signature.  If the book is to be a Scrapbook or an Album, spacers are inserted into each signature at this time.  Consequently, these spacers will provide extra space along the spine so photos can be placed in the book.

The signatures are now stacked and ready for binding.

I sew each signature around leather cords.

Each new signature is set on the previous one.  Likewise, they are each sewn, one at a time.  This continues until all signatures are sewn snugly together around the cords.

The book is now bound together, so it is ready to be glued.

Firstly, the book is placed in the clamp with a slight rounding to the spine. 

Secondly, archival glue is brushed onto the spine.  Most importantly, it is glue made specifically for bookbinding.  Therefore, the spine will remain flexible and never crack.

Thirdly, I hammer the spine starting at the center and working towards the edges.  This results in a tight and round spine.  Consequently, the end pages fold over a bit to accommodate the thickness of cover boards.

Next, headbands are hand stitched onto the spine ends.  These will certainly serve to protect the spine edges.

The headbands consist of a leather cord that is wrapped in two thread colors.

The threads are sewn directly into the binding for strength and protection of the spine edges.  In other words, if the book is dropped it will act as a bumper.  Also, if a book it pulled from an upright position on a shelf by the spine end, it will serve as a handle.

Thread colors used for the headbands are selected to coordinate with the leather exterior and final design.

After that, I finish off the book’s paper edge.  The traditional method is to shave each page down, one at a time.  I do this with a razor blade while the book is clamped, thereby creating a smooth finish.

Alternatively, I have developed my own method of edge finishing as well.  For instance, to achieve a sculpted deckled edge I hand rip each page.  This will result in a particular shape complementary to the book’s intended cover composition.

Two or more layers of cover board are glued together and pressed beneath foam which is condensed under heavy pressure.  Most importantly, this makes for a flat and durable cover.

A three-dimensional cover design is created by cutting and carving.  In the custom design shown here, a carved name and rose were requested, as well as a border which will frame a Harley-Davidson belt buckle.  The book will next be affixed to the coverboards with the leather binding cords.  In addition, the cover hinges will be reinforced with two layers of 55 pound tensile strength fabric for added durability and heirloom quality.

The leather is glued to the cover with archival permanently flexible bookbinding glue.  This glue is applied in half inch sized sections.  Meanwhile, the leather is situated deep into each groove with small tools and until dry.  As a result, deep and sharp edges can be made.  This continues in tiny increments until the entire cover design is tightly covered under the leather hide.

Sheet metal is hand cut into desired shapes and finished for use on the cover design. 

For instance, the edges of the copper are sanded smooth with fine jewelry tools.

After that, the copper is sealed.  Next, it is wired through the cover for permanent attachment.  The Harley-Davidson belt buckle has been attached.  Also, orange handmade paper was placed into the book as endsheets directly inside the covers.

The rose is embossed, resulting in a three-dimensional leather sculpture.

The cover is now complete.

A 100th Anniversary Harley-Davidson emblem was turned into a leather page marker to complete the theme of this custom ordered album.  And finally, the last task in the binding process was to place the completed book in a press for 48 hours to assure perfectly flat covers.