The spine takes shape.

The binding for A OUTRANCE is a disappearing spine, Bradel binding.



Detail of the ruched leather to the spine. The leather was pared down to 0.4 mm and some 8 - 10 cm longer than the spine height and was squeezed and pushed to form the contures.

End papers on.

The end papers have been made, hook guarded and sewn with the text block. My preferred sewing technique is an unsupported link stitch. The white sheet to the left is a waste sheet and will be removed prior to the leather joint being put in place.



The gold leaf has been worked with wire wool to lend an air of decay, I am rather happy with the result.



The text block is rounded and backed with an initial spine lining of Fray Not with secondary sewing to the first 2 and last 2 sections. The head was sanded but left in an unfinished state before edge colouring. Again this look is in keeping with my general design .

End papers for A OUTRANCE.

Once the ink has dried an adhesive ink is applied to the claws of the bear.



While the coloured ink is still wet I layed on gold leaf. The bears have their claws gilded in gold leaf, this is removed before the fight. The gold leaf that has not stuck down is brushed off, the remaining is then burnished. I do not want the gilding to be perfect, more of a jaded, a worn look of faded elegance. To achieve this I will be rubbing the gold leaf with a very fine wire wool.

Next is to make up the end papers and start sewing..........

A Outrance by Philip Pullman

The new book on the bench is A OUTRANCE by Philip Pullman. The text has been taken from Pullman's novel NORTHERN LIGHTS. Printed by the Oak Tree Fine Press with handsome original woodcuts by Chris Daunt, and others and is a limited edition of 15. The book has been printed to raise money for children made vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.




As always I begin with the end papers. The image is derived from one in text block, they have been printed using the soft plate off set process... gold may be added at a later date.