Decorating a Leather Book Cover with Gold Foil: "Traditional" Methods on a DIY Budget 

Thanks so much! I am teaching myself editing as I go, so since you kindly binged my videos I'm sure your trained eye has picked up on my gradual learning process with animations, lower thirds, etc. It's really gratifying to hear that you like the editing style, since the overall production value is one thing I'm still not entirely confident in.

@@ingeniusdesigns Yeah really impressed

I didn't think about that till you pointed it out, but yes, the presentation is second to none. Just a passionate and skilled craftsman sharing his love for books with us.

Thank you so much. Your many kind comments mean a lot to me.

You're very welcome and thank you for subscribing!

Thanks so much! I'm so glad the humor worked for you and didn't distract from the education too much. Good luck with your own bookbinding projects!

Too true. In this video I tried not to sugarcoat the fact that this was my first time and there's definitely trial and error involved. But nobody should give up because "perfect" is a possibility with enough practice!

Thank you so so much! I'm glad my creative experiments were valuable to you!

Thanks so much!

Thanks! It was a challenge to find high quality illustrated editions for my Tolkien books that were all the same height. The middle book actually isn't as deep as the other two, but because it's the same height you can't tell unless you take them off the shelf and look at them side by side.

Thanks! It was a fun project. I've experimented more since then, so more tips and tricks to come!

Thanks! Especially since it was my first time trying this technique, I really appreciate the positive feedback!

Thanks so much! Welcome aboard!

So glad it came in handy for you!

I'm glad my hours of frustration could help you learn from my mistakes! You are most welcome.

Thanks so much! I'm very pleased that my journey could help you in yours!

So glad this came in handy for you. I'll try to put out more on this topic.

@@ingeniusdesigns Please do, I think you underestimate how much your videos help us. Thank you so much

Thank you so much for your genuine kindness! When I started making tutorials I only did things I was already very practiced with, and some people responded, "I bet that's a lot harder than you make it seem." That feedback has really stuck with me so since then I've tried to suck it up more and let others see and laugh at my mistakes along with me. Hopefully that way we can all learn together!

Thank you so much for your advice! I tried some of your tips recently and they worked great! With your permission, I'd love to include some of this information in a future video (citing you, of course).

@@ingeniusdesigns Absolutely! Always happy to pass along info to help others 😄

This is what makes youtube awesome! Someone does an interesting video on how to do a project. Someone else add value to the video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

@@jasonwojcik Always happy to help where I can! 🥰

Thanks so much! I'm so glad you're enjoying it!

So glad you got a lot out of it! The humor makes it more fun for me to make too. Hope you try this new hobby some time!

Thank you so much! I'm so glad this video really hit the spot for you. I've been experimenting more with this technique and have some more tips to offer, so I appreciate you subscribing! See you around the channel!

Thanks! Auto-generated subtitles bug me too, so I've been trying to avoid them in my recent videos.

Wow, thanks so much! I agree with you. A shelf full of modern covers just looks messy and noisy to me. I'm really happy to hear that you're going to try these things out yourself! I only put out videos about once a month, but hopefully the future films will be helpful to you too!

Which clear coat do you used when finished the gold works?

I'm sorry it took 2 years to find but I'm so glad the video could be so helpful to you. Good luck with your projects!!

Thank you--that is such high praise! I'm just trying to make the tutorials that I wish I'd had when I started.

@@ingeniusdesigns Hi! Have you ever had an issue with the stamping foil turning green after awhile? Like two weeks later. Cause I stamped a leather book and that happened. Not sure why mine did it not but not every leather book that gets stamped

I'm so glad this video filled a need you had! That's exactly why I made it. Thanks for the subscription too!

Thanks for the tip about the galvanization!

So glad to hear this hit home for you! Good luck with your first project!

And thank YOU for being so nice about my goofs! I used to think that I had to be perfect at things before I would be worthy to put them on RU-vid, but comments like yours have changed my mind!

I'm so glad you enjoyed! It was quite and adventure and a learning process, and I hope to get better as time goes on. Thank you for all the support along the way!

Thank you so much for your kind words. They really warm my heart! I'm so glad you enjoyed not only the topic, but the way it was presented, because I'm trying to become a better video editor.

@@ingeniusdesigns Well ye're definitely off to a great start, matey! Not only was this educational, but it was very amusing and enjoyable to stay hooked in instead of the usual professional slow tutorials ye would normally come across. Yer video was very unique, easy to follow and fun throughout and I hope to see more of 'em when I get the chance. Spring be practically 'ere bein' a fresh start and wishin' ye all the best throughout the year! Ye got this! (Forgive the pirate dialect, been doin' it for about a decade now. 😆)

Thanks for the positivity! Proper bookbinding tools are my ideal too, and I didn't want them to be unrepresented, which is why I shelled out to get one that I could feature in the beginning. I keep my eye on Ebay for when other tools become available at an affordable price. As with most of my hobbies, I will likely grow my tool collection with time, but for now I'm just happy to know that the threshold to start doesn't have to be too intimidating!

Thanks so much! I'm a noob, but I'm happy if my experiences were helpful for you!

Oooh, I like that idea. I have a resin 3D printer and 3D modeling software already, but I hadn't thought about trying to make stamps out of high temperature resin. I wonder if I could make a set of letters and a type setter? Maybe it would get too deformed by the repeated heating, but you never know until you try!

Thank you so much. That is high praise indeed! Your questions must have been the same as mine on this topic, because I mostly just try to make the videos that I wish I could have found earlier!

Thanks for watching! I really appreciate the feedback.

Working on a project of my own and wondering what brand of clear coat you use?

It's my pleasure; I'm glad you enjoyed!

You're certainly welcome. Thanks for watching!

My pleasure! And for my part I appreciate your kindness in seeing my mistakes as a positive!

Thank you so much! My enjoyment of the video making process is directly proportional to the number of gags I can put in! XD

You're very welcome. Welcome to the channel!

Thanks! I really appreciate the positive feedback!

I sure hope you do! I'd love to hear how it turns out!

Thanks so much! I really appreciate the support. It was a really fun project.

Thanks! I dare say I add plenty of "faffin" with my jokes, but I'm glad it doesn't come off that way.

@@ingeniusdesigns jokes can make a mole hill of a mountain ! 😊 - By faff i mean the great deflator - the banal heaped on the pointless - the vids that start with 20 minutes of " Oh, i just have to tell you about this amazing hack my granny used. ( violin track, tea, cake, dear dog story ) So i hunted some down..... It's actually called string. It's not too thick..... not too thin 😯... just so easy to tie around things 🤤 - here are some examples of how you can use string 😢 to tie around things ( 10 mins later ).... don't be afraid to tie different things by yourself 😴 Now, i'm not quite sure how long it is ... i suppose i should measure it for you 😭 ...---... Truly unto you i extend my heartfelt gratitude, admiration and respect !!

You're very welcome! Welcome to the channel! My videos come out slowly but surely, but I hope I'll be able to keep addressing your future questions.

Thanks so much! I'm glad you're not "all thumbs" though, since that would make it difficult to try this yourself! ;)

Yeah, practice is required for sure, but I'm so glad you feel enabled to try it yourself. Good luck!!

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed!

Sounds like you are a fellow bibliophile! I hope these videos can help you show it by fancifying your favorite editions!

@@ingeniusdesigns yes. Literally if I could make a living binding books, I'd love that. I plan to use your videos to bind some of my favorite modern books then hopefully books I've written myself. Thank you for sharing this information.

Thanks so much; you're too kind. It was a lot of fun!

Thank you so much! I'm so glad they meet with your approval and I hope you can try to make some of your own!

I'm glad this hit the spot for you. Hopefully your prop book will be a smashing success and your poor fingers will be saved from frying!

Excellent question. I imagine it would help, but I haven't done any experimenting with and without the finish/sealer to know for sure.

Thanks so much! I really appreciate the positive feedback!

Thanks so much! It did take some practice, but it wasn't impossible, so I encourage you to try it out yourself!

No way!!! So glad to be here in your hour of need! I'm just a beginner at it, but I'll be happy to answer any questions that I can. What's the show?

​@@ingeniusdesigns I'll let you know in a year or so :D

Hear hear! Ere long the empire shall topple!

Thank you so much! This book was such an experiment and I made my fair share of mistakes. I really appreciate your support and hope things work out for you too!

You're one step ahead of me, it seems! I've been eyeing old brass letterpress type sets for a while now and wondering how I could build my own typesetting tool to fit them. If you crack the code on it, send me an email or another comment and I'd be happy to feature your discoveries!

@@ingeniusdesigns Tried it and it worked! I put together a quick tiktok video of the tests. I can link it. Still figuring out a setting tool but the letters themselves work fine.

So glad you enjoyed the video. Hopefully I can help you speedrun the trial and error process. You should go ahead and try bookbinding soon; it might seem intimidating to start, but it's not as hard as it seems!

I'm not sure I understand the reference, but thanks for commenting regardless!

Спасибо! Я так рада, что тебе понравилось!

Thanks for the tip! I like that idea for improved symmetry. That way I wouldn't stress about mathematical perfection in my designs. Would you mind if I mention your advice in a future video?

Nice! I have a foil quill pen, and I did fool around with it when trying to develop this technique, but it never occurred to me to use stencils! That's brilliant! Would you mind if I mentioned that idea in a future video (attributed to you, of course)?

@@ingeniusdesigns that will be great!!

Thank you very much!

Good eyes! I got that model kit from like Ali Express or something. I can send you the link if you want!

@@ingeniusdesigns only if you have it at the ready otherwise please don't inconvenience... I can dig around on the internet.

Looks like the item isn't available on Ali Express, but here's an old link to it, which may at least tell you what it's called! www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832836458796.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.10.2e5f1802AXFSLz&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt&_randl_shipto=US

Thank you, your kind words mean a lot to me. My art has far more than one imperfection, so I guess I'm well on my way!

Thanks for the feedback and the tip! I've tried a few different types of gold leaf and that does seem to make some difference. Since making the video I've found that the type of leather may make a difference when using conventional gold leaf as well.

HTV is sold in many places. I use the Siser brand Easy Weed HTV, which is available from Michaels Crafts, Walmart, and Heat Transfer Warehouse, among others. www.heattransferwarehouse.com/siser-easyweed-htv/?gclid=CjwKCAjw5MOlBhBTEiwAAJ8e1jXaEnzcZJb2nlwLrLP9VBk1uyohobB5VdAvW_zMEQs0qZBW4aqj_RoCi24QAvD_BwE

Thanks! Everyone hates hearing their own voice on camera, so I'm glad to hear it doesn't sound as grating to everyone as it does to me!

@@ingeniusdesigns i totally understand. Yesterday i watched the series starship enterprise and a lot speak like you. With the same color, melodie and rhythm.

The big ones were 1/2 inch and the little ones were 1/4 inch. I just added the products to my Amazon storefront for your convenience: www.amazon.com/shop/ingenius.designs/list/233P5W8TCIZEP?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfingenius.designs_XYM0PTCRYSX396FG5N98

I haven't made any of the stamps that I use for books by hand, although I have toyed around with making my own stamps for other purposes. For books, so far I have just purchased pre-made stamps. It's pricier, but if you really want a custom design then there are many people on Etsy with CNC mills who can make brass stamps to your specifications. I've done that before. If you want to buy pre-made stamps, you can find some of my favorites here: www.amazon.com/shop/ingenius.designs/list/233P5W8TCIZEP?ref_=aipsflist_aipsfingenius.designs

I'm not familiar with any technique for applying foil with a laser engraver, although you could certainly etch the cover that way and get dark burned designs, which could look cool.

@@ingeniusdesigns thanks for the reply. I figured as much. Still, your videos are super inspiring and my braining swirling with so many potential projects based off the stuff you're doing!

If you want to use vinyl for your art, I would recommend checking out the rest of the bookbinding playlist on my channel, since that is my main cover art technique, and you might be able to find some good information in my other videos. I'm always here if you have specific questions too! Thanks for watching!

Yep, that should work just fine. It would be a bit more time consuming but would give you more artistic freedom!

Thanks! I would recommend starting with my original two bookbinding tutorials (the second one especially demonstrates how the vinyl is applied), and my cover design video. I'll link the videos here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bhaZ4znFvww.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cpJSAsGUbg0.html&ab_channel=IngeniusDesigns ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PeyBeHvlY_Y.html&ab_channel=IngeniusDesigns There are a lot of videos out there on how to use vinyl cutters and their software, so I felt like it would be redundant for me to get into the nitty gritty on those topics, but if you have any questions you can always reach me here in the comments section. Hope you try out this new hobby! It's a lot of fun!

@@ingeniusdesigns makes total sense. Thank you for the tips. I’ve doing some bindings for some time, but never had the courage to try leather yet. Always thinking: „ok let me improve this and that first”. I think now is the time. Your videos inspired me :D I will research about the cutters and try getting one after I do my first binding in leather. Thx for the reply and keep the awesome work!

So glad the videos helped your confidence! There's a learning curve as with any new hobby, but if you've bound books before then I bet it will work out great for you!

To mask the corners I actually didn't use tape at all, I used scraps of the clear backing that comes off sheets of heat transfer vinyl. I have a lot of that on hand because I decorate most of my books with vinyl.

Yes, it is completely possible to do what you're suggesting. In fact, that is very close to one of the traditional methods of book finishing. One school of book finishing (English or French, I can't remember which off the top of my head) advocates for painting the entire cover in glaire, then covering it all in foil, hot stamping, and removing all the foil and glaire from the areas not stamped/heated. This is similar to what I'm doing in this video with my hot stamping foil, except that I don't need to use glaire. It is called "blind finishing" because you can't see the leather under the foil while you're tooling it. The other traditional method (which is similar to what you're proposing) is to first hot tool the designs without any foil, then paint the glaire only inside the designs and go back over them with foil and stamps a second time. This method is much more tedious, as your work time increases by at least 300%, but you have the advantage of getting to see the designs as you tool them. I have not yet experimented with antiquing a book, but I've done plenty of antiquing on other leathercraft projects. If you want to carve designs into the leather then you will need to use vegetable tanned leather. Chrome tanned leather (90% of what you can buy out there) can be tooled with heat, allowing you to stamp designs into it, but it won't allow for the kind of detailed design carving that you may have seen on things like saddles, wallets, knife sheaths, etc. If you start with a light colored leather and then antique it, you can get dark stain to settle primarily in the recessed areas of your design. This will work on a book, although bookbinding leather is so thin that your carving relief will necessarily be very shallow. Sorry if that was way more in-depth than you wanted, but I hope something in my ramble helps! I do have some more ideas for how to hack leathercraft for faster, fancier bookbinding, so maybe after I experiment a little more a future video will be able to address your questions better!

@@ingeniusdesigns Thank you so much for taking the time to share this wealth of information!! So much appreciated! These bits of advice and knowledge make all the difference for people like me, to go from mere admirers of experts' work to actually trying do some of these myself. It would not be possible otherwise. Your channel is a great find, so glad I ran into it. I'll make sure to follow all of your future videos !

Thanks so much! I look forward to seeing you around the channel. Feel free to drop a comment like this any time you have a question. I am usually able to respond within a few days.

That's a great question. Tell me more about what you're envisioning. Something like a large mousepad or more like a leather top for the entire desk?

There are several Etsy stores you can get custom brass stamps from, although when I've done that the stamp usually does not have a handle attached and you have to make your own. Not impossible, but I guess it depends on how crafty you're feeling.

@@ingeniusdesigns Thanks Austen! Great vid BTW. It was recommended by a bookmaker friend.

Wow! I'm truly flattered that a legit bookmaker would recommend my stuff!

@@ingeniusdesigns He is starting to get set up for doing embossing now, at least partly due to your vid, so thanks!

I know that some cloth-bound books have gilded lettering, however cloth doesn't hold a stamped indentation like leather does, so if you wanted the engraved texture then you would need to use enough pressure to press into the chipboard underneath. I haven't tried it myself yet, but I encourage you to experiment!

Ooh...that's tricky. A leather grain with deep grooves would be very challenging for this technique. I've gotten reasonable success with mildly textured leather so long as I use enough pressure, but I haven't experimented much with more difficult textures. I don't want to shoot from the hip and give you advice that I haven't tried myself, but if I face the same challenges as you in the future and find a way to overcome them I'll put it in a video! I'm so glad at least the problem solving in this first video was able to help with the smoother leathers!

I have dyed my own in the past, but I've never airbrushed color on before. Sounds interesting though!

Nice catch!

I've considered doing something similar with old printing press letters. The only trouble is making a jig that will hold them perfectly in line while also making letters easily interchangeable. I've given some thought to how to solve that problem and someday I might try to invent a more affordable DIY type holder, but if you solve that problem first let me know and I'll try to publicize your invention!

@@ingeniusdesigns Hi there again, i've stumbled over a video by Morley Kert where he uses 3D prints to make embossed and debossed letters in leather, I would love to see you try this and maybe push how intricate you can make the design (faces, animals... be creative). This is a link to the video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-lcj00De1Gso.html I may take your suggestion and run with it when my exams are over, i have not tried any leather work or bookbinding before but i would love to try. ;)

I use Eco-flo Super Shene. You can find it on my Amazon Storefront: amzn.to/3PtVkkX

Great questions. You can find links to those supplies in the video description!

That's a great question. I have mostly used the heat transfer vinyl on books which see less usage, but it survives the books being read from cover to cover just fine, and I've shoved them in backpacks on a few occasions without damage. That being said, I imagine if I put them in a backpack day after day, the constant rubbing might cause problems. As for leather, I don't have a solid answer for the most rugged binding under all conditions, but I address the pros and cons of different types of leather in a couple other videos. Maybe they will help you make a decision. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-AUFqyFz6bhw.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-uTfpjsR5Lbw.html

I have found that with the hot stamping foil you don't have to be excessive with the pressure. But I would encourage you to experiment with it yourself and see what works best for you!

The little typesetting tool I showed in this video (that I used to stamp the word "dinosaur") was purchased on Etsy. For the other sets of letters, you can find links in the video description. Hope that helps!

Yes, it's possible, but I would use a different technique than what I have demonstrated in this video. Do do what you're recommending I would paint the areas that have rubbed off with gilding size or tacky glue and then put gold leaf on the area. It will stick only where the gilding size has been applied.

That's a good takeaway. Or, alternatively, if you want to become the pro, be prepared to learn lots of other lessons along the way!

Maybe you can find a friend who has a vinyl cutter. You could probably pull this technique off with book cloth, but since it will be less supple than leather, if you want the engraved feel then you might have to press harder (to impress the design in the cover boards themselves). If you don't care about getting that texture then this technique may work without modification. Give it a try!!

@@ingeniusdesigns Awesome, thanks for the info! 🫶🏼

Thank you so much! I use a Cricut Maker, but any cutter would work.

There are many sources for leather stamps, but you might start with the links in the video description, which are where I got the stamps I demonstrated with.