Once the book was stitched we were ready to decorate the cover.
Step 1, using string and cord of varying thickness we mapped out the design, and once we were happy, glued them into place.
Step 2, sketch or trace the design onto the board, cut tiny strips of leather and painstakingly adhere them in place. It's a slow process, but worth the time and effort!
The design is completed.
Step 3, prepare the leather for the cover. I stained the leather with a burgundy colour, it is not perfect and in places quite patchy, but the overall look works for this book.
Using starch paste paste the underside of the leather, fold it over on itself and leave for a couple of minutes. The paste needs to soak into the leather a little.
Re-paste the leather and position on the front cover, remember leather stretches, so it needs to be manipulated and kept tight as you work it. Cover the book, and press for about 10 minutes.
Using a bone folder or agate point, pick out the details of the design, then press again overnight.
The finished book.
This is my favourite of the books it have made so far, it was also the slowest and most difficult.
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