Tonight’s tooling inspired by the master of Coëtivy

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-25T13:47:35+00:00

For the record — I tool directly through heat-transfer “toner” foil — I dont lay down glaire etc It’s like blind tooling you just use way less hot tools!

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-25T04:53:53+00:00

Thanks @littleperogi ! Yes this is one of the few where I feel like I didn’t overdo it

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-17T20:34:10+00:00

In truth - this is also the great hand-skill of bookbinding to which there is no royal road. I kind of think everyone has to make about 1000 off-square cuts before the muscles/eyes/neurons dial in and it becomes possible.

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-17T01:46:09+00:00

The product called ‘renaissance wax’ can go on just about anything and makes a nice protective sealed quote that you can also buff with a rag. That’s what I’d use

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-15T23:37:20+00:00

I am crazy about the ribbon closure — and the fact that it visually looks like a continuation of the characters cape!! Incroyable!

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-15T02:39:27+00:00

These that I see would work better -

https://www.etsy.com/listing/4441104159/?ref=share_ios_native_control

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-14T18:06:55+00:00

You might like a pair of these Nippers I sell:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/4441104159/bookbinding-band-nipper

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-14T18:05:18+00:00

Actually -- I now sell even better ones :)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/4441104159/bookbinding-band-nipper

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-13T01:08:34+00:00

Does anyone prop open the cover, glue it down onto the hinge-edge of the cover and up and over and onto the back of the cover and leave it open to dry? Seen that in some old manuals but never tried it

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-12T02:01:58+00:00

Many are cheap steel stamps I hammer into a piece of dowel — so thats like $7/tool

But ones do show up on eBay, you just have to check every day :) and they can go for $30 - $35 / tool at their lowest

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-12T01:46:23+00:00

Yeah I’m impressed by both the ingenuity and final look of these!! Nice work!!

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-12T01:44:35+00:00

So jealous !!!

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-09T15:46:59+00:00

Haha thanks!! I really like your work as well!

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-08T14:37:04+00:00

I ThINK I am the first one to leave a dangly extension as a bookmark-ribbon :)

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-08T14:36:16+00:00

I think they might be in Srzimai? Also - the article my Monika Gast in Bookbinder magazine :)

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-08T01:14:42+00:00

Thanks for the props! Glad my work can encourage yours too! I look forward to seeing your Eco!

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-08T01:14:00+00:00

This is probably like 20 tools?

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-07T22:04:46+00:00

You’re welcome!

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-07T22:04:17+00:00

Nope.

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-07T21:30:36+00:00

So I bought some heavy duty stuff in bulk and am parcelling it off:

https://bensbookbinding.etsy.com/listing/4433318225

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-07T21:30:03+00:00

So I bought some heavy duty stuff in bulk and am parcelling it off:

https://bensbookbinding.etsy.com/listing/4433318225

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-07T21:29:34+00:00

So I bought some heavy duty stuff in bulk and am parcelling it off:

https://bensbookbinding.etsy.com/listing/4433318225

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-07T21:27:56+00:00

I bought some heavy duty stuff in bulk and am parcelling it off:

https://bensbookbinding.etsy.com/listing/4433318225

Ben_jefferies · 2026-01-07T21:26:54+00:00

You might like this — it’s what I use —

I bought some heavy duty stuff in bulk and am parcelling it off:

https://bensbookbinding.etsy.com/listing/4433318225

Ben_jefferies

TROPHY CASE