Imaginarium Reserve Press
@imaginariumreserve.bsky.social
Hobbyist fine bookbinding. Open to commissions. Buy me a coffee, if you like!
https://ko-fi.com/imaginariumreservepress
https://ko-fi.com/imaginariumreservepress
For this copy (and likely all subsequent copies of this project) I used a linked herringbone stitch instead. A medieval style that uses much less thread than the packed stitch, it's still stronger than straight stitching because each stitch loops under the one below it, anchoring the whole support.
November 17, 2025 at 11:53 PM
For this copy (and likely all subsequent copies of this project) I used a linked herringbone stitch instead. A medieval style that uses much less thread than the packed stitch, it's still stronger than straight stitching because each stitch loops under the one below it, anchoring the whole support.
This copy was sewn in a medieval style of stitching called a packed stitch, where the thread is wrapped multiple times around the support (double cords, in this case) at each station (hole). This makes the motion of the spine much smoother, as the supports act like springs.
November 17, 2025 at 11:50 PM
This copy was sewn in a medieval style of stitching called a packed stitch, where the thread is wrapped multiple times around the support (double cords, in this case) at each station (hole). This makes the motion of the spine much smoother, as the supports act like springs.
I used a custom multipoint tool and a custom punching cradle from Affordable Binding Equipment to punch each copy (including the cloth hinged endpapers you can see at the top of the stack). After another 24 hours in the press each, they're ready for sewing!
October 14, 2025 at 2:48 PM
I used a custom multipoint tool and a custom punching cradle from Affordable Binding Equipment to punch each copy (including the cloth hinged endpapers you can see at the top of the stack). After another 24 hours in the press each, they're ready for sewing!
Despite each copy pressing for around 24 hours, there's still noticeable swell in the stack as you get higher (it's around 19.5" right now). Once their sewing stations have been punched, it's back into the press for another 24 hours each to try and manage that swell before sewing.
September 24, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Despite each copy pressing for around 24 hours, there's still noticeable swell in the stack as you get higher (it's around 19.5" right now). Once their sewing stations have been punched, it's back into the press for another 24 hours each to try and manage that swell before sewing.
For my next project: a special limited omnibus edition of the entire "Of Imprint & Erasure" trilogy by Gareth Ian Davies, including bonus scenes.
It took me a while to print all 10 copies since I had to manually duplex each sheet through the rear feed tray, but now the fun can really begin!
It took me a while to print all 10 copies since I had to manually duplex each sheet through the rear feed tray, but now the fun can really begin!
September 13, 2025 at 10:27 PM
For my next project: a special limited omnibus edition of the entire "Of Imprint & Erasure" trilogy by Gareth Ian Davies, including bonus scenes.
It took me a while to print all 10 copies since I had to manually duplex each sheet through the rear feed tray, but now the fun can really begin!
It took me a while to print all 10 copies since I had to manually duplex each sheet through the rear feed tray, but now the fun can really begin!
Endbands, ribbon bookmark, and mull glued on. Once it's dry, I can build the Bradel case and dry fit it before covering it with leather and casing in.
August 31, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Endbands, ribbon bookmark, and mull glued on. Once it's dry, I can build the Bradel case and dry fit it before covering it with leather and casing in.
All three edges trimmed using, once again, the handheld plough and finishing press from affordablebindingequipment.com
Next to affix the ribbon bookmark, the endbands (premade this time), and the mull to the spine. Then I'll be able to start on the Bradel case!
Next to affix the ribbon bookmark, the endbands (premade this time), and the mull to the spine. Then I'll be able to start on the Bradel case!
August 31, 2025 at 2:12 PM
All three edges trimmed using, once again, the handheld plough and finishing press from affordablebindingequipment.com
Next to affix the ribbon bookmark, the endbands (premade this time), and the mull to the spine. Then I'll be able to start on the Bradel case!
Next to affix the ribbon bookmark, the endbands (premade this time), and the mull to the spine. Then I'll be able to start on the Bradel case!
I'm binding a special copy of Echoes of the Future, third and final in the series Of Imprint & Erasure by Gareth Ian Davies, as a gift to the author (the surprise was already ruined, so I can post about it). I sewed the text block today, using a French link stitch. Next up: gluing and trimming.
August 28, 2025 at 10:34 PM
I'm binding a special copy of Echoes of the Future, third and final in the series Of Imprint & Erasure by Gareth Ian Davies, as a gift to the author (the surprise was already ruined, so I can post about it). I sewed the text block today, using a French link stitch. Next up: gluing and trimming.
Reposted by Imaginarium Reserve Press
We’re excited to announce the acquisition of @macey.bsky.social 's BLOOD OF QUEENS, a gothic historical fantasy featuring Tudor-inspired court intrigue, necromancy, and an audacious heist. For fans of M. A. Carrick’s The Mask of Mirrors and Holly Race's Six Wild Crowns, this hits shelves Spring ’27!
August 14, 2025 at 3:10 PM
We’re excited to announce the acquisition of @macey.bsky.social 's BLOOD OF QUEENS, a gothic historical fantasy featuring Tudor-inspired court intrigue, necromancy, and an audacious heist. For fans of M. A. Carrick’s The Mask of Mirrors and Holly Race's Six Wild Crowns, this hits shelves Spring ’27!
Cover art designed and decorated by my friend Mars. All the line work was done with the We R Memory Makers Foil Quill, supplemented by Liquitex acrylic ink for the title. This project is officially done, and leaves tomorrow for the Scares That Care AuthorCon V where it will be available at auction!
March 25, 2025 at 12:15 AM
Cover art designed and decorated by my friend Mars. All the line work was done with the We R Memory Makers Foil Quill, supplemented by Liquitex acrylic ink for the title. This project is officially done, and leaves tomorrow for the Scares That Care AuthorCon V where it will be available at auction!
The improvised clasp was pretty challenging, but it came out very nicely! Each half is riveted, to the front cover and strap respectively, and then the strap is attached to the back cover with more rivets. The dye job is sealed with Eco-Flo Satin Shene® leather finish from Tandy Leather.
March 24, 2025 at 5:37 PM
The improvised clasp was pretty challenging, but it came out very nicely! Each half is riveted, to the front cover and strap respectively, and then the strap is attached to the back cover with more rivets. The dye job is sealed with Eco-Flo Satin Shene® leather finish from Tandy Leather.
I used my Cricut Maker 3 to cut the small leather pieces of the strap for the improvised book clasp, which came out surprisingly well. The black Eco-Flo leather dye from Tandy Leather was applied using the Craftool airbrush (also sold by Tandy) which was amazing to work with!
March 21, 2025 at 11:14 AM
I used my Cricut Maker 3 to cut the small leather pieces of the strap for the improvised book clasp, which came out surprisingly well. The black Eco-Flo leather dye from Tandy Leather was applied using the Craftool airbrush (also sold by Tandy) which was amazing to work with!
Leather is on the spine! Currently it's sitting in the tying-up press, being tied up so that the leather can mold to the raised bands formed by the cords. The paste takes several hours to dry, so fully casing in (putting the leather on the book and pasting down the endpapers) is a lengthy process.
March 19, 2025 at 1:55 AM
Leather is on the spine! Currently it's sitting in the tying-up press, being tied up so that the leather can mold to the raised bands formed by the cords. The paste takes several hours to dry, so fully casing in (putting the leather on the book and pasting down the endpapers) is a lengthy process.
The cover boards are laced on with the cords, much like in medieval/gothic bindings, and mull/super (a stiff, loose-weave fabric) is glued over the spine and holes to strengthen the spine. The ink I used is water based, so you can see what happens when it encounters the PVA 😂
March 15, 2025 at 5:55 PM
The cover boards are laced on with the cords, much like in medieval/gothic bindings, and mull/super (a stiff, loose-weave fabric) is glued over the spine and holes to strengthen the spine. The ink I used is water based, so you can see what happens when it encounters the PVA 😂
Starting from the inside of the text block, I pulled a single length of Gütermann silk thread from Jo-Ann (RIP Jo-Ann) halfway through and alternated wraps around a leather core with each section to create what's known as conservation endbands - usually used to mimic medieval bindings.
March 15, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Starting from the inside of the text block, I pulled a single length of Gütermann silk thread from Jo-Ann (RIP Jo-Ann) halfway through and alternated wraps around a leather core with each section to create what's known as conservation endbands - usually used to mimic medieval bindings.
I used Diamine's Oxblood ink to stain the edges (with a pipette for maximum coverage); it does look eerily like blood, though no oxen were harmed in the making! The bookmark is made of black velvet ribbon, with a sterling silver and black agate charm I got from Jo-Ann's closing sale (RIP Jo-Ann).
March 14, 2025 at 12:27 PM
I used Diamine's Oxblood ink to stain the edges (with a pipette for maximum coverage); it does look eerily like blood, though no oxen were harmed in the making! The bookmark is made of black velvet ribbon, with a sterling silver and black agate charm I got from Jo-Ann's closing sale (RIP Jo-Ann).
I meant to post earlier, but I had to make an entirely new copy of the text block because of an error in the first signature (it was folded inside out). Basic mistake that I should have noticed about five steps ago, when it was easy to fix, instead of after the thing was already glued and trimmed.
March 14, 2025 at 12:16 PM
I meant to post earlier, but I had to make an entirely new copy of the text block because of an error in the first signature (it was folded inside out). Basic mistake that I should have noticed about five steps ago, when it was easy to fix, instead of after the thing was already glued and trimmed.
I meant to take a picture while trimming the edges, but got so into the rhythm I forgot 😅. I've trimmed the bottom and top edges using the handheld plough and finishing press from affordablebookbindingequipment.com because they were a little too uneven. The fore edge I left as is for a bit of charm!
March 8, 2025 at 10:37 PM
I meant to take a picture while trimming the edges, but got so into the rhythm I forgot 😅. I've trimmed the bottom and top edges using the handheld plough and finishing press from affordablebookbindingequipment.com because they were a little too uneven. The fore edge I left as is for a bit of charm!
Sewing on cords gives the spine more support. This text block doesn't strictly need it - I could use tapes instead - but the cords create raised bands on the spine that show through the leather, as seen on medieval books. The sewing frame used in the video is from affordablebindingequipment.com
March 2, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Sewing on cords gives the spine more support. This text block doesn't strictly need it - I could use tapes instead - but the cords create raised bands on the spine that show through the leather, as seen on medieval books. The sewing frame used in the video is from affordablebindingequipment.com
Using an awl to punch sewing stations; the punching cradle and guide ensure the measurements are consistent. You can also use a saw to create the holes; recessed cords require a wedge shaped to be sawn into the spine at every station for the cords to sit in.
March 2, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Using an awl to punch sewing stations; the punching cradle and guide ensure the measurements are consistent. You can also use a saw to create the holes; recessed cords require a wedge shaped to be sawn into the spine at every station for the cords to sit in.
Staining the paper does add volume! The paper in question is a warm white vellum finish by Via, ordered from churchpaper.com as they provide it in short grain. The grain direction influences how easy it is to fold the paper, and how much the paper lays flat in book form!
March 2, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Staining the paper does add volume! The paper in question is a warm white vellum finish by Via, ordered from churchpaper.com as they provide it in short grain. The grain direction influences how easy it is to fold the paper, and how much the paper lays flat in book form!
Cloth (or leather) hinged endpapers add strength and stability to the spine, reducing the wear caused by opening the covers and increasing the life of the book. Made endpapers like these are designed to be sewn alongside the signatures instead of glued on, adding even more strength to the book.
March 1, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Cloth (or leather) hinged endpapers add strength and stability to the spine, reducing the wear caused by opening the covers and increasing the life of the book. Made endpapers like these are designed to be sewn alongside the signatures instead of glued on, adding even more strength to the book.
Step one: artificially aging the paper!
I used a black tea blend from Jolie Tea Company in Salem, MA called Winter Forest. The base is from Sri Lanka, with added cedar tips, juniper berries, rosemary, and eucalyptus.
I cooked the paper for 5 minutes in the oven, though you can let the paper air dry.
I used a black tea blend from Jolie Tea Company in Salem, MA called Winter Forest. The base is from Sri Lanka, with added cedar tips, juniper berries, rosemary, and eucalyptus.
I cooked the paper for 5 minutes in the oven, though you can let the paper air dry.
March 1, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Step one: artificially aging the paper!
I used a black tea blend from Jolie Tea Company in Salem, MA called Winter Forest. The base is from Sri Lanka, with added cedar tips, juniper berries, rosemary, and eucalyptus.
I cooked the paper for 5 minutes in the oven, though you can let the paper air dry.
I used a black tea blend from Jolie Tea Company in Salem, MA called Winter Forest. The base is from Sri Lanka, with added cedar tips, juniper berries, rosemary, and eucalyptus.
I cooked the paper for 5 minutes in the oven, though you can let the paper air dry.
I'm hand-binding a unique copy of Dark Fairytales for the Unloved (a new indie anthology) for Scares That Care's charity auction at AuthorCon V - check them out below! I'll be covering as many steps of that process as I can over the next few weeks!
scaresthatcare.org/authorcon-v
scaresthatcare.org/authorcon-v
Scares That Care
scaresthatcare.org
March 1, 2025 at 2:11 PM
I'm hand-binding a unique copy of Dark Fairytales for the Unloved (a new indie anthology) for Scares That Care's charity auction at AuthorCon V - check them out below! I'll be covering as many steps of that process as I can over the next few weeks!
scaresthatcare.org/authorcon-v
scaresthatcare.org/authorcon-v