My Crafting Process
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3
Every Bible I create is shaped by prayer, patience, and traditional handcrafting methods that honor both the Word of God and the heritage of leatherwork. From the choice of leather to the final seal, each step is carried out with reverence and care.
Choosing the Leather
I source my hides from Wickett & Craig, one of America’s oldest and most respected tanneries. Their full-grain, vegetable-tanned leathers are renowned for strength, beauty, and the way they age gracefully over time. Each hide is inspected carefully to ensure it will produce a cover worthy of protecting God’s Word.
Preparing the Binding
Leather for the cover is measured, cut, and shaped to book boards by hand to perfectly fit the Bible, balancing durability with a comfortable feel in the hand. The text block is reinforced to ensure strength and longevity.
Designing the Cover
Before tooling begins, I work with you to finalize the design. Whether you prefer a traditional cross, a family crest, a monogram, or Scripture itself, I create a layout for the next stage of work. Each design is prepared with precision, knowing that once I begin tooling, every cut and impression is permanent.
Hand-Tooling the Leather
Using traditional hand tools, I carve your chosen design directly into the leather. This is the most time-intensive part of the process, and no two pieces are ever exactly alike. Each line and impression is pressed with care to give depth, texture, and life to the design.
Dyeing the Leather
Once tooling is complete, I apply rich, hand-rubbed dyes to bring out the natural character of the leather. The dyeing process allows subtle variations and tones that make every Bible truly unique.
Antiquing & Sealing
To protect the design and deepen its beauty, I apply an antiquing finish that settles into the tooling and highlights every detail. Finally, the leather is sealed to protect against wear, ensuring that the cover will endure years of use while aging gracefully.
Reverence in Labor
Every stage of the process is done by hand — cut, tooled, and finished with the prayer that this Bible will not only last a lifetime but also testify to the eternal Word it holds.
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” — Isaiah 40:8
