Brien Beidler Bespoke Bookbinding and Toolmaking
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bhbeidler
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Minnesota, United States
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While I make books and tools with durability in mind, I make for the process. I don’t get to keep the end product, but I hold on to the fulfillment I find in the making, though it slips though my fingers at each project's completion.Brien’s practice is a parallel occupation of bookbinding and toolmaking. He operates within a small niche, making bespoke leather books for book lovers and specialized tools for book makers and other craftspeople.
His bookbinding focuses on the creation of one-of-a-kind leatherbound books inspired by the skill and processes of historic bookbinders. He uses the same materials, tools and techniques that have been used for centuries to make books that last for centuries. They are bound to be beautiful and withstand repeated use.
His toolmaking practice is primarily centered around the creation of finishing tools, which are decorative leather stamps primarily used to compose designs on book covers. He uses the tools he makes, which in turn informs the way he makes his tools.
From the hand engraved lines to the gold tooled impressions, every tool and book is made with careful attention to detail by hand, eye, and heart.