Earlier this month Prototype #4 's failure started a bottom-up review of my entire process. To set the stage, we'll be walking together through my motivation for starting this artistic work, all the way up to what I now consider my finest piece to date, Prototype #6. There's a lot to go over so let's get started, reader. Prototype of What Exactly ? Straight to the point, I like your style reader. In September 2025, very nearly six months ago, I started learning to bookbind o

Prototype #4 failed before it was ever assembled. What followed wasn’t a simple fix, but an investigation into leather bookbinding tolerances and how narrow spacing, tool limits, and material choices interacted under constraint. This piece documents that failure and what it revealed about craft, systems, and learning. On February 06, 2026, Prototype #4 categorically failed before it was assembled. Oof, that hurts. Instead of licking my proverbial wounds, I'm going to walk you

Template #4 | Prototype #4 January '26 was spent resolving three material constraints: Leather availability and grade The project requires museum-grade leather to meet durability and longevity goals. Local sourcing proved inconsistent in both quality and repeatability. A reliable supplier has been identified, but this introduces longer lead times and limits choice. Without dependable material at the required grade, stock cannot be maintained responsibly. I wish I was spoiled