The first day of the workshop, held at the University of Utah's Book Arts Program, was devoted mostly to prepping the textblock and cover for the case binding, which was the most complex book of the three. Using Schaf-fixes, we pared leather super thin (or as Jim said the English say, "until only the color is left"). Getting leather this thin is challenging, but the upside was that we were paring such small pieces. Tearing a 1" x 3" piece of leather is definitely less heartbreaking than getting a gash in a skin for a full-sized book!
In fact, making small books seems to follow this pattern: some things are "easier" and some are "harder." Very few materials are needed, and the books are easy to carry around. (I've got mine in a "Fisherman's Friends" tin. Jim brought all the supplies for his workshop in one small bag.) But on such a small canvas, mistakes are magnified; for example, a tiny misalignment of sewing holes glares. And then of course you have to get your suddenly gigantic fingers to perform minute operations. Here's Jim, the master, casing in:
Selection of materials is key for miniatures, as you want the books to be quite as functional as full-sized books. The reduction in scale means thinner, more flexible materials are needed, without compromising strength. The geometry of the book has to be downsized, without any sacrifice to functionality. Selecting patterned paper for covers is its own unique challenge, as either a very small pattern is needed, or something larger carefully chosen for the graphic qualities of a particular swatch.
I have to confess, there was no shortage of squeals and coos in this workshop. The books are undeniably adorable. I mean, come on, look at this!
This workshop was a fast bunch, so several people made multiple models, and we even had some time to tool some tiny lines on the leather spines. At least one person bound the smallest book (the literal thumb-nail sized one) in full leather with silver foil decoration and a separate enclosure! I think everyone learned a ton, and left the studio charmed by their tiny creations, as well as by our laid-back, skilled, and good-humored instructor.
