My interest in bookbinding began with an roleplaying magazine article about campaign grimoires - the illustrations inspired me to design several imaginary books of my own, and got me interested in the binding process. After some time in the library and on various bookbinding websites, I got up the nerve to gather together paper, thread and board and try making a book for myself and, although it was a clumsy effort, I was hooked. I've now been binding books for four years. I started out making gifts for friends, but soon found that there was a wider market for curious books, and have bound individual printed works for fantasy writers and poets, and prop books for roleplaying groups. I work in a variety of materials, including fine quality gloving leather and suede, and decorate my covers by hand. The books I make are unique volumes (and occasionally sets of books) and can take anything from several days to a week to complete. Ali Van Dam, Black Wyvern Crafts.