the art of binding

wowza! my jaw dropped as i scrolled through the images of some of the most beautifully crafted handmade books i've ever seen, by artist natalie stopka. 

when i studied in spain, i took a book binding class at a local arts school -- it was such fun but time consuming...i can't imagine how long it takes to add all those gorgeous details to the covers and spines! look at all those french knots! 

visit her website and check out the goods in her shop -- she's happy to make custom books as well. 

{found via the sfcb blog}