not what my hands have done

Hey everyone!

I’m not sure what this will be, but my goal is to have an outlet for writing (something I don’t do very much) that may be helpful, winsome, deep-divish, and probably ridiculous to whoever finds it.

God graciously placed Bible rebinding in my life. If you can imagine, it was a hobby I began right at the outset (downturn…idk, at least for my family) of the Covid-19 scare, whatever you’d like to call it. Mid-August of 2020. I was anticipating proposing to my now wife, Carley, seeing the light at the end of the bachelor degree tunnel, with little understanding of life. With little understanding of life and godliness. I still have a little understanding of these things, don’t get me wrong.

I had my dad’s (Bill Thrailkill, Back Creek Presbyterian [PCA]) preaching Bible rebound by Jeff Putnam, Doulos Bible Rebinding, and sought to have some Bibles of my own rebound. I couldn’t comfortably afford it, so I did what the typical guy-with-a-hobby-problem does: found an old bible (ratty covered), bought Diego Caloca Jr’s Bible Rebinding Book, took to eBay, and probably invested around $100 in leather and basic tools. I rebound a bible. On second thought, it was more like $40 in leather and I borrowed my dad’s tools. Thanks dad…I may still have them here at my shop.

[If you’re reading this and aspiring to rebind bibles…My first recommended step is to check out Caloca, his resource is a gold mine.]

I never started with the goal of doing this as a job. I want to be careful when I say that: by God’s grace, and His works only, can I attribute any provision. He certainly gave me a passion for this work, and I have an obsession (to a fault at times) to make things more beautiful. Doesn’t he give each craftsman that longing?

Not only do we aim to make things functional, but appealing to all the senses. To be skilled at one’s work (Proverbs 22:29), functionality is a given. Had to pick, we would all choose a cup that holds water over an eye-catching vessel that drips in your lap with each sip.

I want to jump into the purpose of this first blurb, and I’ll be short. Rebinding Bibles covers does not make the Bible more beautiful. May it never be said that we need beauty over the functionality. I need the contents. I don’t need burgundy Mud Walpier Rustic Cowhide, paired with a thin navy lambskin liner and gold liner gilt line that contrasts so beautifully you could just stare at it for a while. I need an inspired, prophetic, heart-wrenching, gut-punching, living and active Word that shows me how much the Creator has done for me in Christ, and how I am to glorify and honor Him.

I rebind Bible covers for the purpose that people would have closer communion with our Almighty God, either using their beloved copy of the Scriptures or a new copy that will long last them in this life, with functionality first, then what bit of beauty is appropriate.

The Word of our God will stand forever.