Inlays are a subtractive decorative element used on book covers using decorative paper, cloth or leather. They appear challenging, and many are, but can be easily accomplished using basic bookbinding techniques. You will construct a case binding, size your inlay, cutout the inlay, and add your own unique decorative element to your binding.
Bring a decoration* that appeals to you or design it on the fly. Your binding will be a combination of book cloth and paper: your decorative element should be printed on the same. Join the American Bookbinders Museum to learn an easy way to add an inlay to a case-bound book.
*Decoration must me no larger than 4×6″, and be printed on paper or cloth.