Formed In Secret

I missed the deadline for submission to the Guild of Book Workers "Formation" exhibit. As usual, I had no idea of how much work I'd made for myself with this project. I'll find a place for it somewhere. This binding takes its inspiration from a booklet created years ago by a friend who is an artist and pro-life advocate.

FORMED IN SECRET deconstructs two books and combines them using techniques I learned from repairing huge family Bibles. Interior features await discovery by the reader/viewer. Things formed in secret: Pearls, geodes, human beings.
Dimensions: 11inH x 8-1/2inW x 3-3/4in. Open: 16-1/2in
Material: Marbled paper, bookboard, handmade paper, linen thread. Oyster shell, pearl, geode, sonogram.

The door opens to reveal what is formed in secret.....

I used a curved needle to work on this bulky spine. The end pieces reference the leather straps that support massive old tomes such as the Martyrs Mirror in my previous post. The stitching had to be carried to the covers for support, but the words "Formed in Secret" are discernible.

The foredge is supported with a stiff board that is attached by joint tackets.