Red Leather Wiccan Book of Shadows
This book was a true collaboration between me and my customer who wanted to commission this work for his wife's birthday. She practices the Wiccan religion (think nature worshipping; NOT Salem witch trials!). Her husband put SO much time into gathering the componets of this book. He gathered all the symbolism (but left it to me as to how to incorporate it all) and images he wanted inside (yes, this book actually had some printed pages with lovely illustrations dividing the blank sections where she could later write prayers...more on that later). He wanted so many things incorporated into this gift. On the front cover, he found a moon phase silver pendant with a moonstone center as the focal point. He wanted carved Celtic knots on the front cover and found silver Celtic knots for me to mount into recesses at each corner. He found tiny silver charms (a candlestick, goblet, etc.) that he wanted attached to the ends of 5 thin ribbon page markers. He sent twigs from the Rowan tree in their back yard (I learned the Rowan tree has special magical significance to Wiccans) and I used these to create an intertwined twig pentagram on the back cover inside in incised design that echoes the 3-moon-phase theme on the front. The back cover also featured air, fire, earth, and water symbols raised in each corner. He also sent locks of hair from the women in the family; his wife, her mother, and their daughter. These were secretly incorporated inside the spine of the book. I mentioned that I did some printing on the pages in this book. Perhaps I should stick to blank books because when the book was given as a gift, I was horrified to be told it had several typos! These errors will be fixed (though it involves sending the book back to me), but needless to say, I was mortified that there were TWO typos in the finished book. I did love this project though. This customer was a joy to work with and I'm sure he put as much time (or more) into this book as I did! The icing on the cake was the antique chest he modified to hold this book and the ritual items used in the Wiccian religion. I don't know how he'll ever top this birthday present!
This one is truly one-of-a-kind. I couldn't have done it without my customer finding all the wonderful elements of this book so I really can't put a price on it.
Below are photos the customer sent of the finished book in its final setting. He customized the interior of an antique trunk to hold this book and other ritual items important to the Wiccan religion. The panel that held the book came out to reveal more items in a tray underneath. Amazing!
