LEATHER INLAY

Did you just say "leather inlay?"

Kink: Yes.

Why?

Kink: Because there is a leather contest.

I guess I should be thankful it wasn't a fertilizer contest.

I drew a basic border design. I installed a 1/4" router bit. Using a combo square to get distance measurements and blue tape to mark the beginning and end of the bit cut, I routed out the border.

I rummaged through my box of hardwood cut-offs and found a dark piece of wood.

No, the thin strip jig is not a dance done by an emaciated burlesque star.

I used a 1/4" piece of plywood to set the jig 1/4" away from the saw blade then cut a bunch of strips by moving the fence with each cut.

Yes, the strips were too thick and stood proud of the surface. I used my tenoning jig to trim it closer -- then sanded it smooth.

Once the wooden inlay was flush, I drew the year in Roman numerals, freehanded the grooves with my hand router, and found an old belt. The back of the belt said Genuine Leather. I was in business. I cut thin strips of leather and super-glued them into the grooves.

I deconstructed a notebook, cut a bunch of bamboo skewers and glued them through the holes into the back cover.

I reconstructed the notebook using the bamboo skewers, a piece of scrap wood for the spine, and lots of glue.

I used old cabinet hinges left from when I changed the hinges on all the kitchen cabinet doors.

https://www.instructables.com/id/TIP-FOR-HANGING-CABINET-DOORS/

As usual, all comments appreciated and all questions answered.

KJ