​Bound by Hand:

​A Comprehensive Bookbinding & Creativity Journey

First Class is FREE: 
​Month 1 - January 28th: Supplies, Terminology, and Creative Bookbinding!
Month 2 - February 25th: Pamphlet Stitch & Double Pamphlet Stitch Art Journals
Month 3 - March 25th:  Paste Papers & Decorative Papers
Month 4 - April 22nd: Accordion Artist Book
Month 5 - May 27th: Junk/Art Journal Book BONUS: Gelli Plate Techniques
Month 6 - June 24th: Small Lay-Flat Art Journal Book
Month 7 - July 22nd: Small Watercolor Paper Open-Flat Book
Month 8 - August 26: Large Art Journal Book (Open-Flat)
Month 9 - September 23: Large Watercolor/Thick Paper Book (Open-Flat)
BONUS: Date TBA:  Sewn on Tapes - Open-Flat Artist Book

​Bound by Hand: A Comprehensive Bookbinding & Creativity Journey

Duration: 9 Months
1 class per month - 4th Tuesday of the month from 10 AM to 1 PM MST
PLUS “Office Hours” check-in Q&A/Show-and-Tell on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11 AM to 12 PM

Format: Live online Zoom classes with recordings available for playback for each class.

Each class will include a pre-recorded video sharing the materials needed for that session. Classes will demonstrate ways to use each book and provide step-by-step examples of how to create them.

For simpler books, we will create them together in real-time, allowing ample time for you to keep up and ask questions. For more complex projects, live sessions will demonstrate the step-by-step process, allowing for questions along the way. You can then use the recording to complete the book at your own pace.

The 2nd Tuesday of each month (starting in February) is reserved for sharing your completed books, asking questions, and requesting demonstrations for clarification.

Course Details

* Who It's For: Beginners and intermediate learners interested in bookbinding as a creative and functional art form.

* Outcome: Participants will complete 10 unique bookbinding projects, including functional and decorative books.

* Goal: Build a foundation in bookbinding basics and go beyond just making blank books—learn to create books with purpose. Whether for art, writing, photos, or ideas, your books will be tailored for creative expression and practical use.

* Materials Needed: A detailed supply list will be provided before the first session, with optional resources for specialized tools.

Monthly Curriculum

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 from 10am - 1pm MST
Supplies, Terminology, and Creative Bookbinding!
* Goal: Build a foundation in bookbinding basics.
* Topics Covered:
    * Overview of essential supplies (e.g., paper types, needles, awls, thread, adhesives, bookcloth).
    * Explanation of bookbinding terminology (e.g., grain direction, signatures, folios).
    * Brief history of bookbinding, from ancient techniques to modern applications.
* Activity: Practice paper folding and understanding paper grain direction.
* Q&A - Show & Tell: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 from 11am - 12pm MST

Tuesday, February 25, 2025  from 10am - 1pm MST
Pamphlet Stitch & Double Pamphlet Stitch Art Journals
* Goal: Create simple but versatile stitched bindings.
* Topics Covered:
    * Preparing signatures and templates for sewing holes.
    * Single-stitch pamphlet binding.
    * Double-pamphlet binding for thicker books.
* Activity: Bind a single-signature notebook and a double-signature journal.
* Prompts: Ideas for filling your book during the month.
* Q&A - Show & Tell: Office Hours: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 11am - 12pm MST

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 from 10am - 1pm MST
Paste Papers - Make your own Decorative Papers
* Goal: Learn to create your own decorative papers for bookbinding.
* Topics Covered:
    * Introduction to paste papers and their historical use in bookbinding.
    * Techniques for making paste paper using common materials and unusual surfaces like textured fabrics or household tools.
    * Tips for experimenting with color and texture.
* Activity: Create a selection of decorative paste papers to use in future projects.
* Q&A - Show & Tell: Office Hours: Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 11am - 12pm MST

Tuesday, April 22, 2025  from 10am - 1pm MST
Accordion Artist Book
* Goal: Learn a non-sewn, sculptural bookbinding technique.
* Topics Covered:
    * Folding techniques for creating an accordion base.
    * Adding covers, closures, and decorative elements.
    * Ideas for artistic uses like photo albums, scrapbooks, or zines.
* Activity: Create a customizable accordion book.
* Prompts: Ideas for filling your book during the month.
* Q&A - Show & Tell: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 11am - 12pm MST

Tuesday, May 27, 2025  from 10am - 1pm MST
Junk/Art Journal Book
* Goal: Explore a playful and creative approach to bookbinding using recycled and found materials.
* Topics Covered:
    * Collecting and organizing materials like old envelopes, papers, and ephemera.
    * Creating a cohesive design using eclectic pieces.
    * Incorporating pockets, tags, and interactive elements into the book.
* Activity: Bind and assemble a personalized junk journal.
* Prompts: Ideas for filling your book during the month.
BONUS: Gelli Plate Techniques
* Q&A - Show & Tell: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 from 11am - 12pm MST

Tuesday, June 24, 2025  from 10am - 1pm MST
Small Lay-Flat Art Journal Book
* Goal: Create a portable art journal for sketching or journaling.
* Topics Covered:
    * Combining decorative papers for covers.
    * Reinforcing spines for durability.
    * Stitching techniques for artistic journals.
    * Understanding pagination when designing your own books.
* Activity: Assemble and bind a small, sturdy art journal.
* Prompts: Ideas for filling your book during the month.
* Q&A - Show & Tell: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 11am - 12pm MST

Tuesday, July 22, 2025  from 10am - 1pm MST
Small Watercolor Paper Open-Flat Book
* Goal: Create a book ideal for watercolor painting with open-flat binding.
* Topics Covered:
    * Preparing watercolor paper to accommodate paints and washes.
    * Binding techniques to ensure flat opening for painting.
* Activity: Construct a watercolor journal with decorative covers.
* Prompts: Ideas for filling your book during the month.
* Q&A - Show & Tell: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 from 11am - 12pm MST

Tuesday, August 26, 2025  from 10am - 1pm MST
Large Art Journal Book (Open-Flat)
* Goal: Create a large journal with a focus on structure and design.
* Topics Covered:
    * Working with larger signatures and cover boards.
    * Strengthening spines and binding heavy materials.
    * Adding custom closures or pockets.
* Activity: Bind a large art journal with a creative cover.
* Prompts: Ideas for filling your book during the month.
* Q&A - Show & Tell Tuesday, September 9, 2025 from 11am - 12pm MST

Tuesday, September 23, 2025  from 10am - 1pm MST
Large Watercolor/Thick Paper Book (Open-Flat)
* Goal: Scale up watercolor bookbinding techniques for larger projects.
* Topics Covered:
    * Adapting stitching and gluing techniques for heavier watercolor paper.
    * Creating a durable structure for long-term use.
* Activity: Bind a large-format watercolor book.
* Prompts: Ideas for filling your book during the month.
* Q&A - Show & Tell Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 11am - 12pm MST

BONUS Class: Sewn on Tapes - Open-Flat Artist Book DATE: TBA
* Goal: Learn a structural and decorative binding technique.
* Topics Covered:
    * Sewing signatures onto tapes for stability.
    * Aligning tapes and adding covers.
    * Historical context and modern uses for sewn-on tapes binding.
* Activity: Bind a multi-signature book with visible tape stitching.
* Prompts: Ideas for filling your book during the month.

Additional Features
* Supportive Community: Access to a private group for sharing progress, asking questions, and connecting with fellow bookbinders.
* Instructor Feedback: Personalized guidance during live sessions and Q&A opportunities.
* Resource Library: Downloadable templates, supply lists, and video tutorials.

Try a class for FREE

Pricing and Enrollment
* Price: $499 for the full 9-month course.
- - - > EARLY BIRD Discount: $399 (if enrolled by January 21st) < - - - 
* Flexible Options: Individual classes are available for $75 each, which includes a check-in/office hours session. Contact me directly to sign up for an individual class.

* Start Date: Tuesday, January 28th, 10 AM - 1 PM MST - Live/Online via Zoom
* Replay Access: All classes are recorded and available for playback.
* Supplies: A full supply list will be provided at the beginning of the course, with details for each class shared a month in advance to allow ample time for gathering materials.

First class is FREE - January 28th, 2025