Nature Art Journal
Making your own books feels like mastering something very special. No need to buy notebooks or art journals when you can create your own!
Combined with simple book-binding techniques you’ll also learn eco or plant printing on paper to create a one-off art journal.
Using regular paper & some simple tools, learn how to sew, stitch & bind your own book!
This is one of those traditional crafts I thought was always ‘too specialised’ for me, in my wonky creative ways. But I ignored the “experts” and have created some stunning bespoke books using my own papers and designs.
Someone once told me that you had to be a book-binding expert to make books. I’m so glad that I ignored that someone! You can read about it here, if you’d like to know the backstory.
I used to make little books when I was younger, but feel seriously happy at my grown-up self for making real and proper books with a dedication to the binding and stitching.
This course will show you how to make various styles and types of books from simple stab-stitching to more intricate sewing techniques.
And as the fear of a blank page sometimes gets to me, I decided to also share how to dye your own paper to create a magical, special, super inspiring journal book with a naturally dyed fabric cover.
I think you’ll love making your own. And I can’t wait to hear how the inspiration flows into your writing or drawings.
Course curriculum
The foundational basics
pamphlet stitching
Japanese stab stitching
coptic binding
what tools to use & how to use what you have
Eco-printing on paper
using watercolour paper & gathered garden plant materials learn how to naturally dye on paper
we’ll work with leaves as well as flowers and bark
Projects:
make an nature-printed art journal
coptic bound silk fabric covered book
simple notebooks using found & scrap paper
Videos sharing step-by-step processes & downloadable designs
create your own art journal⟶
faqs
How do I access the course?
This is an online course with immediate and life-time access. You can watch the videos as many times as you like, including any upgrades and extra content that I add over time.
The course is housed on my special online course site. Upon purchase you’ll receive links to create your own account.
What will I learn?
You’ll learn how to naturally dye paper using plants, flowers and kitchen scraps.
As well as different simple book-binding techniques from Japanese stab-stitch, coptic binding and pamphlet stitching.
What materials will I need?
You’ll need:
watercolour paper for the natural dye process - it has to get wet
regular or lovely art paper for making books
stitching thread - thick linen or cotton is nice, you can run it through a candle (wax) to thicken it
different needles - size to match the thread, both blunt and sharp
a sharp tools for punching holes in paper, can be an awl or any sharp stick-like thing
saucepan & steamer for dyeing
Is this for beginners?
This is great for beginners, but some of the aspects are a little more technical. I am a beginner book-binder so you can do it too!
This is a challenging yet fun project, where practice really does help.
Can I do this at home?
Absolutely! This can be done in your kitchen or studio.
What if I don’t like the course?
As this is a digital product I don’t offer refunds. Thanks for your understanding.
Check out my other online craft courses
Hi, I’m Ellie
I’m a textile artist & maker, a creativity coach, web-designer & mentor, a writer, photographer & soul-sharer.
I love making, playing, exploring and experimenting with lots of different mediums. When I was younger we used to make simple little booklets for our play. And once, my sister taught me how to make a fabulous concertina book for a senior art class project.
