Book-binding & eco-printing on paper
Making your very 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
Videos sharing step-by-step processes & downloadable designs
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
Projects:
make an nature-printed art journal
coptic bound silk fabric covered book
simple notebooks using found & scrap paper
create your own art journals ⟶
FAQs
Here’s some common questions about my fabric painting course, if you have anything specific, please send me an email. General faqs about all my courses can be found here.
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.
Can I do this at home?
Absolutely! This can be done in your kitchen or studio.
What tools & supplies do 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 for dyeing
When can I start?
The course is available for immediate access, and you can watch the videos whenever you want for as long as you want.
If I ever add more content (videos or projects) you’ll receive these in your student portal automatically.
Is this beginner or advanced?
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.