join bookbinding 101 today! ↓↓↓ join bookbinding 101 today! ↓↓↓ join bookbinding 101 today! ↓↓↓ join bookbinding 101 today! ↓↓↓ join bookbinding 101 today! ↓↓↓ join bookbinding 101 today! ↓↓↓ join bookbinding 101 today! ↓↓↓ join bookbinding 101 today! ↓↓↓ join bookbinding 101 today! ↓↓↓
Introducing Bookbinding 101
A FREE 4-Day Workshop for Beginners Who Want to Start Making Beautiful Handmade Books With Confidence
AUGUST 11TH - 17TH
Join us for a fun, beginner-friendly introduction to bookbinding using the PACS method:
Paper • Adhesive • Covers • Stitches
Learn step-by-step, ask questions live, and walk away with a finished book you’ll be proud of.
What is Bookbinding 101?
Bookbinding 101 is a free, live online workshop designed to take the mystery out of bookmaking and help you confidently create your first handmade book—no experience (or fancy tools!) required.
Over four live sessions, you’ll follow a simple roadmap—PACS: Paper, Adhesive, Covers, Stitches—and discover how easy and rewarding bookbinding can be.
You’ll leave Bookbinding 101 with at least one finished single-signature book… and a brand new creative spark.
This Is for You If...
-
You’ve been curious about bookbinding but didn’t know where to start.
-
You feel overwhelmed by YouTube tutorials and want clear, simple direction.
-
You’ve made books before but want a refresh and a confidence boost.
-
You love learning new crafts and want a creative outlet that’s both relaxing and fulfilling.
You'll Leave With...
-
A finished handmade book -- and the confidence to continue making them.
-
A clear understanding of paper, adhesives, covers, and stitching;
-
Answers to all of your bookbinding questions.
-
A taste of what it's like to create in a supportive community.
-
Suggestions on how you can expand your new bookmaking skills.
Tools and Supplies
This event is designed for beginners using simple supplies you likely already have at home. There’s no need to rush out and buy specialty tools or expensive materials.
Here’s what you might use during the week:
- Copy paper, sketch or drawing paper, even upcycled paper for your pages
- Decorative paper, such as scrapbook, handmade, wrapping paper or even magazine pages, for your cover
- A craft knife, a ruler and pencil
- A sewing needle and embroidery floss - beeswax is a bonus
- Something to poke holes—like an awl or large needle
- A bone folder or old credit/hotel key card
We recommend you watch the first class before buying anything—you’ll see exactly how each tool is used, and chances are, you already have a perfect substitute in your stash!
We believe creativity isn’t about having the “perfect” supplies. It’s about showing up, exploring, and making something that matters—with what you have on hand.
Workshop Schedule
All sessions are live on Zoom with 30 minutes of teaching and 60 minutes of open Q&A.
Come for the demo, stay for the questions!
Monday (8/11)
Paper and Tools
- Learn to choose the right paper
- Understand paper grain and how it affects your books
- Discover the essential tools (most you already own!
- Create your first book signature
Wednesday (8/13)
Adhesive and Covers
- Learn the pros and cons of different bookbinding adhesives
- Discover cover options like cloth, leather, kraft-tex, and more
- Make a simple scored paper cover
Friday (8/15)
Stitches
- Explore bookbinding stitches, such as stab, coptic and decorative bindings
- Learn to punch holes with a template
- Sew your first single-signature book
Sunday (8/17)
Closure and Community
- Add a simple closure
- Meet members of the Handmade Book Club and hear how bookbinding has transformed their creative lives
- Get inspired and discover how to keep your momentum going
After
Can’t make every session live? No worries! You'll have online access to the downloadable videos and recordings for 30 days.
I've taken other bookmaking and art classes but Ali is by far the best teacher and the whole staff each bring their own special talents to the group to make a very cohesive and well run experience.
The ZOOM calls were so much fun and helpful. The videos were so well presented. The interactions on facebook were wonderful and felt like such a party. Making the book was pure joy. I could go on. I've found my people!
-Teresa H. | Coptic Gratitude Challenge
Meet Ali
Years ago I learned about handmade books, and ever since then, I’ve been hooked. I love creating new designs, learning about different techniques and expanding my collection of paper. But what I love most about bookmaking is the community.
Through Handmade Book Club, I’ve met thousands of other passionate bookmakers, mixed media artists and crafters. We all share a love of book arts just for the joy of it.
I believe that bookbinding and book arts are for everyone, regardless of skill level or equipment. All you need is a little creativity and, of course, paper!
I'd love for you to be a part of our amazing, inspiring community. Come create with us!
What Participants from Previous Workshops Are Saying:
"I LOVED this class. I made two unique books and can't wait to make more!
The instructions and video were great. Accessible tools/materials and time enough to complete a bit each day made it manageable. It was really nice to see what other people made and share ideas. Can't wait for the next one!"
Amy L.
"It was a wonderful experience for a first-time project!"
The question and answer sessions were very helpful. Ali is a very skilled teacher and really seems to anticipate almost all the questions and issues that can come up for beginners. I am really proud of my final result and can't wait to do more!
CHERYL K.
"This Challenge was the best online workshop I've ever done.
The video segments were very easy to follow and I liked the added touch of the directions being typed and included below each segment. I also enjoyed seeing other participants' books. Ali and her team are terrifically helpful, easy-going, and knowledgeable."
Crystal K.
© 2026 Vintage Page Designs. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Website Design by Mackenzie.