Stunning Handmade Books from Instagram
There’s nothing like seeing what other makers are creating to spark fresh ideas for your own work. Whether you’re a seasoned bookmaker or just starting your creative journey, a little visual bookbinding inspiration can go a long way.
That’s why I love scrolling through Instagram—it’s a treasure trove of handmade books, journals, bindings, and mixed-media projects. This month, I’ve gathered a few favorite posts from our Handmade Book Club members that caught my eye. I hope they’ll encourage you to experiment, try new techniques, and keep filling those blank pages.
Note: Be sure to click through to see their stunning handmade books and give these talented artists a follow!
1. Tiffany Sharpe’s French Link Stitch
I instantly fell in love with Tiffany’s beautiful hardcover French Link Stitch journal. She’d been looking for a creative way to incorporate tissue paper into her painted pages, and this project from the Handmade Book Club’s archives turned out to be the perfect fit. Her eco-printed fabric cover and sweet fabric closure make this book extra inspiring!
Don’t miss a closer look at Tiffany’s stunning book on Instagram. And be sure to follow her for even more bookish creativity!
2. Buffy Greer’s Cased in Accordion Book
Buffy’s Cased in Accordion book is a joyful celebration of color and creativity! The accordion pages unfold to reveal a vibrant garden of watercolor cut-out potted plants—each one bursting with personality. It’s a beautiful example of how this structure can be used to create a playful, interactive display of artwork.
Head over to Buffy’s IG page to see the brilliant reel she created—and be sure to give her a follow for more inspiring book art!
3. Karen Neal’s Scrappy Journal
Check out Karen’s scrappy journal to see what all the buzz is about! This vibrant, playful binding is packed with charming pop-ups and delightful surprises. Head over to Instagram to take a peek inside Karen’s book!
Want to make your own version of the Scrappy Journal? The class is available here!
4. DeeDee Catron’s Vintage Board Book
DeeDee was one of our guest artists in the Handmade Book Club, where she led us in a workshop on creating Vintage Board Books. For her own project, she transformed the pages with layers of vintage ephemera, calling them vintage paper landscapes. Each spread feels like a tiny world of texture, history, and charm—a beautiful example of how old papers can be given new life through creative book art.
Want to see more of DeeDee’s beautiful work? Head over to Instagram to explore her creations—and be sure to give her a follow!
5. Denise Fairbank’s Pamphlet Palooza
Denise’s Pamphlet Palooza book is a joyful celebration of color, texture, and creative binding! This chunky handmade book features 12 signatures of sulphite paper, each wrapped in beautiful decorative papers. The real showstopper? The spine—woven with an array of colorful ribbons and finished with dangling gems that add movement and sparkle. It’s a delightful example of how simple structures can be elevated with playful, personal touches. Check out Denise’s IG page to see more of her stunning work!
6. Kerry Engel’s Ultimate Coptic Binding
Kerry—another one of our talented Guest Artists in the Handmade Book Club—taught us how to create stunning resin book covers, and her Ultimate Coptic Binding is a perfect showcase of the technique! For this book, she paired her handmade resin cover with luscious teal Portuguese cork fabric. Inside, tea-dyed watercolor paper adds depth and warmth, while the vibrant background lets the floral cover truly shine. Check out and follow Kerry’s Instagram page to see this beauty in action!
7. Zurn Perry’s Little Library
Zurn created this beautiful series of books for our Little Library Challenge—and what a treasure it is! She crafted cork covers lined with gorgeous botanical batik fabric, added wooden closures repurposed from a thrifted necklace, and finished the books with vintage lace from her mother’s collection. The result is a stunning blend of texture, story, and heart. We love seeing how Zurn’s creativity brought these little books to life!
Don’t miss a closer look at Zurn’s stunning books on Instagram. And be sure to follow her for even more bookish creativity!
Feeling inspired to create your own Little Library? You can find the class here!
Want to Make These Projects Too?
If your creative wheels are turning after seeing these beautiful books, we’d love to welcome you into the Handmade Book Club! Every project you saw here is available in the club, along with a growing library of tutorials, guest artist workshops, and a truly special community of makers who love to share and inspire. And if you’d like to dip your toes in first, we also offer individual classes—perfect for starting your next handmade book adventure.
HI! I’M ALI MANNING
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 Vintage Page Designs and the Handmade Book Club, I’ve met thousands of other passionate bookmakers, mixed-media artists, and crafters. We all share a love of book arts and crafting, 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!
Ali, I love your blog! This post was a wonderful inspiration! Thank you–beautiful books by your members!
Love this newsletter, full of ideas and inspiration. Thank you!
Ali, I am so inspired and very much looking forward to my first Handmade Book workshop! I have made one or two little journals in the past and have been wanting to get back into such fun. It was interesting to me that you mentioned the Texas floods. They are very much on my mind lately as we found ourselves (my family of EIGHT!) above the Guadalupe River on the 3rd – 5th of July. We were fortunate to be 800 feet above the river. However, we lost our electricity and running water during the morning of the flood. At first, we thought our loss was only ours and then we learned about the disaster which had unfolded below us. The bridge which had allowed us entry to our VRBO had washed away and so, we were stranded. Fortunately, the wonderful crews which were looking for ways to free all of those stranded on our side of the river, came up with a temporary solution and worked for hours to build a makeshift bridge to allow us to exit. Thanks to them, we were able to exit on their bridge and go home. It eventually failed but not before those who wanted to leave could do so. We are still grieving over all of those who lost their lives in the deluge.