A few weeks ago, I posted a question on social media asking where people struggle most when making handmade books. What my followers didn’t know at the time was that I was in the process of creating a Bookbinding Boot Camp to tackle common bookbinding questions. I received a surprising number of responses, and my hope is that this boot camp will offer solutions to the pain points our community expressed.
Common Questions
Some of the questions I receive most often are:
- How do I determine paper grain?
- How do I select the right paper for my project?
- How do I cut book board?
- What thread should I use?
- How do I make my stitches neater?
We consistently discuss these topics within the Handmade Book Club, but I wanted to make this information available to everyone. I compiled a resource that touches on the common questions and basics of bookbinding, and because I love sharing the art of making handmade journals so much, I’m offering it for free. đ
Inside the boot camp, you’ll find loads of information, tutorials, suggestions on where to find supplies, and some free projects. It’s a juicy resource for anyone new to bookbinding, but even those with more experience may find it useful. If you’re taking my Scrappy Journal 5-Day Challenge, this is a great way for you to prepare and become familiar with some of the terms and techniques we’ll be using.
You can sign up for instant access now! Browse around, and then drop a comment below to let me know your most common bookbinding questions!
What is the 5-Day Challenge?
My 5-day challenges are designed to introduce the art of bookbinding in a fun and communal way. Over the course of five days, I release daily videos with step-by-step instructions on how to make a journal from beginning to end. Everything is broken down into manageable chunks, and my team and I are available every step of the way. We also host a private Facebook group where youâll find plenty of inspiration, encouragement, and community from fellow challenge-takers.
Each day of the challenge, we host two Zoom calls where anyone participating can attend to ask questions and share their work. (And psstâŚwe do prizes and giveaways!) Even if youâre not available to attend the calls or partake in the challenge while itâs âlive,â you get lifetime access to all of the video tutorials and Zoom recordings.
Something new that weâre doing for the Scrappy Journal Challenge is to have a community-making session on Friday. Weâve done these as âcreative happy hoursâ in the Handmade Book Club, and theyâre always so much fun!
On Sunday, after challenge week has ended, we hold a virtual wrap-up party, where we celebrate an abundance of creativity and have more fun and giveaways.
Hi! Iâm Ali Manning
Years ago, I learned about handmade books, and ever since then, Iâve 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, Iâve 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!
Just to say I have just made your washi tape journal following along with the video and it’s super, I love it. I’ve only made journals my own way up to now so it was good to make a “proper” one at last. I’ll try to share on instagram, but it’s not my usual platform. It will be on my blog this week when I share my desk though and I will link to your boot camp. Many thanks BJ in Surrey UK
Hi there , when I click on the join now button for the Bookbinding Boot Camp , nothing happens .
I was just on the zoom meeting but did not have time to write down the email address , I was given to seek help ! Hope you all can direct me on how to sign up đ. Thank you very much , great zoom meeting too !!!
Could you please tell me where do I find zoom call recordings? thanks, Martha