join the weekend workshop today! ↓↓↓ join the weekend workshop today! ↓↓↓ join the weekend workshop today! ↓↓↓ join the weekend workshop today! ↓↓↓ join the weekend workshop today! ↓↓↓ join the weekend workshop today! ↓↓↓ join the weekend workshop today! ↓↓↓ join the weekend workshop today! ↓↓↓ join the weekend workshop today! ↓↓↓
It's a Valentine Palooza!
JANUARY 30TH - FEBRUARY 2ND
Join us as we create a fun book together during this weekend workshop! We'll be using the heart long stitch technique to create this sweet book just in time for Valentine's Day.
What is Valentine Palooza?
We're pulling back the curtain and giving you a peek inside the Handmade Book Club for one weekend only, January 30th - February 2nd.
Create this sweet handmade book project featuring the heart long stitch technique. The hearts on the binding make this book perfect for Valentine’s Day (or any other day).
This is a softcover book with durable binding that has many uses including as a journal, scrapbook, a book of love notes, or a gift for someone special this Valentine’s Day.
Let your creativity shine as you craft a meaningful gift or a cherished keepsake for yourself.
Why Join the Workshop?
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Perfect for Beginners:
No prior experience? No problem! Our class is crafted specifically for beginners, ensuring that everyone can create a beautiful, handcrafted book.
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Complete a Project in a Weekend:
Life is busy, and we get it. That’s why our class is designed to be completed in just one weekend. You’ll have a finished book to show off by Sunday evening!
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Use What You Already Have:
No need for a shopping trip! Our project uses common household items, so you can dive right in without any extra hassle or expense.
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Learn at Your Own Pace:
With our pre-recorded videos, you can watch, pause, and replay the lessons as many times as you need. Speed up or slow down the videos to match your learning pace.
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Personalized Support:
Have questions? My team and I are here to help! You can reach out via comments under the video or email and get the answers you need.
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Experience Community with Live Zoom Calls:
Join our three live Zoom calls to connect with fellow bookbinding enthusiasts. Share your progress, ask questions, and be part of a supportive community.
You don't have to be a bookbinding pro to take part.
Crafters of all types—mixed media artists, painters, quilters, art journalers—are all welcome to join! The pre-recorded video instructions are easy to follow, and everyone can create a beautiful, handcrafted book.
What's Included:
Instructional Videos
On Thursday, January 30th, you will get access to pre-recorded videos teaching you how to make this fun book. You'll have six months of online access to the videos and you can download them as well.
Daily Zoom Calls
I want your project to be a success, so I'll hold a live Zoom call on Friday, Saturday, and wrap up with a sharing session on the following Sunday. I'll answer questions, give away prizes, and provide helpful tips! The calls are recorded if you can't make it.
Exclusive Facebook Group
Creating is better with friends! In the exclusive Facebook group you can share your progress, ask questions, and get to know the community.
How It Works
TODAY
Before signing up, you can view the supply list below!
WHILE YOU WAIT
While you wait for the class to begin on January 30th, you can gather your supplies and request to join the private Facebook group (the group will open on January 27th).
2025-01-30
You'll get access to the pre-recorded videos.
2025-01-31
We will come together for a meet and greet on Zoom.
2025-02-01
We will have a Q&A call on Zoom.
After
Once you finish your books, you can submit photographs to be included in our wrap-up movie.
2025-02-08
We will get together for a fun, live sharing session of our projects on Zoom and send out the wrap-up movie.
2025-07-31
You'll have online access to the downloadable video and Zoom recordings for 6 months.
If you have any questions, check out the FAQ at the bottom of the page.
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
Tool & Supply List
Here's everything you'll need for the Valentine Palooza class.
PAPER COVER
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- 140lb (250300gsm) watercolor paper, a printmaking paper, such as Rives BFK or a handmade paper measuring 6.25” high (approx. 16cm) x 18” wide (approx. 46cm)
- Paper should be grained short ie grain parallel to the spine
- For a paper cover you need a spine stiffener:
- Material can be Kraft-tex, heavy paper or leather etc
- 6.25” (approx. 16cm) high and 1.5” (4cm) wide
OTHER COVER OPTIONS
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- These other cover options are narrower because we won’t fold over the edges and the spine stiffener is optional. They measure 6.25” (approx. 16cm) high x 10” (25.5cm) wide. Some choices are:
- Leather, faux leather or suede. Stiffen backside with fabric and a stabilizer if it’s thin.
- Cork fabric. Make sure the cork has a fabric backing.
- Kraft-tex. Washed or unwashed. If using unwashed, ensure grain is parallel to the spine..
- Gessoed and/or decorated canvas or duck cotton.
- Heavy duty fabric, such as denim or upholstery fabric.
- These other cover options are narrower because we won’t fold over the edges and the spine stiffener is optional. They measure 6.25” (approx. 16cm) high x 10” (25.5cm) wide. Some choices are:
SIGNATURES
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- 7 or 11 signatures measuring 6” tall x 4” (15.25cm x 10cm) wide when folded and trimmed. Tips for trimming are included in the class.
- Use a paper of your choice, one you like to work with. I use 8 pieces of 80lb (216gsm) Mohawk superfine paper for each signature.
THREAD
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- 3 or 4ply waxed linen thread in one or multiple colors, or embroidery floss, or #5 pearl cotton and beeswax.
OTHER
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- Cardstock, cereal box or file folder scraps for punching templates
- Pieces of fun foam or scrap cardboard to protect work surface
- Washi or scotch tape
- Double stick tape or glue stick
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- Awl
- Bone folder
- Ruler
- Square or quilting ruler
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Scissors
- Sharp craft knife
- Needle (big enough to fit your thread)
- Punching cradle or large book
- Cutting mat
Check Out These
Beautiful Valentine Palooza Projects
Yours could be next!
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.
FAQ
Got Questions?
I LOVED the course and was very impressed with Ali’s clear and careful instructions, and with the very reasonable price.
I hope to take more courses in the future. It was my first online class experience, and it was an excellent one!
Louise D. | Coptic Gratitude Challenge
January 30th - february 2nd
Join us for Valentine Palooza!
6 months access to Instructional Videos
Daily Live Zoom Calls
Exclusive Facebook Community
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