Making your own book from start to finish is empowering. Using your hands to fold and sew something that is usually mass-produced is calming and therapeutic in the digital age. Crafting your own blank books allows for personalization and gives you a sense of connection to the finished product. A handmade notebook is the perfect companion for your thoughts. Blank books take on a life of their own, collecting memories and ideas. When you give a book you have created, you invite others to explore and express their own creativity.
In this playful and informative class, you will learn the "anatomy" of a book and how to use basic book binding tools. In the first part of the class, you will complete all the steps to create a unique notebook: make a text block (book pages), cut and decorate a cover, and use a pamphlet stitch to bind the cover to the text block. In the second part of the class, you will build on your skills to create another notebook with a second text block, tuck spots and a more complex binding. Leave class with the skills necessary to make similar books on your own, as well as a solid foundation to learn to make and bind other types of books. This course is perfect for the handmade book curious, as well as the mixed media artist looking for a fun, new project.

Lisa MacKenzie's career was in IT and project management where she conducted many trainings. A lifelong crafter and artist, she enjoys combining mixed media with book binding. She has sold handmade books, as well as watercolor paintings and mixed media art. Lisa is eager to share her knowledge and joy with others.

There will be an hour break for lunch at noon. Bring a sack lunch or pop out to a local restaurant.