We all want a notebook that is noteworthy! In this class, you’ll get an introduction to the craft of bookbinding while you make a hand-stitched notebook with a modern embroidered cover. You'll learn how to design the perfect mini-journal or notepad for you. Do you need graph paper to keep track of details? Drawing paper for sketching? Lined paper for lists? Recycled paper? We'll talk about how to incorporate any or all of those materials into your design.

For the covers, try a taste of embroidery on paper to add a modern decorative element. Learn two different stitches - woven cross stitch and sorbello stitch - to create a bold graphic design. You'll use the same tools and materials to then stitch the binding, attaching the cover and pages to make a ledger-style booklet. Embroidery on paper is a fun and modern twist on traditional stitches.

In class, you’ll use traditional bookbinding tools, but I'll also demonstrate DIY alternatives that you might find in your kitchen junk drawer, so you won’t need to invest in a lot of specialty equipment and can get started right away with things you have.

In this class you’ll learn:

hand embroidery skills
basic bookbinding vocabulary & tools
tips for designing a custom notebook
tearing down paper with deckle-style edges
steps to make a ledger-style book

What Materials You'll Need:

an assortment of light and medium-weight papers (like those for scrapbooking or drawing, graph paper, construction paper, kraft paper, or recycled paper)
12-inch metal ruler, bone folder, and awl or everyday DIY alternatives (ie popsicle stick, push pin)
perle cotton thread (size #8 or #5)
sewing needle, scissors
optional: beads, raffia, novelty threads, or ribbon

Angela Ruslander

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