This blog post has provided me with an opportunity to talk about two things I love: Our wonderful bindery department (yep, heard me right!) and the joy of learning to make handmade books. When I first came to Paper Source 7 1/2 years ago, our founder, Sue Lindstrom wanted to create our very own in-house bindery. She was interested then, as we are now, in creating hand-crafted products that speak to the core values of our company: use quality materials; pay close attention to the details; and above all, do it better than anyone else! All these years later, I am proud to say we are still making exquisite handmade products in our bindery at our headquarters here in Chicago.
Here are a few shots from our Paper Source bindery showing the items that eventually become the lovely photo albums, journals and guest books that you see in the stores and on our website. Some are covered in our Paper Source prints, some in our imported fine papers. And I couldn’t resist a photo of our imported German paste brushes that are so well-used, well-loved and last forever!
Now, if you’ve always wanted to learn to make books from scratch, then this blog post will satisfy that requirement too! Coming from someone who truly loves to make things with her hands (top of list are books), this next piece of information will make you very happy… this year we made sure to include on our New Year’s list of classes, a “how to craft an album or book by hand.” So, for all of you bookbinder wanna-be’s, this Saturday, January 30 ALL stores will be hosting a Fabulous Handmade Album workshop. We’ll teach you the in’s and out’s of making a 6″ x 8″ album by hand. You’ll not only leave with a finished album (plus get to be the envy of your friends), you’ll get to start the year off with a checkmark next to this one! Sign up while seats are still available.
Cheers & happy gluing!
–Linda
PS colors: chartreuse & pool
Latest fave: 2010 Paper Source Letterpress Calendar
So dissapointed I didn’t see this earlier! Not that I would have been able to attend, since I live in Cincinnati ……
do you have any video tutorials on book binding (specifically how to make a photo album?)? I would GLADLY order materials!
Elizabeth, we do have a video featuring our lovely founder Sue demonstrating how to make a date book. You can use the same technique with a photo album text block. Enjoy!
How to Video
Hi Elizabeth,
Your wait is over!!
After many similar requests, we have heard your plea for creating just such book binding instructions! Hence, you’ll be thrilled to learn that after several weeks: including photography, writing, rewriting, along with some great final edits, we will in short order have finished the long awaited step by step instructions.
And, for all those who hate to read, we have great images to guide you along on making the 6×8 album (other sizes soon to follow). Beginning in about 1 weeks time, we will have these printed and packaged with any purchase of our Italian insert albums – for customers both online and in-stores. And yes, its true Sue is very fun to watch making the datebook (I was there for the filming); we understand too that you might find the new instructions just what the book binder in you needed!
I’ll be looking for your feedback.
Cheers and happy gluing!
Linda
thank you so much!
What a terrific idea-have used these booklets before-I love your company!
Hiya – I’d love to see your step by step instructions. But I’m in Australia. Is there any way I can buy it or have it emailed to me. It’s so rediculously hard to find good binding tutorials.
Cheers
Paper Lover from accross the pond.
I was signed up for this class in the fall, but was unable to see it. I contacted the women who runs classes. I was told I could reschedule it at no cost, but couldn’t do so because of family illness.
Would be able to participate next Saturday. I’m very excited to
Learn so that I can make my own books for art journaling.
Bonnie Mercure
bedtimeyet@gmail.com
Is there a list of supplies shown in the description?
Please contact customerservice@papersource.com and we would be happy to assist in getting you signed up for a new class as well as providing a recommended supply list.
Will you be offered mg the book binding class again? I had signed up for it last fall and couldnt get the n with Zoom. I was told if I didn’t take the class The video could be sent to me. I would love that option.