Bookbinding Unbound: Writing the Story of CoptiCore
Hi, my name's Mae! I started CoptiCore in 2020 as a way to make money during the pandemic while keeping my family safe from the virus. After very little success, I put my shop aside and didn't touch it again until 2022-ish.
I needed a purpose and wanted to build a career while I was unable to find a "regular job". I learned bookbinding in college and, ironically, failed the class. But I fell in love with it regardless, so I spent a decent chunk of time exploring new bookbinding techniques and getting better at it, until eventually I decided that I was going to make something really unconventional.
I was going to make a coffin shaped notebook.
I wasn't entirely sure it was possible, but I gave it a shot. And it worked. And honestly, people loved them! It was unconventional and unique, a lot like me.
My notebooks gained popularity fast...and that scared me. So unfortunately, fearing failure and success simultaneously, I flopped. My shop stayed small for a long time, until I finally decided I was done hiding myself in fear.
Now I'm working to build my business back up from the ground up, and I'm taking my business with me. I'm learning witchcraft, pagan and wiccan practices and exploring new art techniques as I go.
I aspire to create things that resonate with people, and help them connect to themselves, because I've been through a lot, and I understand what it's like to completely lose yourself or look for things that feel like comfort to you. Hopefully you find that here, but even if you don't, thanks for stopping by! Take care of yourselves and others, and remember that you matter so much to this world, even on the days it doesn't feel like it. <3
