Some time in 2007, I became obsessed with handmade books. Exposed spine coptic bound books, to be precise. I saw a photo of one online and became absolutely driven to learn how to make them.

I had to make books.

Had. To.

I bought half a dozen instructional manuals to try to teach myself, but as a kinetic learner, I just couldn't get the process from a flat page. (Have you ever looked at knitting instructions? Stitching instructions for books are very similar. Yeah. Not happening.)

I finally gave up on teaching myself and searched the internet to look for a class somewhere close to me. I stumbled upon a place I'd never heard of: John C. Campbell Folk School.

They had me at hello.

It was a lot of money to spend on something that seemed a little frivolous in light of other pressing demands of the day. But in May 2007, I spent a week at the Folk School learning how to make books. Little did I know what a life changing week that would be.

I got home, bought basic bookbinding supplies and immediately set up a shop in my home office. I had no plans whatsoever, even then, to make a business out of bookbinding. I just had to make books. I couldn't stop.

By the end of the summer, the books were really starting to pile up. Like, literally. Around that same time, I heard about a little website called Etsy. I decided to give it a try.

Years later, the office is now the studio, and I work at making books full time. I'm still obsessed.

I have to make books.

Have. To.

In 2015, I came full circle and taught a week long class in bookbinding at the Folk School myself. I turned out five new bookbinders that I think are a little obsessed themselves now. It's contagious. After great reviews, I was invited back in 2016. You can read about it at my shop website.

If you got this far, thanks for listening. Buy handmade.