How I started?
Many years ago; probably about 10 years ago shortly before I had my children. I went to a Library class on bookbinding.(This is why libraries are awesome btw).
The class focused on coptic stitch bookbinding which honestly is probably the best one to learn first because it requires less equipment.
We used basic copy paper and some color sheets from Michaels and quickly made work on making our first book.
I knew I wanted to get into bookmaking but I ran into a bit of a snag... and because of this didn't really get into it. The snag was.. "linen thread" I couldn't always find it locally and for whatever reason I didn't order it online at the time so my thoughts of bookbinding quickly faded away.
Spiral Notebook Making
Well, if you have been following many of you know that I create spiral notebooks. I purchased a The Cinch on eBay a few years back and learned how to make spiral notebooks. They are quick and easy to make and they are pretty sturdy. I have spent a lot of time researching the best paper, materials, etc. Initial investment it is not too high less than 200.00 but printing out the paper can be expensive. There are definitely ways to get around that though. I have really limited myself to just mini notebooks or 5x7 notebooks for spiral notebooks but recently, I have come across some instagram reels that show some other things I can do with The Cinch and spiral notebooks that I'm very interested in trying so be on the look out for some new items.
Finally Bookbinding
I must admit, I was a bit hesitant to get into bookbinding. I actually thought it was too challenging because of the stitching, the gluing, getting the case cover on correctly. I watched many videos before I dived in several times over and over until finally I was like.. "Let's do this... like is it really that hard??"
It's not that hard. It is challenging and you don't get it perfect the first, second or even third time but that is honestly the beauty of crafting and it is has been a nice new creative challenging for me. Here is one of my videos and feel free to follow me at AppleFallsPrints for more!
Since, I have tried the case bookbinding, I have ventured into some others such as various stitching; creating a pocket notebook out of fabric and some other styles that I haven't pictured yet.
I'm hoping to have some available by the Summer because as you can imagine, they become very addictive to make.