Join Bookbinding 101
 A FREE 4-Day Workshop for Beginners Who Want to Start Making Beautiful Handmade Books With Confidence
Join us for a fun, beginner-friendly introduction to bookbinding using the PACS method:
 Paper • Adhesive • Covers • Stitches
Learn step-by-step, ask questions live, and walk away with a finished book you’ll be proud of.Â
What is Bookbinding 101?
 Bookbinding 101 is a free, live online workshop designed to take the mystery out of bookmaking and help you confidently create your first handmade book—no experience (or fancy tools!) required.
Over four live sessions, you’ll follow a simple roadmap—PACS: Paper, Adhesive, Covers, Stitches—and discover how easy and rewarding bookbinding can be.
You’ll leave Bookbinding 101 with at least one finished single-signature book… and a brand new creative spark.
JOIN NOW
Tools & Supplies
This event is designed for beginners using simple supplies you likely already have at home. There’s no need to rush out and buy specialty tools or expensive materials.
Here’s what you might use during the week:
- Copy paper, sketch or drawing paper, even upcycled paper for your pages
- Decorative paper, such as scrapbook, handmade, wrapping paper or even magazine pages, for your cover
- A craft knife, a ruler and pencil
- A sewing needle and embroidery floss - beeswax is a bonus
- Something to poke holes—like an awl or large needle
- A bone folder or old credit/hotel key card
We recommend you watch the first class before buying anything—you’ll see exactly how each tool is used, and chances are, you already have a perfect substitute in your stash!
We believe creativity isn’t about having the “perfect” supplies. It’s about showing up, exploring, and making something that matters—with what you have on hand.
This is For You If...
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You’ve been curious about bookbinding but didn’t know where to start.Â
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You'll Leave With...
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A finished handmade book -- and the confidence to continue making them.
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A clear understanding of paper, adhesives, covers, and stitching.
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Answers to all of your bookbinding questions.
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A taste of what it's like to create in a supportive community.
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Suggestions on how you can expand your new bookmaking skills. Â
Hi, I'm Ali Manning.
I started my book journey over 20 years ago, making simple accordion books for my daughter. What began as a creative outlet quickly grew into a deep love for the ancient craft of bookbinding.
The road to learning this art wasn’t easy—information was scattered, instructions were often confusing, and the whole world of bookbinding felt a little too serious. That’s why I created Bookbinding 101: a fun, accessible starting point for anyone who wants to dive in without feeling overwhelmed.
My mission is to make bookbinding approachable and joyful. Bookbinding 101 brings together everything you need to get started in one clear, confidence-building place—so you can skip the struggle and jump straight into making beautiful, handmade books.
See you there!