Bookbinding Is My True Calling And Here Are The Best 35 Handmade Books I Created

My true calling? Bookbinding. I’ve been self-taught since 2009, driven by the belief that anything can become a book and anyone can make one. The journey hasn’t been easy—I still wrestle with imposter syndrome because I never formally learned bookbinding. But I’m slowly learning to overcome my self-esteem issues and trust in the skills I’ve honed over the years.

When it comes to my work, I have a deep love for ancient, traditional techniques. I’m fascinated by Coptic binding, one of the oldest known methods of codex binding, which involves intricate stitching that leaves the spine exposed, revealing the beautiful craftsmanship behind the book’s structure. Japanese binding, with its elegant simplicity, and the French stitch, known for its strength and decorative potential, are other favorites of mine. But I don’t limit myself to just the old ways. I also explore more modern binding techniques, always eager to experiment and push the boundaries of what a book can be.

I make my own handmade paper, recycling all sorts of used paper and adding vegetal fibers such as flowers and herbs from my own garden, as well as tea leaves from my daily tea. This gives the paper a unique character and a personal touch. Additionally, I mostly use vintage, antique, used, salvaged, and repurposed fabrics in my work, with a particular love for textile art from the Orient. For me, bookbinding is a harmonious blend of the old and the new, where history meets innovation, and every piece tells a story.

Working with natural materials like paper, cotton, wool, linen, and silk brings me a deep sense of peace.

The process of making handmade paper and binding it into a book is more than just a craft to me—it’s a way to channel my creativity, manage my mental health, find beauty in the everyday and honor craftsmanship.

Sharing this art with others is just as important to me as creating it. I sell the books I make in my online shop and offer workshops in my studio for all ages and skill levels, because I believe that bookbinding is an art everyone can learn and enjoy. It’s not something to be hidden away or reserved for experts—it’s a way for anyone to find solace and satisfaction in creating something with their hands.

Art, for me, isn’t just about making something beautiful—it’s about healing, making a statement, and contributing to something bigger. I’m deeply committed to social justice, equality, feminism, and popular education. I see art as a common good, a tool for social transformation, and a way to bring people together.

Here is a collection of my favorite books I made—I hope you will enjoy discovering them as much as I enjoyed crafting them. If you like my craft, consider joining me on Instagram, visiting my shop, or sharing my work on your social media. More visibility could really help me, as I struggle to sell my books online and run my small business.