“Eyes that look are common, but eyes that see are rare.” (J. Oswald Sanders)
You know the moment. Something small stops you: a leaf catching the light, a sound in the woods, a photo you couldn’t help taking. For a second, it feels like a little bit of magic. Then the day moves on, and it slips away.
In this journal-making workshop in Bellingham, you’ll make a one-of-a-kind handmade journal to hold moments like these, using a natural twig as the spine, beautiful specialty papers, and simple hand-binding.
This isn’t a diary. It’s a book of attention, one that helps you look more closely now and reminds you later of what mattered.
Inside, you might write a few words about a special moment, tuck in a photo, press a leaf, or save a ticket stub or a love note from someone who cares about you.
There’s only so much room in your journal, which is the point. Only what truly stands out makes it in. It’s a gift you give yourself.
What We’ll Do
Create a journal with character.
Choose from colorful hand-painted papers, fabrics, decorative scrapbook papers, or watercolor paper to make your own front and back covers.
Choose your pages.
Your journal has three signatures (sections), each wrapped in fine mulberry paper. Fill them with quality writing paper, special papers, and found materials to make a journal that’s uniquely yours.
Add your own creative touches.
Experiment with watercolors, stamping, ink sprays, pressed botanicals, vintage maps, music sheets, and collage materials. Choose how much or how little you want to embellish your journal, and leave space for what you’ll notice.
Bind your own book.
Learn how to assemble and bind your pages using a natural twig as the spine, an unusual and wonderfully organic approach to handmade journals.
No previous bookbinding experience is necessary. All materials are provided, and you’ll receive step-by-step guidance throughout.
