Book creation

Maybe you have some artwork you want bound; a special album for your wedding photographs; a unique journal in which you can write about your travel adventures; or maybe you would like to have specially bound a few copies of the family history you have been working on to give to each of your children.

Come and talk to me about your special project.

I create original journals and albums. Each one combines visual beauty and practicality. And because of my design background, I am happy to work with modern or traditional designs, taking inspiration from Western or Eastern cultures.

Restoration and repair

It’s a precious thing to have a book that has been handed down through the generations. But they often suffer a bit of wear and tear. I love to work on old books and always try to bring them back to good condition using materials and techniques as close as possible to the original.

Perhaps you have a book or journal that you hold precious but needs a bit of love and attention – a family Bible, your grandmother’s recipe book, a much-loved children’s book.

You might be a collector of rare books, or just have one special volume – please come and talk to me about what can be done to restore these precious books for future generations.

Bring your book to me for a free examination and quote.

Or if you don’t live in Christchurch, you can email me photographs of your book. If you contact me beforehand, I can advise you about what details would give me the best idea of the work that needs to be done.

Paper art

I also make boxes, slip cases, and folders, greetings cards and paper jewellery.

These are all unique – one-off designs, using special materials, such as hand-made paper, vintage kimono silks, beautiful linens, traditional book cloth and leathers.

If you want something different for yourself or as a gift, I may have the right thing for you. Or we can discuss what you’re looking for and I will make it.

Teaching

I love to be able to share my passion for bookbinding. I offer both day and evening classes in the basic skills at my studio. Look in my NEWS section on the home page for the dates and times.

I have run bookbinding courses at institutions such as Hagley College and Christchurch Polytechnic, and have often been invited to run workshops in other parts of the country, for example during festivals such as Handmade in Wellington and Otago Embroidery Guild autumn workshop in Wanaka.

Bookbinding could open up a whole new world of creativity for you to explore. I know I can go on learning throughout my lifetime, and I always take the opportunity if I know a specialist tutor is visiting New Zealand and offering workshops. I am always happy to pass this advanced knowledge onto my students.