Dear Everyone ~
This past Friday, I had the extreme pleasure of a visit with Raquel, a dear friend and bookbinding pal from Brazil. We had first met back in 2018. She was visiting Chicago and introduced herself to me via Instagram. Once she knew what her itinerary was, she sent word to see if she could schedule a private workshop to learn the limp-vellum binding. She could, she did, and you can read about that serendipity here.
During that visit, we had managed to muse about all things paper & bookbinding. Raquel had brought to show me a book that she had made especially for her trip. It was a Long-stitch-link-stitch book with hand-folded envelopes. I was familiar with all the individual elements but I had not yet combined the three—binding style, signatures, and stitched-in envelopes—into one delightfully useful ephemera book à la travel diary. Raquel’s visit was inspiring to say the least, and we’ve stayed in touch ever since.
The timing of her visit last week was awesomely auspicious, as I was in the throes of assembling the kits for my upcoming workshop via Zoom: Long-stitch-link-stitch with Hand-folded Envelopes! Whilst I was trimming paper-backed bookcloth, winding thread & organizing the combinations of materials for each kit, Raquel reminded me of a moment during her original visit. When she first showed me her L-s-l-s book, I said to her, “That’s a very happy book!” My heart smiled from ear to ear when she reminded me of that!
This visit, Raquel brought me something else she had made: a double chocolate cake—from a Brazilian recipe, made with American ingredients. Double happiness is imminent!
Long-stitch-link-stitch with Hand-folded Envelopes, a two-part workshop via Zoom—debuts in a little less than three weeks, on Saturday, March 18. Students will make one L-s-l-s book in the workshop, and a second book on their own, with the live recording to keep them company. Both books measure 5½ x 7½ x 1¼ with 12 pages (24 serendipitous sides) and a pair of bound-in hand-folded envelopes with string-and-button closure. You can read more about the workshop, the book structure, and the kit of materials here. And if you’re contemplating joining us, it’s not too late! I will be delighted to ship your kit post haste!
As always, I will live record both workshop sessions, and these will be available to you later the same afternoon to watch and rewatch at your leisure. No previous bookbinding experience is necessary; a bit of glueing experience is a plus. You will have ample time during each step to ask questions while we work. If you have any questions now, please feel free to call or e me to discuss!
I’m looking forward to hand-folding envelopes, glueing & stitching with you in this 8-ish hour two-part workshop!
Long-stitch-link-stitch with Hand-folded Envelopes
Zoom zoom, Bari