Portable Muse - Coptic Bound Sketchbooks

In this workshop we will make a blank sketchbook using the coptic binding stitch – an ancient technique used to attach folded parchment or paper to rigid covers with a chain stitch across the spine. Once you learn the stitch it’s straightforward to bind, and opens flat for easy access to the full page.

We will use a sketchpad as the source for the paper and boards, turning it into a bound journal with a decorated paper cover. The result is a custom 6 x 9 drawing or watercolor book that you can take anywhere as your portable muse. If time permits, you can make more than one book, and there will be various decorated papers to choose from for the cover to make it your own.

All materials provided. Basic knowledge of paper folding and cutting and simple sewing techniques highly recommended. It’d be ideal if you have hand-sewn a book, or embroider, knit and/or crochet.

The studio is located in mid-town Kingston, NY, in a Victorian storefront building. Plenty of street parking, and ice cream across the street!

Host or Publisher Zephyrine Press