Getting started:

First, I recommend a hands-on class. I took my first two book binding classes through University of Wisconsin-Extension. Those classes introduced me to basic techniques, and that was sufficient for a while. The classes also helped me understand the minimum set of tools I needed to get started, and how to improvise without spending a lot of money on expensive, specialized equipment. In Making a Casebound Book and Making a Clamshell Box, I describe the tools I've collected to do this work.

An easy drive from Madison, Whispering Woodlands offers "A Retreat to Nature for the Creative Mind." The studio opened in 2008, and is the dream-come-true of artist and owner Jackie Hefty. A picture is worth a thousand words, so check out the website to get a flavor of what you will experience there. In addition to an impressive range of regularly scheduled workshops, Whispering Woodlands offers the opportunity for individual studio time for those who seek a quiet place to work, reflect and rejuvenate. The studio space is well equipped, the atmosphere is supportive, and the setting is calm and serene. The latest additions to the studio include a letterpress and space and equipment for paper-making. Check out the web site for a class for yourself. Or if you don't want to take a class, it would be a great gift to support or boost the creativity of a good friend. And if you're a friend or relative of mine, well . . . . just a thought ;)

Also driving distance from Madison, Valley Ridge Studio is on a beautiful piece of farm land near Muscoda (in case you want to blend in, that’s pronounced Musk-a-day). Artist Kathy Malkasian has her own studio there, and offers a variety of classes throughout the year. Classes are offered on writing, book and paper arts, and mixed media, and include both one-day workshops and weekend retreats. Classes are well organized, challenging, and fun.

Whether books or boxes, once you take a class I recommend that you immediately practice, and practice, and practice some more.

Using kits to learn

Well designed kits can be a helpful and relatively safe way to learn. The kits generally contain most of what you need to complete a project, along with detailed instructions. A few good sources are:

• Hollanders in Ann Arbor, Michigan sells a variety of kits, including several on my web site. I learned to make boxes and photo albums from their kits and accompanying instruction booklets. Both in the store and on the web, Hollanders is a very customer-friendly place to deal with.
• Paper Source has stores in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Missouri, and also has kits on-line.
• Barnes and Noble sells "Creating Beautiful Boxes," a box-making kit developed by Benjamin Rinehart of the Lawrence University Department of Art and Art History. The kit offers materials and instructions for making five different boxes. Ben has also authored a book, "Creating Books and Boxes: Fun and Unique Approaches to Handmade Structures" (available through Barnes & Noble and Amazon, among others). In addition to being a beautiful book in itself, the book gives specific instruction in making the books and boxes, and offers formulas that can be used to design and create your own.

Supplies and equipment:

If you are fortunate to live in a community that has a good source of art supplies, I urge you to support your local businesses. Especially if you are new at this, nothing substitutes for getting your hands directly on the materials before you purchase them.

Another word of advice: Because of the fragile nature of the materials, most vendors have a non-return policy for book cloth and decorative paper. If you order these items on line, you can spare yourself some expensive mistakes by ordering sample books. I continually refer to my sample books when trying to order a matching book cloth for cover papers.

There are hundreds of sources on the web. These are sites that I have personally used, and so can recommend them.

Phoenix Art Supply in Columbia, South Carolina is a new find for me. If you have the idea that ordering over the internet is a scary and impersonal business, this one will change your mind. They have a good selection of imported papers and art supplies at reasonable prices. They pride themselves on customer service and live up to that goal. Service is fast, friendly, and personalized. If you’re not sure what you need, e-mail them at info@phoenixartsupply.com and they’ll help you.

Talas is a gold mine. The company's primary audience is professional conservators and bookbinders, but it has much to offer the amateur as well. Talas offers a wide range of book cloth, decorative paper, and supplies for book binding. They also have sample books for all of their paper and book cloth.

Colophon Book Arts Supply: A major focus for Colophon is on marbling, but they also sell book binding supplies. Their on-line catalog is primarily text so you have to know what you're looking for without depending on visuals. They take great pride in their customer service. If you call, you will always get someone on the other end of the phone who can answer your questions and make suggestions.

Hollanders: An easy-to-use web site. I've ordered book cloth, kits, and materials on-line, and have never been disappointed. They offer sample books of their book cloth. They get high marks for customer service both in the store (Ann Arbor, Michigan) and on line. One of my favorite Christmas gifts was a trip to Hollanders, where I took a class and gaped in wonder at their incredible selection of paper, book cloth, and equipment.