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This morning I'm packing up Wabi Sabi #Sketchbook orders and at least one is for a wedding #anniversary, which gives me all the lovely feels. Paper is traditional for a 1st anniversary, and the small size is a good option as it's very budget friendly. boundbyhand.co.uk/products/wab...

Small cotton rag Wabi Sabi Sketchbook stands with its open, deckle edge pages facing the viewer. In front of it sits a lit candle in a brown amber jar, and to the left is a piece of folded linen with dried avocado pits sitting on top of it. In the foreground is a trio of exposed spine paperback books in 'harvest' tones of yellow, buff, and off-white. All sit on a warm natural wood surface, and behind them is a green wood panelled wall.

Close up of a bookbinder's hands tying a linen ribbon which is incorporated into the spine of an exposed spine cotton rag sketchbook, its spine faces the viewer. The bookbinder is wearing a mustard linen apron, and her wooden chair can just be seen in the background.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 23h

Japanese, lay-flat or folded? Here's the latest newsletter from the #bookbinding studio: us6.campaign-archive.com?u=9b6e7e0251...

A trio of Japanese stab stitch cotton rag sketchbooks like on a white wood-grained surface, with bookbinding tools (awl, punch and bonefolders) to their left, above which sit three spools of linen thread in navy, turquoise and light blue.

Artist ties linen ribbon of a lay-flat 'wabi sabi' style cotton rag sketchbook with exposed spine binding that faces the camera. She is wearing a mustard yellow linen apron and a wooden chair can just be seen in the background.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 08/10/2026

Having just posted an exquisitely glossy Red Leather Journal off to a lovely customer in the USA, I'm in the mood to celebrate all things red! ❤️ More images here: boundbyhand.co.uk/products/lea...

Red Leather Journal rests on white surface, angled to show the exposed spine Longstitch with Linkstitch binding in Tan linen thread

Artist holds corner of handmade cotton rag sketchbook with red velvet ribbon tied in a bow around its centre. The sketchbook rests on a natural wood surface.

A Miniature Journal in red leather with a white strap around its centre sits on a warm, natural wood surface. Beneath it sits a slightly smaller printed book, titled 'Mini Journal Prompts for Mindfulness & Creativity'. To their right sits in a Christmas present wrapped in brown paper with red and white baker's twine and a hand stamped gift tag.

Bookbinder holds a red leather miniature journal with white leather thong wrapped around its centre. Above it stands a concertina folded printed book, it's pages extended although the text cannot be read at this angle. The printed book's belly band sits to the right of the miniature leather journal; it reads 'Unfold Me'.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 05/10/2026

On the bookbinding bench today - #Japanese #Sketchbooks with gorgeously tactile cotton rag paper for wet & dry media. More images & info: boundbyhand.co.uk/products/jap...

Artist holds open a Japanese book of colour combinations that sits atop two handmade cotton rag stab stitch sketchbooks in the Hemp Leaf style. Above is an open watercolour palette, to the right sits a trio of concertina paperback art journal sin natural tones.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 02/10/2026

Had the loveliest review of my handmade cotton rag Wabi Sabi #Sketchbook this week! 🙏 My customers are the best!

A five star customer review in black text appears on a orange background. Above it is a picture of the handmade cotton rag wabi sabi sketchbook the customer bought.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 01/10/2026

My Directory of #Bookbinding Suppliers has over 30 sources of everything you need to make beautiful handmade books. It's the inside scoop based on my 18 years experience as a #bookbinder, a reliable resource you'll turn to again and again. boundbyhand.co.uk/products/dir...

Blurred composite of 9 page digital pdf of sources of bookbinding supplies, with the title and website address given in white text in an ochre box in the centre.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 14/08/2026

Received a huuuuuuge piece of yellow leather this week, so I'll be focussing on making plenty of these Watercolour Sketchbooks so I can pay the tannery bill! Fortunately, Mustard & Olive is my most popular colourway amongst artists. ☀️🫒🎨 Order online, from £99: boundbyhand.co.uk/products/lea...

Artist holds corner of leather sketchbook bound in mustard yellow leather. It has exposed spine stitching in Olive linen thread. It's A6 small landscape, and underneath is a large A5 medium.

Bookbinder Susan Green holds one of her handmade leather watercolour sketchbooks; her studio with wood press and sewing frame are in the background.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 21/07/2026

Just received the loveliest review for my Beginner's Guide to #Bookbinding Supplies. Helping makers avoid overwhelm and overspending was my goal! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This guide has helped me spend less money than a kit would have cost!" - Charlie M. Thank you, Charlie!🙏 boundbyhand.co.uk/products/a-b...

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 17/07/2026

This Duck Egg & Coral #watercolour #sketchbook is now back in stock. I made it at A6 size with 300gsm cold-pressed paper. boundbyhand.co.uk/collections/...

Hand holds fob of small landscape watercolour sketchbook bound in pastel duck egg leather with Coral exposed spine stitching. It rests on a mottled grey surface.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 14/07/2026

Happy days, I've just restocked this Miniature Journal. boundbyhand.co.uk/products/min...

Hand holds the corner of an A6 portrait journal bound in duck egg leather with a natural woven linen ribbon wrapped around its centre to close. Next to it sit a silver fountain pen, and a Mini Journal in the same colours and materials as the larger book.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 25/06/2026

Delighted to feature in MADE In Her Studio's summer edition! Find me on page 90 in 'The Business Side' where I'm sharing advice on: - How to reach new customers - How to stay organised and on top of admin tasks - The first 3 steps to take if you want to advance to professional level.

Front cover of MADE In Her Studio magazine, summer edition, held in the bottom left corner, against warm wood background.

Double page spread of 'The Business Side: A Q&A with Susan Green', in MADE In Her Studio magazine, lying open against warm wood background.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 15/06/2026

Here's a new Watercolour Sketchbook, this time in everyone's favourite colourway: Duck Egg & Coral 🪺🪸 Like all my handmade books, it's bound with exposed spine stitching that allows the pages to lay flat for easy use. Details: boundbyhand.co.uk/collections/...

Artist holds fob of watercolour sketchbook bound in Duck Egg leather with Coral stitching.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 03/06/2026

Super pleased to see my Maroon & Magenta Leather Journal included in this line up of 'The most beautiful notebooks to buy now' in @thetimes.com www.thetimes.com/life-style/l...

Cover of the Times article on 'the most beautiful notebooks to buy now' featuring a black and white photo of a 1960s woman writing in her notebook.

Screenshot of a Maroon Leather Journal featured in the Times article on 'the most beautiful notebooks to buy now'.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 29/05/2026

In the bookbinding studio today, making a leather Memory Book in Navy for a client whose family member has just bought an historical property in NY. Also working on #Watercolour #Sketchbooks like this beauty in Mustard Yellow. boundbyhand.co.uk/products/lea...

Two mustard yellow leather books with details stitched in olive linen thread sit on top of one another; the larger A5 size is below, the smaller A6 size is on top, held at an angle by bookbinder's hand, which is just visible in the bottom left corner.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 26/05/2026

Remembered to photograph a WIP last week. I was binding a #sketchbook with nifty pockets that I make by folding and tearing the sheet before folding it into a folio, then sewing on my Janome, and finally hand sewing with other signatures

Handmade Art Journal bound with cotton rag paper and pockets stands on bookbinder's sewing frame; inside the right hand page is a postcard patchwork textile work in progress, and in the left pocket is a postcard. The bookbinder's studio, tools and equipment can be seen in the background.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 29/04/2026

Delighted to supply a leather #journal as a presentation gift for historical novelist Philippa Gregory, given by @burylitfest.bsky.social last autumn. Philippa's latest book, Boleyn Traitor, is shortlisted for Fiction Book of the Year by the British Book Awards. #Nibbies

Historical novelist Philippa Gregory, who wears a bright yellow jacket, receives gift at Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival

Novelist Philippa Gregory, wearing a bright yellow jacket, expresses delight on opening a presentation gift of a large leather handmade journal.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 20/04/2026

Hello, sunshine! New #Sketchbook with velvet ribbon for Spring. 🌞 I bound it with 210gsm handmade paper that's sized, so it takes wet media like watercolour & gouache beautifully. 🎨 Has great tooth & texture so perfect for dry work like charcoal & pencil, too. boundbyhand.co.uk/products/vel...

Bookbinder holds open pages of cotton rag sketchbook bound with handmade paper. It sits amongst art materials including watercolours pencils and gouache paints.

A small, cotton rag sketchbook bound with handmade paper and yellow velvet ribbon sits amongst art materials including watercolours pencils and gouache paints.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 14/04/2026

If you're getting into #bookbinding, these digital resources will save research time, boost your confidence, and hopefully save you a little angst and money, too. 💡 Directory of Bookbinding Suppliers (UK based) 💡 Beginner's Guide to Tools, Equipment & Materials boundbyhand.co.uk/collections/...

Cover image of A Directory of Bookbinding Tools, Equipment and Materials Suppliers, a digital download by Susan Green

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 13/04/2026

In the #bookbinding studio making another #Japanese 'Stab Stich' #Sketchbook. The Kangxi (Noble) binding (top, L image) is step up from the 4-hole, and a step towards the Asa-no-ha-toji (Hemp-Leaf) (R image). Buy: boundbyhand.co.uk/products/jap... Learn: boundbyhand.co.uk/blogs/news/m...

Bookbinder holds a handmade cotton rag sketchbook bound in the Kangxi or Noble Japanese Stab Stitch binding in Turquoise linen thread. A Simple 4-hole style the same size sits underneath it, stitched in blue thread.

Two large A4 size asa-no-ha-toji or 'Hemp Leaf' Japanese Stab Stitch books bound with handmade cotton rag paper with Teal and Olive linen thread sit next to a watercolour pan, some neutral coloured paperback sketchbooks and a book of colour combinations.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 11/04/2026

Happy weekend! I'm in the #bookbinding studio catching up on orders before heading out into the countryside. Here's a new #sketchbook for artists who love cotton rag paper and the warm tactility of velvet. boundbyhand.co.uk/products/vel...

A small sketchbook bound with handmade cotton rag paper and a brown velvet ribbon tied in a bow sits on a mottled grey surface next to patchwork textiles and thread, art pencils, washi tape and a botanical postcard.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 03/04/2026

New #sketchbooks have just landed in my Ready to Ship collection. They're bound with #handmade cotton rag paper for all wet and dry artwork, with tactile #velvet ribbons to hold them safely closed. This is Natural. There's also Golden Yellow and Brown. boundbyhand.co.uk/collections/...

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 31/03/2026

Coming soon... Cotton Rag Sketchbook with Golden Yellow velvet ribbon, just right for this time of year! 🌞

Handmade Cotton Rag Sketchbook with golden yellow velvet ribbon tied around its middle sits next to various art materials including yellow pencils and gouache paint and a palette, and patchwork textiles.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 19/03/2026

Heritage Crafts shines a spotlight on #silk weaving, classified 'Critically Endangered' on the Red List, this week, so I thought I'd share these silk ribbons woven by Robert Ely. 1. A leather journal with his Acorn ribbon 2. Wedding Guest Book with Amy ribbon: boundbyhand.co.uk/collections/...

An orange Leather journal with exposed spine stitching in blue angled to face camera, a blue and orange jacquard silk ribbon wraps around its middle to keep it closed.

Woman holds white leather wedding guest book with a silk ribbon tied in a bow around its centre to keep it closed.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 17/03/2026

I just finished binding this Sketchbook in Duck Egg leather. It's oh, so buttery soft yet super practical with lay flat recycled cartridge pages. boundbyhand.co.uk/products/a5-...

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 11/03/2026

Help me decide what to make next in the #bookbinding studio! 🤍 Muted neutrals get a lot of love these days 💛 But what about bright Lemon Yellow? Which should I make?

Duck Egg Blue handmade leather book with exposed spine stitching in Natural thread, held to camera against mottled grey background.

Duck Egg Blue handmade leather book with exposed spine stitching in Sherbet Lemon Yellow thread, held to camera against mottled grey background.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 10/03/2026

In the #bookbinding studio this morning I've been measuring, measuring again, and cutting beautiful Duck Egg leather to make #sketchbooks and #journals like these. It's so important to minimise materials waste, so it's been slow, careful work. boundbyhand.co.uk/search?type=...

Spine of Duck Egg leather book faces the camera; it features an exposed Longstitch binding stitched in Sherbet Lemon yellow linen thread.

Two Duck Egg leather books sit side by side on mottled grey surface. On the left, a hand holds the corner of an A6 Sketchbook with a linen ribbon tied around its middle. To its right, sits a matching Miniature Journal and a silver fountain pen.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 29/01/2026

Did you know that Cork shares similar properties to leather including softness, strength and durability? It's a good plant-based vegan option, and more eco-friendly than synthetic faux leathers. These cork Mini Journals are on sale until the end of the month. boundbyhand.co.uk/products/veg...

Cork Mini Journals handmade in natural and rose gold, with the word SALE in white text in the middle. The post explains the eco-friendly properties of cork as a vegan alternative to leather.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 27/01/2026

When I'm making, it looks like I'm folding, tearing, piercing and sewing. But actually, I'm making stillness. I'm making space.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 05/01/2026

Folding & tearing, piercing & sewing. Easing back into studio life very gently. These best beloved Wabi Sabi Sketchbooks are back in stock: boundbyhand.co.uk/products/wab... #40BestArtisans #BoundByHand

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 12/12/2025

Christmas last order dates for my #journals & #sketchbooks: * Sunday 14 December: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA * Tuesday 16 December: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, other non-EU European countries, & Ireland An Post AddressPal Here's what's Ready to Ship : boundbyhand.co.uk/collections/...

A Red mini leather journal with white tie around its middle sits on a natural wood grained surface, next to a parcel wrapped in brown paper and festive bakers twine. Underneath is a miniature artists book called 'Mini Journal Prompts for Mindfulness & Creativity'.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 28/11/2025

Scent of beeswax & cosy softness of velvet made the binding of this #sketchbook a very pleasurable experience yesterday afternoon. It's a lay-flat cotton rag art #journal for #watercolours, ink, etc and it's back in stock, A6 small Forest Green. Shop 👉 boundbyhand.co.uk/products/cot...

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 27/10/2025

Anyone slightly drowning in squash? We have *checks kitchen* more butternut and onion squashes than we could eat for the entire remainder of the year... and still to buy the Samhain / Hallowe'en pumpkin! boundbyhand.co.uk/products/a5-...

A handmade A5 Sketchbook bound in brown vegan cork with yellow Longstitch exposed spine binding rests on a table with a pumpkin postcard and autumnal bookbinding tools and materials.

Close up of a handmade, lay flat A5 Sketchbook bound in brown vegan cork with yellow stitching, with a pumpkin postcard resting on its recycled cartridge paper pages to show size.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 23/10/2025

The Directory of #Bookbinding Suppliers second edition is out now! 📣 New entries 📣 Updated links Download here: boundbyhand.co.uk/products/dir...

Text announcing of second edition of Directory of Bookbinding Suppliers against pale background, with cover image of that resource

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 18/10/2025

“This tiny journal is well crafted” - Stephanie B. Shop my Mini Journals 👉 boundbyhand.co.uk/collections/...

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 29/09/2025

This morning in the #bookbinding studio I'm making a large, lay-flat Leather #Sketchbook in glossy pewter grey with coral exposed spine stitching. I made one for a customer last week and have enough leather to restock it for my online shop. boundbyhand.co.uk/products/a4-...

Spine of large grey leather sketchbook faces camera at an angle; it is stitched in Coral linen thread in the medieval longstitch with linkstitch style.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 19/08/2025

My shop of handmade books remains open to my beloved USA customers, because I couldn't imagine doing this without you. Every problem has a solution, in this case it's 'Delivery Duty Paid'. I'll handle everything my end, no additional costs or actions required from you. #bookbinding #boundbyhand

Image of woman wearing a yellow workshop apron, tying the linen ribbon of a handmade cotton rag sketchbook, its exposed spine faces the viewer. White text at the bottom reads: USA shipping update (psst! It's good news!)

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 29/07/2025

So in love with the silk ribbons I chose for these #Wedding Guest Books. They're #handmade in white leather and are on sale until Thursday. Reposts very much appreciated. 🙏 Shop: boundbyhand.co.uk/collections/...

Handmade lay flat exposed spine of white leather wedding guest book faces the camera, a champagne coloured silk ribbon tied around its centre.

Close up of jacquard woven silk ribbon in natural and olive floral design, tied in a bow to close a white leather wedding guest book

Handmade A4 large white leather wedding guest book bound with woven silk floral ribbon held by bride against natural ochre background.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 08/07/2025

Today I have the privilege of making a personalised memorial book. It'll be bound in white leather with natural details and a linen ribbon to finish - similar to this. White is a traditional choice for mourning in some cultures and it's great to see it chosen here by my client.

White leather guest book with natural linen details and an exposed spine binding against natural wood background.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 06/07/2025

Thank you for your orders this week. 🙏🏼

Bookbinding for beginners digital resources

Beginners guide to bookbinding supplies pdf download cover

Concertina (Leporello, accordion) art journal with cartridge pages

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 03/06/2025

Journal practice feeling a little stale? Notebook stash just sat there gathering dust? This might help: 10 Mini Journal Prompts for Mindfulness & Creativity: boundbyhand.co.uk/blogs/news/m... #journal #journalprompt

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 30/05/2025

Will you be doing any #bookbinding this weekend? Get my 2 x digital resources for beginners here: boundbyhand.co.uk/collections/...

Cover image of A Directory of Bookbinding Tools, Equipment and Materials Suppliers.

Cover image of A Beginner's Guide to Bookbinding Tools, Equipment and Materials.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 28/05/2025

Including... the unique qualities of #Japanese papers and traditional surface pattern designs. This is the kikko toji, aka 'Tortoiseshell' design bound in a traditional #Chiyogami print with folded corner pieces. boundbyhand.co.uk/blogs/news/m...

Japanese stab stitch book bound in the kikko toji, Tortoiseshell, pattern with blue Chiyogami paper, dark blue linen thread.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 28/05/2025

Learning to Make #Japanese Stab Stitch Books. Here's my blog post with tips, background info & materials suggestions: boundbyhand.co.uk/blogs/news/m... #bookbinding #bookarts

Bookbinder wearing blue holds up very large Japanese Hemp Leaf stab stitch book to the camera. It is stitched in Blue linen thread. The green walls of her studio are in the background, they have many blue prints and pieces of artwork.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 23/05/2025

I've been fascinated by 18th century #Gothic fiction, mid- #Victorian culture and #preRaphaelite art since my university days so this event was right up my street! A Victorian Gothic museum late at Russell-Cotes inspired me to bind a book: boundbyhand.co.uk/blogs/news/g...

Victorian newspaper cartoon: a man eaten by cats

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 22/05/2025

#Victorian #Gothic meets modern day bookbinding in my latest blog post, which is timely as it's #WorldGothDay. boundbyhand.co.uk/blogs/news/g...

Slideshow of 3 images: Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, mourning stationery and a cotton rag gothic sketchbook with black velvet ribbon.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 20/05/2025

This Cotton Rag Sketchbook bound with black velvet ribbon has been popular this month (weirdly, for May?). It was inspired by Victorian mourning stationery that I was lucky enough to handle at a Gothic Late event at Russell-Cotes Museum. boundbyhand.co.uk/collections/...

Cotton Rag Sketchbook bound with exposed spine binding and black velvet ribbon rests on wood table, its spine facing the viewer.

Open (blank) pages of Cotton Rag Sketchbook stitched in black thread lies on natural wood surface; a black velvet ribbon curls out from either side of the book.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 16/05/2025

Two ways to do the same thing. More cheaper & no-spend #bookbinding ideas in this pdf download: boundbyhand.co.uk/products/a-b...

Bookbinder pierces sewing stations with awl and cushion

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 14/05/2025

Some are mine, some belong to others, I use most of them from time to time. #4 is one of my favourites (weather, flowers, insects...) 10 Mini Journal Prompts for Mindfulness & Creativity - blog post: boundbyhand.co.uk/blogs/news/m... #journaling

White text in warm brown box reads number 4 a seasonal record. It overlays an image of eucalyptus leaves in a glass vase, against white wall behind.

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 09/05/2025

I opened with an obvious one, but it's a #journal practice that really changed my outlook. boundbyhand.co.uk/blogs/news/m...

A man wearing a yellow jacket writes in a journal held in his lap. White text in a yellow box reads '100 Days of Gratitudes' White text at bottom reads 'Steal my 10 Mini Journal Prompts for Mindfulness and Creativity'

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Susan Green @boundbyhand.co.uk · 22/04/2025

Delighted to see my 2 x 'Bookbinding for Beginner' digital resources are proving helpful. I never want anyone to feel as confused as I did, that's why I wrote them. 🌟"It's reassuring to have a list compiled by someone who knows the industry so well." Hannah, London boundbyhand.co.uk/collections/...

Cover image of a digital download called A Beginner's Guide to Bookbinding Tools, Equipment and Materials. The title is given in black text over a white box, behind which is image of a red headed female bookbinder at work in her studio.

Cover image of a digital download called A Directory of Bookbinding Tools, Equipment and Materials. The title is given in black text over a white box, behind which is a close up image of a red headed female bookbinder sewing a leather book, her tools in the foreground.

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