The Art of Bookbinding: A Hands-On Fundraiser

Leather Bookbinding Workshop Benefiting the Troup County Foster Parent Association

Get ready for a fabulous evening of crafting, conversation, and connection! Whether you’re a seasoned creative or just getting started, this hands-on leather bookbinding workshop is your chance to learn a time-honored craft in a relaxed, supportive setting—all while supporting a great cause.

You’ll create your own hand-bound leather journal using high-quality materials and traditional techniques. Choose your leather color, then cut, stitch, and bind under the guidance of experienced instructors. Use provided tools and stencils to add custom touches, and personalize your journal with your choice of closure.

What Can You Create?

One of the most exciting parts of this workshop is deciding what your leather-bound journal will become. With beautiful blank pages and a handcrafted cover, your book can take on any purpose that’s meaningful to you. Here are just a few ideas to inspire you:

• Travel Journal – Document adventures, itineraries, or favorite destinations
• Art or Sketchbook – Doodle, draw, or create a vision board
• Dream or Reflection Journal – Capture thoughts, feelings, or nighttime dreams
• Prayer Journal – Record prayers, meditations, or scripture insights
• Family Recipe Book – Preserve favorite dishes and food memories
• Gratitude Journal – Reflect on daily joys and personal growth
• Memory Book – Collect family stories, milestones, or keepsakes
• Wedding Guest Book – Customize for a personal and elegant touch
• Baby Book – Document firsts and childhood memories
• Nature Journal – Note plant life, birds, or outdoor adventures
• Poetry or Songwriting Book – A personal space for creative writing
• Bucket List Book – Set goals and track your life dreams
• Quote Journal – Collect favorite quotes, verses, or affirmations
• Recipe Testing Book – Create and refine original dishes
• Travel Planner – Organize future trips or paste travel mementos
• Craft or Project Log – Track supplies, patterns, or creative results
• Bible Study Journal – Record insights and lessons from scripture
• Event Planner Notebook – Map out celebrations or fundraisers
• Dream Journal – Capture and reflect on vivid dreams
• Business or Side Hustle Planner – Organize goals, ideas, and plans
• Decorative Piece of Art – A beautiful handmade journal to display on your coffee table or bookshelf
• Makes a thoughtful and one-of-a-kind gift for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.

No matter what direction you choose, you’ll leave with a handcrafted journal that’s both beautiful and purposeful.

What’s Included – $59 Ticket

Each participant will receive a thoughtfully curated kit, which includes:

• Leather journal cover
• Heavyweight paper
• Tea-stained cover pages
• Hemp endpaper
• Leather binding
• Deerskin lace for closure
• Decorative paper for layering or accents
• Use of stencils, paint pens, and etching tools during the workshop
• Guided instruction from professional, local artists

Please Note: All materials, color choices, and accessories are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. While we offer a variety of options, we cannot guarantee the availability of specific colors or embellishments due to limited quantities.

What You’ll Learn

This workshop focuses on two core skills: traditional bookbinding and leather etching. You’ll learn how to construct a durable, hand-stitched journal using time-honored binding methods, and how to etch personalized designs into your leather cover using a variety of tools and stencils.

Depending on the customizations you choose, you may also learn additional techniques such as applying decorative elements, working with closures, or using heat tools during the embellishment process.

Want to add a little more flair?

The standard kit includes everything you need to complete a beautiful, fully functional journal—no upgrades necessary. In fact, all of the journals pictured were created using just the standard kit.

That said, if you’re a little extra and want to personalize your journal even further, we’ll have a selection of optional accessories available for purchase onsite, including:

• Extra charms, closures, and decorative elements(Category B – $5, Category C – $10)

All accessory items are subject to availability and offered first come, first served.

Want to make a second journal?

If you’re feeling inspired, you may purchase a second full journal kit for just $39. You’re welcome to make both journals during the workshop—or take the second kit home to continue crafting at your own pace. This offer is available exclusively to registered participants.

About the Instructors

Our talented local instructors are more than just crafters—they’re working artists and educators with a passion for sharing their skills. Over the past two years, we’ve quietly hosted a wide variety of hands-on workshops by request, including felt hat making, charcuterie board styling, wood burning, glass etching, and painting. While this may seem like something new, it’s not. These workshops have been happening behind the scenes as part of our ongoing efforts to raise funds to support foster families in our community.

Each event is thoughtfully designed to go beyond arts and crafts—it’s about teaching proper technique, building confidence, and creating something truly meaningful. This leather bookbinding workshop is no exception.

We’re also committed to using high-quality materials and sourcing products from local and regional small businesses and artists whenever possible. Our ongoing effort toward sustainability is reflected in the care we take with every supply and every detail.

Whether you’re brand new to crafting or an experienced maker, this class is a great fit. Our instructors are known for their patience, professionalism, and ability to guide participants of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.

This is the first time we’re opening this experience to the general public—and we’re excited to welcome you to something that’s been quietly making an impact behind the scenes for years.

Why Join Us?

This is more than just a craft night—it’s a quality, skill-based experience. You’ll leave with not only a beautiful handmade journal, but also the satisfaction of learning a new skill and supporting local children in foster care.

Proceeds benefit the Troup County Foster Parent Association, helping provide essential support to families and children in our community.

🎟️ All ticket purchases are non-refundable.

🧃 Soft drinks, bottled water, and popcorn will be provided. Feel free to bring snacks or beverages to enjoy or share.

Space is limited—reserve your seat today.

Let’s craft something beautiful together—for ourselves and for a greater good.

Important Information

Check-In Details

Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time to check in and select your materials. Seating and supplies are first come, first served.

Special Requirements

To maintain a focused and safe creative environment, no additional, non-registered guests are permitted in the workshop space, including children and infants.

Each registered participant must work independently on their own journal.

Restrictions

Bookbinding requires hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

This workshop is intended for ages 13 and up only.

Accessibility

For crafters with a disability or injury, support instructors will be present and are happy to assist throughout the event.

If you have questions about accessibility or require accommodations, please contact us directly in advance.

Tool Use Disclaimer

Participants will be working with a variety of tools during this workshop. This includes, but is not limited to, scissors, awls, glue guns, heat guns, wire cutters, and hot embellishment tools. Basic safety instructions will be provided at the beginning of the workshop, and instructors will be available throughout the session to assist as needed. By participating, you acknowledge that you will use tools responsibly and at your own risk.

Allergy Disclaimer

This workshop involves the use of materials such as leather, adhesives, paper products, and natural fibers that may affect individuals with sensitivities or allergies. Additionally, our venue hosts a variety of other craft workshops, and there may be residual environmental exposure to common allergens such as dust, animal fibers, plant materials, glues, sealants, or essential oils.

While we do our best to maintain a clean and safe space, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment. If you have specific concerns or severe allergies, please contact us in advance to discuss whether this workshop is a good fit for you.

Workshop Environment

Please note that this workshop takes place in a working warehouse environment. While the space is clean, organized, and designated for creative use, it may include concrete floors, tools, and other typical warehouse elements.

For your safety and comfort, closed-toe shoes are required. We also recommend tying back long hair and avoiding loose clothing or jewelry during hands-on portions of the class.

Also check out other Workshops in Lagrange, Arts events in Lagrange, Nonprofit events in Lagrange.