Make a Handbound Journal

Learn to make your own handbound journal in this hands-on workshop. Students will begin by selecting a leather cover accented with fish leather, a durable and eco-friendly material that is a byproduct of the fishing industry. Students will then learn how to prepare parchment paper for the pages. You’ll create six folded signatures, punch sewing holes in both the paper and leather cover, and finish by hand-stitching the signatures together to form a complete journal.

This handcrafted journal can be used as a sketchbook, a place to record to-do lists, dreams, visions, or creative ideas, or as a meaningful keepsake to pass down through generations. This class offers a grounding, tactile experience and an introduction to traditional bookbinding techniques that celebrate both function and storytelling.

Instructor will provide the following:

All leatherworking tools and materials.

Students are asked to bring:

• Pencil and pen

• Straight edge ruler (12”)

• Scissors

• Since your class runs over the lunch hour, you may want to consider bringing a lunch or snack.

Skill Level

No experience required.

Age Requirement 

Students ages 16 and older are welcome to attend this class. Students ages 16 and 17 may attend without a parent/guardian in attendance as long as MMFS is provided with written parental permission by email to info@marinemillsfolkschool.org.

Location Details

Marine Mills Folk School

550 Pine St.

Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

Cost Details

Tuition: $60

Materials Fee: $25

Total Cost: $85

NOTE: Be aware we may cancel class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance teachers’ need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible! If interested, you can find our cancellation policy HERE.