My books and boxes are made employing traditional bookbinding techniques which I love adhering to closely. I do however also want to give my work its very own style and feel. This I achieve through hand crafting the decorative paper I use to cover the objects I make. It is effectively a paper batik. Many layers of ink, dyes and wax ensure a rich and deep texture which at times is evocative of sea, sand and rock patterns and at other times a mere aesthetic expression. The wax is ironed out at the end of the process leaving the paper with a very tactile quality to it. This makes my books and boxes attractive and sturdy at the same time.
I also love working with Harris tweed and leather. Here I work with different book structures like long stitch journals, cross structures and coptic books with handsewn headbands.
The use of quality cartridge paper for the book blocks makes the books ideal for sketching, taking notes or keeping thoughts.
The boxes make beautiful homes to jewellery, photographs, artist’s tools, letters and all kind of other treasures.
Each item is individually hand-crafted, making it an ideal ‘special’ gift. I am also very happy to make both books and boxes to order.
Please also get in touch if you want to learn to make a book, I am very happy to show you during a workshop in my studio. Or if you want to try out binding a book in your own time and space, my book kit might just be ideal for you. You find them on my website, at Taigh Chearsabhagh or during youri visit to my studio.
Open Mon – Fri 9.30 – 3.00. Weekends by appointment. During school summer holidays – July and first two weeks in August – please phone ahead to make sure I am in my studio or call in when the open sign is out.
