artist book workshops

Notebook & journal-making WORKSHOPS

In this beginner-friendly workshop, participants are introduced to bookmaking tools and techniques to make single signature books, whether saddle-stitched or stab-bound. These are excellent for notebooks, journals, sketchbooks, chapbooks, or handmade zines.

“Erica is an excellent teacher and artist. In the bookmaking workshop she led, Erica gave thorough instruction and also allowed us the chance to run with our ideas to create unique books and paper objects. I learned entirely from scratch and came home with several beautiful pieces. I learned techniques such as cutting, folding, assembling, and stitching. Erica was a delight to learn from in matters creative and practical.”

—Kaye, workshop participant (2024)

"Erica led a wonderful introductory bookbinding workshop for us at the Vancouver Tool Library. As I coordinated the workshop logistics, we collaborated to make it suitable for all ages and skill levels, as well as financially accessible for participants.

It felt effortless to collaborate with Erica since her practice is so strongly aligned with the Vancouver Tool Library’s values of sustainability, tool-, and skill-sharing. Erica came up with creative ways to work within a tight budget, kindly shared where to source materials and tools (including affordable and DIY alternatives), and helped to brainstorm ideas for participants to continue independently learning and practicing their skills beyond the workshop.

As a teacher, Erica’s high level of engagement, attentiveness, and connection with each participant made the workshop a positive and fun experience for everyone. Erica was also open-minded and flexible, encouraging participants' experimentation with materials. One participant even incorporated a mango pit! By the end of our session, all of the students were excited to go home with their beautiful handmade pieces. We would definitely team up with Erica again for future workshops."

—April, community organizer for the Vancouver Tool Library