Awl About Bookbinding
A new YouTube series celebrating bookbinding and the book arts! After four years of filming quiet process videos in my studio, I’m ready to take you on a new adventure – meeting inspiring artists, exploring their craft, and getting to know the hands that make the books.
The second episode is now live! I interviewed an award-winning miniature book artist, Miyako Akai, based in Tokyo Japan. We learn about her sentimental works and explore the differences between Japanese and Western styles of bookbinding.
Watch episode 1 here. I travelled to San Francisco to interview papercut book artist, Insiya Dhatt, and get an inside look into a fine binding competition and exhibition.
We aim to complete season 1 in 2025. Help us make this happen by donating to our GoFundMe!
Order Handmade Books at Home so you can make your own beautiful books.
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Connect with me and other binders to find support and get inspiration.
Hello! I’m Chanel Ly, the bookbinder and creator behind bitter melon bindery.
The first book I made in 2013 was wonky and I treasured it. As a fervent paper scraps saver, I was delighted to learn how to turn a simple material into a beautiful and functional piece of art. When my shelves were overflowing with handmade books, I created bitter melon bindery in 2017.
I release journal collections a few times a year, and share calming bookbinding videos on YouTube. In December 2023, my book for beginner bookbinders was published, called Handmade Books at Home.