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 uncovering the stories behind the hands that make the books.

The first episode is now live! I travelled to San Francisco to interview book artist Insiya Dhatt and check out the San Francisco Center for the Book.

We aim to make five more episodes 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.

Join my newsletter for upcoming collection releases.

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.

Discover more on YouTube

✧・゚: *✧・゚:*

Discover more on YouTube ✧・゚: *✧・゚:*