In this intimate class, students will learn the art of coptic bookbinding with Alison Kaplan of Kata Golda Handmade. The coptic bookbinding technique creates a flexible book with an exposed spine, the pages open flat making it the perfect journal for writing and sketching. Building on decades of bookbinding experience, Alison makes this craft feel approachable and adaptable. She will showcase an assortment of finished hand bound journals in many sizes so everyone can see the endless possibilities. Participants will make a book covered in plant-dyed organic cotton/hemp fabric that is 3.25” wide and 4.75” tall and is about .5” thick. The class days are one week apart so participants can work on embellishing their covers and practice stitching additional sections. 

Session 1: We will begin with an overview of coptic bookbinding and learn about the tools in the bookbinding kit. We will practice ripping paper and sewing/connecting pamphlets. We will also touch on embellishing covers.

Session 2: After a week of sewing practice, Alison will answer any questions that came up. We will then glue the cover and back and finish our books. We will discuss adaptations to make books of different sizes and shapes – Alison has many options to share. If time allows, participants will be introduced to two other simple techniques: a pamphlet-style notebook, an accordion book that is perfect for displaying photos or using for watercolor painting.

Each participant will receive a DIY Bookbinding Kit and will need to collect a few items from home (see materials list below).

Date + Time

Fridays, March 13th & March 20th 2026

12-2pm ET, Two sessions.

Cost

Virtual class + kit: $200

Location

Zoom, access link will be sent out the day before class.

Recording

Class will be recorded. A link to the recording will be emailed to all registrants following the live session and available for one month.

DIY Kit contents:

• (2) pieces of plant-dyed organic cotton/hemp fabric for cover & back

• 40” of waxed thread

• (7) 3-page pamphlets of drawing paper for book interior

• (1) extra folded sheet of paper for use as a template

• (4) rectangles of card stock

• curved needle

• acid-free adhesive (PVA)

• sponge brush

• awl

• bone folder

Gather from home:

• scissors

• pencil

• ruler

• (5) sheets of 8.5 x 11” scrap paper

• embroidery floss and hand sewing needle for embellishing the cover (optional)

Our Teacher

My studio, the home ofKata Golda, is nestled snugly in the small, mossy seaside town of Port Townsend, Washington. Much of the inspiration for my work comes from the subtle details in the natural world, where nothing is straight and nothing is perfect. I try to begin each day with a walk in the woods or time in my dye garden. The flow of my day shifts between the repetitive production of filling orders, scheming and sketching new ideas for my line, dyeing fabric, and stitching something simply for pleasure. The rhythm of my creative endeavors is punctuated by domestic arts— cooking, gardening, mending, and keeping a tidy and organized space. I find that chores clear my head, structure my day, and focus my craft. I love the sense of order and accomplishment from a thoughtfully planned routine. I almost always have a hand-bound journal and sharp pencil within reach. It is a practice that I started over twenty years ago to make space for my artistic, wandering ideas while keeping my methodical mind at peace. I work with sustainable fabrics, and I love growing a dye garden and coaxing color from plants in my home dye studio. I create slowly and with intention and try to use up every little scrap of fabric. The things I make take time. I find immense joy in sharing my love of hand work with others through free sewing tutorials, DIY kits, and carefully curated bundles of plant-dyed fabrics. Taking the time to slow down and make something with your hands using quality materials is such a gift, and I feel so lucky to do this work.