I'm a wife of 16 years and mom of 3 beautiful girls. I moved to the Pacific Northwest with my family in 2012 and spent many years developing websites, apps and managing engineering teams.
In 2016, I stumbled onto bookbinding. My hubby gave me a low quality starter kit for Christmas and I made my first book...
It was a hot mess. Like, really bad 😂.
I knew I needed help, and not just in the tools department...
After researching tons of websites, I realized a few things:
- Everything is outdated (even the how-to books),
- Everyone has a different opinion 😭,
- The "best" information is often incomplete or lacks specifics
Desperate, I begged a friend to split the cost of a private 2-day book making class with a master bookbinder in Seattle ($550 each! Ouch...).
While pricey, taking this class was hands-down the best decision I ever made and worth every penny. The bookbinder understood my love of the book arts and encouraged me to continue studying, always treating me like an equal even though I was a total newbie.
I know there are other people out there just like me who are trying to teach themselves how to make books, and they need help.
Some of us want to create for fun, while others are creating for themselves or loved ones. There's even a small group of artists & entrepreneurs who are creating bespoke books for sale online, at art shows and markets.
I want to support every single one of you.
Papercraftpanda is a highly inclusive, judgment-free zone where you can learn how to make your own books and hone your craft and style over time. I provide up-to-date information and tutorials via my blog to educate and inspire you to continue your own book making journey.
Whether it's a side hobby or serious passion, you are welcome here.
I invite everyone to openly share what they know and ask questions. Together, we are building a community of supportive creatives who encourage one another in the book arts space.
If you've made it this far, I appreciate you. In return, I'd love to learn about you!
Every week, I send an email to a small list of followers with one new thing I've learned or want to share about book making. I always ask you to reply, which usually leads to a fun conversation over email. It's a nice way to get to know each other. Feel free to join us here if you'd like.
I'm a visual person, so I also love sharing new books or techniques on Instagram. It's a fun way to teach, inspire and bring you behind the scenes and into my bindery. I post every day except Sundays when I go offline and spend time with my family.
I hope you'll come over and say 'hi!' because you are valued in my small community.
Thanks for stopping by!
All my best,
❤️ Misty