Hilltop Bindery

“Hand bound books, stitched using traditional techniques. ”

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About Hilltop Bindery

Hilltop Bindery

I make books, and sometimes other things!

I have always loved to make things, and currently I am having the best time ever making handmade books. I love that it is a pastime that allows me to use some of my favourite materials: paper, ribbons and fabric. I also love that bookbinding uses traditional techniques that have remained unchanged for years, so I feel I am helping keep some of these skills alive.

Prior to bookbinding my passion was making glass beads and jewellery. I still make occasional pieces of jewellery, but it's really all about the books now. I still have much to learn and new bookbinding techniques to try, and that's what makes it such an appealing craft.

I hope you enjoy seeing what I have made!

About my books!

It is extremely important to me that in making and selling my books I’m kind to our planet. I know it’s important to you too, so I’ve set out below the materials that go into my books and packaging.

The pages and covers of my books are made from recycled cartridge paper and card.

The fabrics that cover my books are made from natural fibres.

The thread I bind my books with is pure linen, and I use beeswax to strengthen it.

The ribbons I use are cotton or linen.

I use starch paste as a glue, strengthened by a tiny amount of biodegradable PVA glue.

Each book takes several hours to make, so to protect them as they travel to you I first wrap them in waterproof paper (glassine). Then I place them in a cardboard mailing box. I use paper tape to seal the box. All packaging is suitable for re-use or it can be recycled.

To reduce waste I make my own labels and business cards from the offcuts of card and paper that are produced during the book binding process.

You can buy my books safe in the knowledge that they make as small an impact on the environment as possible at this time.