Description

“Eyes that look are common, but eyes that see are rare.” (J. Oswald Sanders)

You know the moment. Something small stops you: a leaf catching the light, a sound in the woods, a photo you couldn’t help taking. For a second, it feels like a little bit of magic. Then the day moves on, and it slips away.

In this journal-making workshop in Bellingham, you’ll make a one-of-a-kind handmade journal to hold moments like these, using a natural twig as the spine, beautiful specialty papers, and simple hand-binding.

This isn’t a diary. It’s a book of attention, one that helps you look more closely now and reminds you later of what mattered.

Inside, you might write a few words about a special moment, tuck in a photo, press a leaf, or save a ticket stub or a love note from someone who cares about you.

There’s only so much room in your journal, which is the point. Only what truly stands out makes it in. It’s a gift you give yourself.

What We’ll Do

Create a journal with character.
Choose from colorful hand-painted papers, fabrics, decorative scrapbook papers, or watercolor paper to make your own front and back covers.

Choose your pages.
Your journal has three signatures (sections), each wrapped in fine mulberry paper. Fill them with quality writing paper, special papers, and found materials to make a journal that’s uniquely yours.

Add your own creative touches.
Experiment with watercolors, stamping, ink sprays, pressed botanicals, vintage maps, music sheets, and collage materials. Choose how much or how little you want to embellish your journal, and leave space for what you’ll notice.

Bind your own book.
Learn how to assemble and bind your pages using a natural twig as the spine, an unusual and wonderfully organic approach to handmade journals.

No previous bookbinding experience is necessary. All materials are provided, and you’ll receive step-by-step guidance throughout the process.

A Journal That Grows With You

Over the year, your journal becomes a place to collect what you notice and why it matters to you. Add a photograph, a small keepsake, a few handwritten words, a pressed botanical, or a discovery you want to remember.

Some pages may stay beautifully simple. Others may fill with words and treasures.

By the end of 2027, you’ll have a personal collection of moments that caught your attention and touched your life, and you’ll have grown a little in the noticing.

Also Offered

Looking for a different way to start the year? Join me for The Art of Intention – A New Year Symbol-Making Workshop on January 2 or January 10.

The Details

Date: Sunday, January 17, 2027
Time: 1:30 to 4:30 PM (we start promptly, so please arrive a few minutes early)
Location: Whatcom Art Center, 1105 11th St, Bellingham, WA (free parking on Sundays)
Tuition: $55 per person (Click for Gift Certificates)
Duration: 3 hours
Age: 16+
Experience: Beginners welcome
Materials: Everything included
Class size: Maximum 16 participants

Come ready to play with beautiful papers, discover an unusual way of making a book, and create something that may become more meaningful every time you open it.

You Might Want to Bring

We’ll provide natural twigs for binding your journal, but you’re welcome to bring your own. Perhaps you’ll find one on a favorite walk or somewhere meaningful to you.

Choose a fairly straight, dry twig about 9 inches long and 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Avoid wet branches (or dry them at home), and skip anything brittle or with sharp protrusions.

If you have pressed flowers or leaves, or anything special to add to your journal, bring it along. We’ll see if it works.

Cancellations

I know plans change!

If you need to cancel 7 or more full days before class, you’ll receive a full refund within 3 business days.

Canceling 3-6 full days before class earns you 100% store credit toward a future workshop.

Canceling 1-2 days before class earns you 50% store credit.

Unfortunately, day-of cancellations and no-shows aren’t eligible for a refund or credit, since we prepare materials for each person in advance.