Hello, I’m Louise James. The Binding Studio is my bookbindery based in the Waitakere Ranges of West Auckland, New Zealand.

I fell into bookbinding in 2001 and haven’t looked back! I was fortunate to have had 2 amazing binders; Anna Caithness and Helen Everest- take me under their wings and teach me their craft. Their standards, design style and work ethic stick with me to this day. These amazing women remain very dear to my heart.

I am driven by new ideas and the opportunity to be experimental within bookbinding. This leads me to refine techniques, processes and details to achieve the highest quality possible.

Throughout my binding journey I have taught bookbinding. Students bring fresh creativity and thinking to this historic craft. It is a pleasure to share this knowledge of such a “rare trade.”

I enjoy nurturing relationships with both clients and students. Adding value to content through presentation allows people, businesses and me to grow.

Bookbinding has always been a way of delivering and preserving knowledge and ideas. The Binding Studio keeps the traditional ideals of bookbinding alive, whilst adapting them to stay relevant to today’s design world.

Nestled in the bottom story of our forest home, The Binding Studio is a creative space with functional, cast steel antiques from the 1800’s. It’s a place for making tasteful, high-quality products that have just the right impact for purpose.

It’s also a place for learning, growing skills and meeting like-minded people!

With The Binding Studio you can: commission me to make for you, attend or arrange a workshop to learn bookbinding, buy tools, equipment, and materials, take part in open studio days- and be a part of the bookbinding community!

There are so many possibilities- check out the galleries under “work” for inspiration.

Books: photo books, guest books, journals, family histories, engagement books, thesis, artworks, notebooks, sketch books, recipe books, poetry books, children’s books…

Boxes: keepsake boxes, wedding boxes, photographer boxes, box folders, clamshell boxes, solander boxes, hinged lid boxes, drop down boxes, display boxes, slipcases…

Albums: photo books, wedding albums, family albums, personal albums, flush mount albums, post bound, stitch bound, guest book albums, photo galleries…

Portfolios: post bound, ring bound, box folders, boxes, portfolio books…

And more: folders, submissions, menus, display boards…

I work with a wide range of creators & makers. Whether you have a personal project or are a company that needs a presentation solution, if you have content- I can help you present it.

I work with: designers, photographers, artists, writers, poets, illustrators, sculptors, painters, architects, interior designers, publishers, printers… & more!

In a consultation at the studio you’ll talk with me, the artisan making your product from start to finish. You will see the equipment used to create your vision and will interact with the design process. We look at examples, talk through and personalize; sizes, colours, details, branding, textures, and embellishments to enhance your content. If you can’t make it by the studio we can talk via phone and email.

At The Binding Studio everything is made by hand- my hands! I usually work solo, concentrating on one offs and small runs, allowing me to offer the highest quality outcome. Large runs with the right deadline can be discussed.

Come with your concept or project in its beginning stages. Together we will resolve the presentation and enhance your idea. My design skills, industry knowledge and experience will keep the presentation functional and complementary to the overall aesthetic.

You will have a bunch of questions before getting started. Start by reading the FAQs and then give me a call.

I look forward to making for you soon!