About the bookbinder:
Hello, I’m Louise James. The Binding Studio is my bookbindery based in the Northern end of the Waitakere Ranges of West Auckland, New Zealand.
I fell into bookbinding in 2001 and haven’t looked back! I was fortunate to have 2 amazing binders; Anna Caithness and Helen Everest- take me under their wings and teach me the 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. I love to put these ideas forward when talking through binding a clients work.
Throughout my binding journey I have taught bookbinding in multiple realms. Students bring fresh creativity and thinking to this historic craft and it is a pleasure to share knowledge of this “rare trade.”
I enjoy nurturing relationships with both clients and students. Adding value to content through presentation allows people, businesses and me to grow.
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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 my 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 and materials, take part in open studio days- and be a part of the bookbinding community!
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2025: BIND25 / Bookbinding Conference- Auck, NZ- Attendee / Trade Table / Presenter: Mandela 100
2025: Association of Book Crafts NZ- John Sansom Memorial Competition / Craft- Category winner / Plan Draws
2023: Association of Book Crafts NZ- John Sansom Memorial Competition / Craft, Modern- Category winner / Board Shear
2019: Workshops Launch- The Binding Studio proudly offers bookbinding classes / taught in studio
2018: Studio Move- The Binding Studio finds a forever home / Waitakere Ranges, West Auckland, New Zealand
2018: Mandela 100 - Commission for Blackwell & Ruth / Limited Edition / Celebrating the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela
2017: Association of Book Crafts NZ- Bookbinding Competition / Re-bound, repaired book (novice) / Category winner for “The Whale Rider”
2017: Designer Bookbinders International Competition- The Bodleian Library / Participant / Theme: Myths, Hero's & Legends
2016: Pride in Print Awards- Gold; Process Winner / Specialty Products- limited edition & fine art prints (Little Wing Book)
2013: Designer Bookbinders International Competition- The Bodleian Library / Participant / Theme: Shakespeare
2009 - 2013: AUT University- Art and Design School / Auckland / Bookbinding Technician
2009: The Binding Studio- Established / Auckland / Director & Binder
2001 - 2008: Bound to Last- Designer Bookbinders / Auckland / Team & Production Leader, Binder
Watch the artisan at work:
INTRODUCING THE BINDING STUDIO
Watch as Lou makes a book in the studio & explains how the process of commissioning a bound work takes place.
Video by Candice Noyer / Music by Dusty Melody "Te Waonui a Tāne"
MAKING A SEWN BOOK BY HAND
Watch Lou from The Binding Studio using beautiful antique equipment and tools- to creating a custom, hand sewn and bound book.
Directed and shot by Joseph Jowitt / Music "Sleepy Seven" by Bonobo
MAKING HAND MADE BOXES
The Binding Studio makes boxes, custom to order, by hand. Watch some of the processes involved to get insight into how your box will be made.
Directed and shot by Joseph Jowitt / Music “Manifested” by Ketsa
BOOK MOVEMENT
Sometimes you just need to take some time out to watch some books dancing. I hope you enjoy them as much as Lou does!
Video by Candice Noyer / Music "Superambi" by Peach Milk