Upcycled Books: Make a Hardcover Journal

This class will be available to view on September 09, 2026.
Upcycling an old book is a fun way to create new art and learn about book binding. In this class, printmaker and book artist Sarah Matthews shows you how to deconstruct a hardcover book by removing the block from the case, preparing new signatures out of found papers or your own artwork, and binding the new signatures into the hardcover. The process is easier than you might think, and Sarah gives you the encouragement to make that first cut. You also have the option of adding some finishing touches like refreshing the end pages and creating a Turkish map fold. First the thrift shop, then create beautiful new books, journals, and art pieces, and give an old book a brand new life. Learn how to:

• Upcycle an old hardcover book
• Remove a book block from its case
• Prepare and bind new book signatures with 3-hole pamphlet stitch
• Punch holes in a book cover
• Create a cheat sheet for perfectly spaced stitching holes
• Refresh end pages
• Create a Turkish map fold