The Binding Studio, at 731 Scenic Drive in Henderson Valley, Auckland, is a hand bookbindery run by its owner, Louise James, in the northern end of the Waitakere Ranges. The studio is in the bottom story of a forest home, with cast steel antique tools from the 1800s. It offers bespoke binding commissions for books, portfolios, boxes and folders, hands-on bookbinding workshops for people who want to learn to bind at home, and a range of professional tools and materials, including book cloths. Some presentation products, such as folio boxes, portfolios and instax albums, can be ordered online. Customers can also commission work for a business or creative project.
Customers say the teacher is knowledgeable, patient and clear, with a good sense of humour, and that each workshop leaves them with something they are proud to have made. Several describe repeat workshops, and one praises the bespoke box made for them. Another mentions thesis binding. The studio is a lovely space to spend a day learning something new. Our pick in Henderson Valley for a bespoke box or a hands-on bookbinding workshop with a patient teacher.