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8 Essential Tools I Use for Bookbinding and Handmade Art
A look inside my studio at 8 essential tools I use for bookbinding and handmade art. These thoughtfully chosen favorites bring ease, precision, and joy to the creative process.

Melanie Grant
Jul 31, 20254 min read


Why I Collage: A Journey from Fabric to Paper (and Paint)
From preschool easels to hand-painted collage ephemera, my creative path has always followed joy. Collage lets me explore color, texture, and surprise through found and handmade materials. It’s a medium where fabric meets paper, and intuition meets process—rooted in rhythm, guided by curiosity. And most of all, it brings me joy.

Melanie Grant
Jul 29, 20253 min read


A Note of Thanks: Free Printable Gratitude Cards to Share Your Appreciation
Gratitude is powerful—and often unspoken. I created these printable cards to help you share it. Sign up to receive your free set of 8 Gratitude Cards.

Melanie Grant
Jul 26, 20252 min read


Why We Make Art: A Reflection on Art Trends of 2025’s
Why do we make art? This blog explores emerging trends in 2025—climate activism, sensory installations, virtual galleries, and the return of craft.

Melanie Grant
Jul 24, 20253 min read


Mark Making Tools I Love in 2025: Creating Signature Texture in Mixed Media Art
Mark Making Tools and what I have learned for making my art and expressing my individual art style. This gives my work a signature voice which is unique to my artwork. Mark Making becomes my personal voice and is recognized in the industry. I use a variety of tools in my studio that I have collected over the years that have helped my develop my personal style. The tools I am reviewing are what I am using in 2025 to created texture in my mixed media art. The Princeton to

Melanie Grant
Jul 22, 20253 min read


Exploring Dye Sprays in Mixed Media: My Favorite Inks for Art Journals, Fabric & Book Covers (2025)
Dye sprays are one of my favorite tools for creating layered, reactive surfaces in my art. In this post, I share how I use Distress Oxide, Dylusions, and Izink sprays in my journals, on fabric, and for hand-painted book covers—including tips on manipulating color and sealing your final layers.

Melanie Grant
Jul 17, 20253 min read


2025 Artist’s Guide: Chalk Paint vs. Acrylic for Paper & Art Projects: What Every Maker Should Know
This guide explores the differences between chalk paint and acrylic paint, specifically for artists working in mixed media, handmade books, and paper-based projects. Learn about each paint's composition, finish, durability, and ideal uses. I also share why I love using Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylic Paints by PaperArtsy—their matte finish, fast-drying quality, and wide range of colors make them perfect for layering, book covers, and creative exploration. I explore the key diffe

Melanie Grant
Jul 15, 20254 min read


Why I Make Books in Series: My Handmade Bookbinding Process
Working in series has changed the way I approach bookbinding. It’s efficient, creative, and sometimes unpredictable.

Melanie Grant
Jul 11, 20253 min read


Guillotine Paper Cutter for Bookbinding - My Favorite Tool
If I had to name the one tool I couldn’t live without in my studio, it’s my HFS guillotine paper cutter. Here's why it's essential for any bookbinder.

Melanie Grant
Jul 10, 20253 min read


A Place to Pause: The History of Bookmarks and the Art of Pagekeeping
From ancient bookmarks to Victorian silks, we've always marked our place. Today, Page Keepers offer a clever, artful twist—crafted around paper clips to hold your story beautifully in place.

Melanie Grant
Jul 9, 20252 min read


Choosing Paper for Bookbinding: What I Use and Why: Summer 2025 Edition
Wondering what paper to use for bookbinding? I’m sharing my go-to choices, what features matter most, and how I make practical, beautiful books in my bindery.

Melanie Grant
Jul 8, 20253 min read


Beginner Bookbinding: Why I Fell in Love with Handmade Books
Bookbinding doesn’t require fancy tools or formal training—just a love for paper and a bit of guidance. In this post, I share why I fell in love with bookbinding and how you can start, even as a complete beginner. I walk through the essential supplies, simple techniques like pamphlet and stab binding, and share tips and tutorials to get you started. If you’ve been curious about handmade books, this is your invitation to begin.

Melanie Grant
Jul 7, 20252 min read


What I Pack to Make Art Anywhere | 10 Essential Art Supplies for Summer 2025
When I travel—whether by plane, bike, or trail—I always bring a curated set of art supplies that fit neatly in my Tinker Tote. In this post, I’m sharing the 11 art supplies I pack every time: trusted watercolor paints, favorite sketching tools, compact paper, and more. These essentials let me create wherever I go, from quiet lake scenes to bustling city squares. If you're wondering what to bring on your next creative trip, this list is for you.

Melanie Grant
Jul 6, 20253 min read
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