FOBA 2026 - Brenda Gallager - Mini Pencil Sketchbook

Focus on Book Arts 2026

Brenda Gallager
Mini Pencil Sketchbook - Friday, June 26, 2026

Read more about FOBA 2026 on their website!
https://focusonbookarts.org/2026-foba-conference/

Workshop Description:

Bind your very own miniature sketchbook with leather covers. This little gem holds your mini colored pencils and fits in your pocket!

To begin, students will use a Japanese screw punch to make designs in suede leather to create a pattern that will expose the colored pencils. A cardstock spine will be adhered to the leather, then the suede will be folded and sewn to make channels for the mini pencils. The sewing pattern will be punched out of the leather and spine with the screw punch in
preparation for sewing the text block.

Next we will fold signatures of sketchbook paper, punch them, and sew them into the suede spine. Ties to close the book can be fashioned out of waxed linen thread or ribbons.

Materials/equipment to be provided by students:

• Bookbinder’s toolkit:
  • Bone folder
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Scissors
  • Cutting mat
  • Awl

Optional:

• Japanese Screw Punch