Five Star Gift Ideas

For your friend who has a passion for papermaking and bookbinding, there are a range of thoughtful and meaningful gift ideas that can help nurture their interests and support their skills. Here are a few ideas to consider:

1. Papermaking kit: Surprise your friend with a complete papermaking kit that includes all the essential tools and materials. This can include a deckle and mold set, couching sheets, cotton linters, and a drying system. Such a kit would allow your friend to explore their creativity and make their own unique handmade papers.

2. Specialty paper: Seek out unique and handmade papers made by skilled artisans around the world. Look for papers with interesting textures, colors, or patterns that can further inspire your friend's papermaking projects or be used for bookbinding purposes. Consider Japanese Chiyogami paper, marbled paper, or eco-friendly seed paper.

3. Bookbinding class/workshop: Look for local art centers, community colleges, or studios that offer bookbinding classes or workshops. Enrolling your friend in such a course can provide them with invaluable knowledge, techniques, and a chance to connect with others who share their passion.

4. Quality bookbinding tools: Help your friend upgrade their bookbinding tools by gifting them with high-quality tools that they may not have invested in yet. This can include cutting mats, bone folders, bookbinding awls, rulers, or specialty bookbinding knives. These tools will not only enhance their craftsmanship but also show that you support and believe in their artistic pursuits.

5. Bookbinding fabric or leather: If your friend enjoys making journals or covers for books, consider getting them a selection of bookbinding fabrics or leathers. Look for quality materials in various textures and colors, such as linen, velvet, or genuine leather. These materials can be used to create beautiful and personalized book covers.

6. Bookbinding reference books: Expand your friend's knowledge and inspire their creativity with books on bookbinding and papermaking. Look for titles that offer step-by-step instructions, design inspiration, and historical background. Some recommended books include "The Complete Bookbinding Handbook" by Josep Cambras and "Cover to Cover: Creative Techniques for Making Beautiful Books, Journals & Albums" by Shereen LaPlantz.

7. Crafting subscription box: Consider subscribing your friend to a monthly crafting subscription box that includes bookbinding and papermaking projects. These subscription services provide all the necessary materials and instructions for creating unique books, journals, or even decorative paper items. It allows your friend to continually explore their passion throughout the year.

Remember, it's not just the gift itself that matters—it's the thought and effort behind it that truly make it meaningful. By choosing a gift that aligns with your friend's interests and passions, you are showing them that you value and support their creative pursuits.

Or you can get her/him a star map with an important date you share.