An Ancient Craft
Paper, cloth and leather combine to make some of our most treasured possessions: books! Binder Timothy Dyck can repair/restore any book in your collection using time-honoured skills and materials.
New bindings, like family histories, theses, custom art journals, as well as artist collaborations: all have boundless possibilities at The Colour Jar.
How much does bookbinding cost? Each book, like the conditions and materials that created it, is different. In short, Timothy will need to see and talk with you about the book/project to estimate properly. However, an old paperback with a broken spine might cost $25, and a large family Bible that is falling apart might be $200. A new hardcover book bound in attractive cloth with a title, and an edition of one, might be $55. Multiple copies usually bring the price down. The goal is a durable and beautiful object that invites exploration!
Learn Bookbinding: Each year, Timothy teaches courses for Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild (CBBAG). You can choose between simpler project-based workshops, usually 1-2 days, and more Comprehensive core courses are BB1, BB2 and BB3, each being 6 days in length. Upcoming workshops remaining for 2026: • Wood-type sewn journal, in Goderich Aug 3-6; • Herringbone journal/sketchbook, in Goderich Aug 3-6; • Rugged leather notebook wrapper, in Goderich Aug 3-6; • The Deconstructed Book (make a journal from an old book), in Owen Sound Sept 26-27; • BB1 in Winnipeg, MB, Oct 16-18 and 23-25; • See more info under the Classes tab. Learn more about other CBBAG courses here.
About: Timothy learned the craft from binder Odette Drapeau in Montreal in the 1990s. He has been practicing ever since, in Durham Ontario.
Rugged new Journals
Everyone has a story to tell. And handmade books have stories too, especially if they are made from quality materials. In our studio, both Timothy and his colleague/daughter Lydia craft beautiful journals which become spaces for your notes, dreams, and journeys. From pocket notebooks to one-of-a-kind hardcover journals, you will find a place of inspiration for your next chapter! Stop in to see what the binders are working on…
Recent Bookbinding Projects
