Behind the Bindery: How We Make Our Heirloom Albums

A closer look at the process, the materials, and the meaning behind our most timeless books.

Albums sit closed most of the time — on book shelves, in drawers, under beds. But when they’re opened, they hold everything.
Photos. Handwritten notes. Pressed flowers. Tickets. Newspaper clippings. Milestones.

These aren’t just image holders. They’re keepers of memorabilia and relationships — the story of a life told in fragments.

Our handcrafted albums are made to hold all of that. Built the old way, by hand. Designed to last.
Today, we'll walk you through the process.

1. Pages that can hold weight 

It starts with the paper — thick, acid-free, and beautiful to touch.
We use heavyweight stock that can take photo corners or mounting tape, and still turn smoothly.
Smooth and black, with tissue interleaving. All are chosen with longevity in mind, and to preserve what you choose to put inside

These pages can hold more than images — letters, drawings, pressed plants. Whatever you want to keep. 

2. Folding, collating, and sewing the book block

Each section is folded, with a 'guard' created. This extra piece of card creates more space in the spine so that the book doesn't 'bulk out' with the added items. We align grain, sew each signature with linen thread, and then add in the tissue — this stops items from rubbing and damaging each other. 

The style of binding is commonly called a 'guard book' and it's a bit different to craft that your standard journal book block. If you're an avid bookbinder or someone who has made books before you can learn to make this style of binding in our 'Guard Book Mini Course'

3. Binding the covers — measured, cut, and built from scratch

Every album cover is made to match its pages. We cut the boards, shape the spine, and cover it in your chosen leather colour.
You can keep it simple or add personalisation. Some choose names. Some choose years.
It’s up to you.

Because we build the cover from start to finish, you’ll feel that craftmanship every time you open the book.

4. Pressing and finishing

Once bound, each album is left overnight in the book press. 
Then comes the final check — and finally the wrapping, our mongrammed tissue and our signature black box.
We don’t over-package. It’s ready to be part of someone’s story.

Thinking of gifting an album? Now’s the time.

Our albums take time — and they’re worth it. If you’re planning a Christmas gift, a wedding keepsake, or a memory book, we’d love to make one for you. Keep in mind the bindery closes for Christmas on the 17th December, so don't leave it until the last minute!

View our range of handcrafted albums here.