Description
Make a Tiny Grief Book – A Book Arts Workshop
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn to bind tiny “grief books.” The books and their content are pre-designed and pre-printed for the workshop, with text adapted (with acknowledgment) from How to Go On Living When Someone You Love Dies by Therese Rando, and beautiful original art created and donated specifically for the books by local watercolorist Maggie Orion. Each book fits in the palm of your hand. To see pictures of finished books, visit the Little Grief Book Project’s website.
What You’ll Learn:
- Bookbinding Basics: How to fold, stitch, and bind a small hard-cover book using simple tools.
- Mindful Making: How the act of crafting can support healing and emotional resilience.
- Design & Meaning: The ways handmade objects can embody comfort and care.
What You’ll Create:
- At least one tiny grief book, each 2.6″ x 2″, with the option to make more in the extra time
- A deeper sense of how creative practice can connect us to healing, community, and service.
These workshops mark the beginning of a local network of makers who can help hand-bind grief books on an ongoing basis, inspired by community-support models like Cakes4Kids. Our vision is to create a two-way registry—connecting volunteers who wish to make and give these books with local organizations and individuals experiencing grief.
Class Details:
- Ages: Adults & teens 13+
- Skill Level: Beginner-friendly—no prior bookbinding experience required!
- Fee: $45 + $20 materials fee
- Class Size: Minimum 4 / Maximum 6 participants
About The Facilitator
Myfanwy Johnston
Myfanwy Johnston is a local booksmith, scientist, and community member who believes in the quiet power of handmade things. With a background in ecology and years of experience working on water and conservation projects across California, she also finds joy in bookbinding and creating space for people to connect. The little grief books grew out of a personal experience with loss and a desire to offer something gentle and tangible to those navigating grief.
Please note: All classes require a minimum number of participants and may be rescheduled if that minimum is not met. If this happens, we’ll let you know in advance and work with you to get you into the next available class.
Cancellation Policy
Please review our cancellation policy before booking. If you need to cancel your registration, you must notify us at least 7 days before the class start time to receive a refund. Cancellations made within 7 days are non-refundable.
Waitlist Form
Fill out the waitlist form below if the class is not available, or if you need a different date. We will reach out when the class becomes available.
