Commission a Project
Whether you're mending a beloved book or imagining a journal made exactly for you, we work thoughtfully with each piece. Let's talk about what you need.
How It Works
Send photos of the book you want repaired, or describe the journal you're imagining. A few details help us understand what matters most: the book's condition, its history, or how you'll use it every day.
We'll meet at our Sellwood studio or discuss by email. We talk through materials—which leather, which paper, which binding structure—and answer your questions about the work ahead.
You'll receive a written estimate before any work starts. Once you approve it, we begin. Repairs typically take 2–4 weeks; custom journals 2–6 weeks depending on complexity and your choices.
Repair Inquiries
If you have a book that needs care—a broken spine, loose pages, worn leather—tell us what you see and what you love about it.
When you reach out, please describe:
- The condition: Broken spine? Loose pages? Water damage? Missing boards? Be specific about what's broken.
- The history: If you know when it was made, who owned it, or why it matters, we listen. This helps us make the right repair choices.
- What matters most: Do you need it to be usable again, or is preserving the original materials most important? Both are valid. We ask because they shape how we work.
Sometimes a book is better served by a professional conservator than by a bindery. If we think that's the case, we'll tell you honestly and point you toward the right specialist. We'd rather see a book get the care it truly needs than rush into a repair that doesn't fit.
Custom Journal Inquiries
Making a journal from scratch means deciding together what will make it perfect for you.
When you tell us your idea, please include:
- How you'll use it: Wedding guest book? Daily sketchbook? A gift for a writer? A record of something that matters? The intended use shapes everything from paper weight to binding durability.
- Binding style: Coptic stitch for a book that opens flat? Long-stitch for something elegant and flexible? Pamphlet-sewn for something simple and strong? We can show you the differences.
- Size and quantity: Single journal or a small edition for an event or gifts? We welcome orders for two, five, or twelve matched books.
- Your preferences: Leather or cloth cover? Lined or blank paper? Color, weight, finish? We work with real materials—handmade papers, vegetable-tanned leather, quality linen thread—and we're happy to source exactly what you want.
Pricing
Every book and journal is different, so estimates are always custom. Here's what you can expect:
Repairs
- Simple repairs (regluing, hinge work): from $85
- Full rebind or releathering: from $250
- Complex conservation work: quoted per project
Custom Journals
- Single journal: from $60
- Small editions (2–12 copies): priced per piece on request
- Materials and binding style affect the final price
Every estimate is confirmed in writing before we begin work. There are no surprises.
Get in Touch
Reach out by email, phone, or visit us in person. We're in the Sellwood neighborhood and keep studio hours by appointment.
Kestrel Bindery
Sellwood, Portland, Oregon
Email: [email protected]
Phone: Available by request
Studio hours by appointment.
Let us know what you'd like to discuss and when works for you.
Also interested in workshops?
If you want to learn bookbinding yourself, we offer Saturday workshops year-round at the studio. Email us to ask about current offerings, or visit the Workshops page to see what's coming up.