Welcome to Bound2Bee
The Binder & The Hound
Crafting unique journals for you.
Hi, I’m Amy
I’m a bookbinder, a crochet enthusiast, and the proud (and slightly overwhelmed) guardian of Bella, a retired field trial dog. I live in Central Indiana with two dear friends and three cats who rule the household.
The Journals
My journey into bookbinding began in 2018, fueled by the incredible writing of Keith Smith and the generous tutorials of DAS Bookbinding, Four Keys Book Arts, and Ido Agassi. What started as a hobby—making Coptic stitch journals for friends—evolved into a business in the autumn of 2020. When the pandemic made my previous job untenable, I turned to Etsy to find a new path.
Today, I’m happily employed in the tech sector, but my heart remains in the bindery. I craft handmade journals, photo albums, and desk organizers that blend traditional structures with modern utility. You can find my work on Etsy and Mayhem Marketplace.
The Studio
My workspace is currently a work in progress. As we assess the plumbing in our basement, I’m deciding whether the bindery will live in a finished basement or a dedicated garden shed. Wherever it lands, the goal is the same: a quiet space to create, stitch, and glue.
Life, Chaos, and Bella
I don’t believe in a perfectly ordered life. I’m navigating perimenopause, managing ADHD that has become “aggressively obnoxious” in my 50s, and trying to apply Stoic philosophy to a world that rarely cooperates. It’s messy, but it’s real.
Then there’s Bella. Adopted in 2023 through Prison Greyhounds, she’s a retired field trial dog with the soul of a greyhound. She is my anchor. She reminds me that sometimes, despite our best philosophical efforts, the only thing that matters is a good walk and a snoot rub.
Where I Stand
I’m a progressive person living in a time that demands engagement. The state of the world weighs on me, and it shows up in my writing sometimes. I don’t pretend to be neutral — I value science, atheism, bodily autonomy, LGBTQ+ rights, and democratic institutions. If that’s not your vibe, there are plenty of other journal makers out there. No hard feelings.
What You’ll Find Here
This blog is a mix of the practical and personal. You’ll find:
Behind the Scenes
Updates on my binding projects and studio evolution. With appearances of other crafts.
Bella’s Chronicles
Adventures with a lurcher in a suburban home.
Real Talk
Occasional reflections on neurodivergence, menopause, the art of keeping it together, and politics.
Thanks for stopping by!
Whether you came for the journals or the stories, I’m glad you’re here.