Our Story
Handmade craftsmanship without the gatekeeping.
Founded in 2023 and based in Bozeman, Montana, we use traditional bookbinding techniques with materials chosen to fit your project—whether that's practical and affordable for everyday books, or premium archival materials for heirloom restorations and precious manuscripts. From custom rebindings to book repairs, print & bind services, and workshops—every project is approached with care, creativity, and the belief that your books deserve better.
What we do (and who we do it for).
Our clients trust us with their most meaningful projects—dissertation bindings, worn-out childhood favorites, family heirlooms, treasured recipe books, and the novels they've read until the covers fell off. We also teach in-person workshops at local venues and create comprehensive kits for aspiring bookbinders who want to learn at home, because we believe anyone who wants to try this craft should have access to quality instruction and materials—not just those who can afford expensive classes or happen to live near a bindery.
Your book, your budget, your choice.
Beautiful, durable binding shouldn't require a trust fund—but when a project calls for museum-quality work, we can deliver that too. Not every book needs to survive 500 years, but the ones that do deserve that option. We're here to help you figure out what makes sense for your book and your budget. No pretension. No pressure. Just honest, handmade work that honors your stories at whatever level is right for you.
Meet the Maker
Jess
Bookbinder, Instructor, & Founder
Jess came to bookbinding through the most unexpected path: working in a library, watching the bindery team with fascination, and then falling down a TikTok rabbit hole that changed everything.
Largely self-taught (with an MLIS and a lot of determination), Jess brings a practical, accessible approach to bookbinding that demystifies the craft. From teaching workshops to creating DIY kits to custom binding passion projects, Jess's work is rooted in the belief that beautiful books shouldn't be gatekept—they should be for everyone.
When she's not in the bindery, you'll find her binge-watching K-dramas, experimenting in the kitchen, reading (of course!), or being supervised by two cats named after Polish foods: Kashka (oatmeal) and Makowiec (Mako for short, a poppy seed roll).
Oh, and she speaks Mandarin, which has absolutely nothing to do with bookbinding but is a fun fact nonetheless.
The name? "Jester" was Jess's high school nickname. Add two cats, a love of books, and a whimsical mascot named Piero (short for Pierogi), and JesterCat Binding Co. was born.
