Purplebean Bindery

I love making books. I love the design of a well-made book; I love the utility of a sturdy blank book. I also love paper, fabric and color and am delighted I get to work with them all day long. I think of every book I make as a collaboration between myself as the bookbinder and whoever ends up filling the pages. It’s a special joy to think that my books inspire people to be creative, to record and celebrate their lives, to commit memories and stories to paper. My favorite hand-sewn binding technique is called the button hole binding. It’s sturdy and decorative. It doesn’t use glue, so there is nothing to yellow or crack. It allows the cover to be artfully cut open, exposing the decorative endpapers. It’s a ton of fun to make.
I am a one-woman studio. I design, screen print, fold, cut and bind everything myself (in addition to doing sales, promotion, customer service, and light accounting). When not in journal-production mode (which I love), I make artist books. My work has been exhibited throughout New England and is held in several library special collections. My 2nd floor studio is in my home, an old, green farmhouse in sunny Auburn, Maine.

Thank you for getting to know my work!

photo credit: James Hardman Photography

Reviews & Book Fans

"I have purchased 4 Purplebean notebooks now over the past two years and they are wonderful. Such unique journals and great gifts!"

-Carly on Etsy, February 2025

"Made my writer soul so happy. I'm so glad that I was able to pick up this unique journal. Perfect line spacings and is strong enough to be jostled around in my bag."

-Evan on Etsy, December 2024

"This beautiful, little journal is perfect in every way! I bought it as a gift but will be back to order more for myself. I love the way it was wrapped and the cute, embossed pencil included was an extra bonus. Highly recommend!!!"

Kate on Etsy, December 2023

"Gorgeous! I am so pleased with my journal. Quality is superior, and I highly recommend Purplebean Bindery."

Heidi on Etsy, March 2023

I used my blank book to record my vacation in Maine. The pockets are filled with mementos of my trip with little daily notes about my Maine exploits" Rachel -Chicago, Illinois

I met Charles several years ago when a friend bought him a haiku book. Both have come back to visit at art fairs many times, to share Charle's poems and purchase another book. With each visit, Charles shows me his previous book, often filled with with a specific theme (like recording his trip to France in haiku) and illustrationed around the margins. Charles -Portland, Maine

"My collection of "bitty books" has provided me with much satisfaction over the past several years. I have NEVER been able to keep a journal before in my lengthy life until presented with my first lovely book from Anna. Those non-intimidating little pages with just enough room to enter a few thoughts, recollections, reminders to myself are perfect for a "non-journaler". And the lovely colorful papers interspersed among the plain ones are always a delight. Not only that, the book holds up beautifully through 365 days of penning in my entries with a few extra pages to reflect on the year. And don't you love that binding?!" Joanne -Brunswick, Maine