Workshop
🌿 BOUND BY NATURE 🌿
A Private Bookbinding + Creative Writing Experience
Presented by Fenix Rising Press | Hosted by Nita Lipan
Bring the magic of Bound by Nature to your home, your workplace, your creative gathering, or any occasion that deserves something a little extraordinary.
Your group will learn to hand-stitch a Coptic-bound journal, an ancient bookbinding technique dating to 2nd-century Egypt, while exploring the connection between the handmade and the written word. Guided by published fantasy author Nita Lipan, this is not your average craft night. It is an experience.
No writing experience needed. No crafting experience needed. Just curiosity and a willingness to slow down.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Private Bound by Nature events are perfect for:
✦ Girls' nights and friend gatherings ✦ Book clubs and creative writing groups ✦ Sip and Bind nights (yes, wine and bookbinding are a beautiful combination!) ✦ Homeschool co-ops and educational groups ✦ School and classroom events ✦ Creative retreats and wellness gatherings ✦ Bookish birthday celebrations ✦ Team building for creative and arts-focused organizations
This workshop uses bookbinding awls and needles. Participants must be ages 13 and up. Participants ages 13 to 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A clear head makes for a better-stitched book!
GROUP SIZE
Private events are structured in groups of five.
✦ Up to 5 participants: standard private event with Nita as your sole guide ✦ Up to 10 participants: one volunteer host assistant joins Nita for the session and receives a complimentary workshop kit as a thank you ✦ Up to 15 participants: two volunteer assistants required (school groups and larger gatherings welcome at this tier)
10 participants is the sweet spot for the most personal and enjoyable experience.
If Nita's daughter Lilyana is available to help lead a session for larger groups, a small assistant fee will be built into your custom quote. This will be captured in your inquiry form.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Every private Bound by Nature event includes:
✦ A pre-assembled workshop pouch for each participant with everything they need inside (templates, cut paper, book covers, waxed thread, needle, and bone folder) ✦ Your completed hand-stitched Coptic journal to keep ✦ The Bound by Nature workbook to keep ✦ A second set of paper and covers so participants can continue creating at home ✦ Guided creative writing experience ✦ Outdoor nature walk and sensory writing exercise (if location allows) ✦ A curated crafting materials table for decoration and personalization ✦ A dip pen demonstration using handcrafted black walnut ink made from native NC plants ✦ Light nature-themed snacks ✦ Nita's full presence and energy for the entire session
Setup is intentional and streamlined: placemat, pouch, and reference resources at each seat. Simple, beautiful, and ready to go.
WORKSHOP DURATION
✦ 3 hours for groups with some sewing or handwork background who tend to pick things up quickly ✦ 4 hours recommended for most groups to ensure every participant finishes with confidence and joy
Duration is discussed during booking based on your group.
ADD-ON: THE DIP PEN EXPERIENCE ✨
After binding their journal like the ancient Egyptians, your participants will have the opportunity to write in it like Jane Austen.
As part of every private event, Nita provides a dip pen demonstration with handcrafted black walnut ink made from native North Carolina plants. This experience is already woven into the workshop.
The add-on is the gift of taking that magic home.
Each boxed dip pen set includes:
✦ One beautiful glass dip pen ✦ 4 vials of handcrafted black walnut ink ✦ 4 native NC plant ink-making recipes to create your own ink at home
Hosts have two options:
✦ Pre-order for all participants: Nita prepares a boxed set for each attendee as part of your event package ✦ Available at the event: sets are available for individual purchase on the day of the event while supplies last
Dip pen sets are $10 each and can be pre-ordered for all participants or made available for individual purchase at the event.
KITS ARE INCLUDED
For private events, all workshop kits are included in your custom quote. No separate purchase needed. Every participant arrives to a beautiful pre-assembled pouch with everything inside and leaves with a finished journal, a workbook, and supplies to keep creating.
LOCATION OPTIONS
Nita comes to you. Host your event at your home, office, studio, or venue. You provide the table space and Nita brings everything else.
You come to a venue. Prefer a neutral location? We can arrange a local venue together. Venue fees, if applicable, are the responsibility of the host.
Travel fee applies for events located more than 20 miles from Franklin, NC. Travel fee will be included in your custom quote. (We live in the mountains. 20 miles here is a real commitment and your quote will reflect that fairly.)
PRICING
Every private Bound by Nature event is custom quoted based on your group size, location, duration, and any add-ons.
Submit your inquiry and receive your personalized quote within 48 hours.
HOW TO BOOK
- Submit your inquiry through the link below
- Receive your custom quote within 48 hours
- Confirm with a deposit to hold your date
- Show up and make something beautiful
INQUIRE NOW
✦ Request a Workshop Quote ✦
"There's only one you and that is priceless." Nita Lipan
Fenix Rising Press | Franklin, NC | Bound by Nature Workshop Series