There are all sorts of interesting crafts out there.  Since I am a librarian book binding has fascinated me for years.  The intricate work and skills that can go into creating the text blocks of a book, sets of pages, then sewing them together creating the covers and spine, covering the cover and spine…the list does go on.  This process also takes several days depending on how intricate you are getting.  If you are stretching leather over the cover then there are presses, glues, and a few other things to take into consideration.  If this is something that interests you I have gotten supplies from Hollanders and Dick Blick Supplies, also Demco and Gaylord have interesting and fun supplies.  The only other thing that they all have in common, it is an expensive hobby to get into.  If you are into making paper, art, journaling, writing, or anything like that then creating your own books can be a very worthwhile hobby.  I did create my own book at one point, but I cannot find any of the pictures for the life of me.

Japanese Stab Binding, pictured at top, has just a few things in common with traditional binding and a much shorter supplies list.  Paper, scrapbooking paper if you want something pretty, awl (or screw punch), ruler, tapestry needle and some kind of thread or yarn.  With these few supplies you can easily create a very pretty book.  I recommend checking out some of the Stab Binding Videos on YouTube or searching for Japanese Stab Binding on Pinterest.