The Vespiary Book Binding & Book Conservation

Summertime means outdoor festivals and markets here in Missoula.  The weekly People’s Market is a great place to check out what’s new in the local DIY scene.  I love the beginning of each summer because there are always new additions, winter craftsfolk taking their products out for a test run.  I was wowed by a new leatherworker who I happened on at the recent Missoula MADE fair, Joe Goertzen. He makes gorgeous fishing, hunting and mountaineering equipment, and I fainted dead away when I saw his personal weathered-in creel style bag. Talk about wabi-sabi!

The Missoulian featured him on the front of the Regional section, and I was inspired by the fact that his business grew out of his own personal need for an efficient fishing kit tat he could take with him on a bicycle. I’m currenty dreaming up designs for my own portable bookbinding toolbag, since he loves custom work.

You can find him at the People’s Market on Saturdays, or visit his online shop.