A book artist
Hello, I'm Liz from Book Art Studios and I create and sell a range of handmade books and journals that are both unique and scrumptious.
I also teach people how to make lots of different types of books and various styles of book binding, online from my gorgeous home studio based in West Auckland, New Zealand.
I can't help it :)
New Zealand is the perfect place for an artist as it’s a land rich in creativity and storytelling.
I’m often inspired and prompted by nature with its abundance of colour, rawness and beauty. The stunning landscapes are reflected in my work both as an artist and an author.
I’m a proud author of five published books, four of which have been published here in New Zealand and one in Europe.
I’m a natural born teacher, who invites students to explore, discover, experiment, play and have fun!I invite students to explore a world where stories come to life not only through words but through a handmade book.
the story so far.....
MARCH 2025: As I sit here in Manchester, UK and write this I’m reflecting on my life and what an extraordinary life it’s been so far. When I was around 16 and had to pick a career I really didn’t know I was to grow into an artist. And to be honest, I’m kind of glad I didn’t. It meant I was able to fully embrace the work I was doing at any given time.
The order of my working life has been oh so perfect for what I needed to learn in order to lead me to where I am now. I began my working life as an Early Childhood Teacher and what I learned from this was how much fun it was to create a life based on play, exploration and experimentation. I also adored the storytelling aspect and was known to keep a group of children entertained with nothing more than a tea bag and my imagination.
I became self employed at the age of 22 when I bought the Early Childhood Centre I was working at in New Zealand. There is so much more to this story, but the main part is I’ve never looked back, enjoying the decision to work for myself and all it brought with it. It’s been hard, hard work yes, but the fact I get to do things ‘my way’ has over-ridden all of that.
I sold the early childhood centre when I was in my early 30’s and discovered a career consultant thinking to myself, “I’d love to do what she’s doing.” So I did. I really loved working with people to make changes in their work and personal lives. To see people blossom and grow in this area was both a privilege and a delight. My second business was called: CareerMakers!
Meeting book artist Ailie Snow through a friend was the meeting that changed the course of my life. I recall holding Ailie’s books in my hands and feeling the call to action deep within me. It sounds fanciful (as my mother would say!) but there really is no other way to describe it other than maybe a calling. I was pulled into the art of making books and I’ve been deeply ensconced in it ever since with Book Art Studios coming out into the world and taking me on the wildest adventure of my life!
When my love of words began to work their way into my creations and also through writing books (on how to make books) things really began to move up a notch. Teaching has been my one constant that’s weaved its way through all my working life and I’m still in love with it as I was when I began to teach at the tender age of 16.
On a personal note, as much as I love my working life, I always maintain that my daughter Galar is my most loved creation of all. She has taught me so much about myself and extended me as both a mother and an artist.
I’m excited about where my adventures as an artist will take me next with a novel in the works!!
