AS: Can you start by introducing yourself, and telling us about your background?

GB: “I’m Gabby, I was born in Key West, Florida but was raised most of my life in Round Rock, Texas. I’m a lifelong book lover, especially drawn to all things fantasy (give me dragons or give me death), but I’ll read just about anything with a good story. I’m 26 and currently live in Leander with my husband and our two German Shepherds. When I’m not buried in a book, I’m probably making one—literally.”

AS: How would you describe the work that you do?

GB: “​I take well-loved stories and give them new lives. I take existing paperbacks or hardcovers and transform them into something unique and beautiful, durable, and display-worthy. Think of it as a makeover for your favorite stories. I also bind fan fiction by hand (just for myself—no selling!), and I’m always experimenting with new materials, tools, designs, or techniques just for the fun of it. It’s part art, part craft, and fully a labor of love.”

AS: What inspired you to start rebinding books?

GB: “A couple of years ago, I fell headfirst back into the world of fan fiction. I picked up Manacled by SinLinYu (which, fun fact, is being traditionally published this year!) and realized I needed a physical copy for my shelves. Since it’s illegal to buy or sell fan fiction, the only way to own a copy is to make it yourself—so I did. I had no idea what I was doing, but I gave it a try, and I’ve been hooked ever since. What started as a way to bind stories I loved turned into a full-on obsession with the craft.”

AS: What do you find most enjoyable and fulfilling about your art?

GB: “One of the most fulfilling parts of this craft is capturing a story’s essence in a single, physical object. When I finish a piece that weaves in symbols, quotes, or visual cues from a favorite book—and I know what each one means in context—it feels like a secret only fellow readers will truly understand. I didn’t really see myself as artistic or creative before I started binding, but maybe I was just waiting for the right kind of inspiration. I usually read a book thoroughly before deciding to rebind it, so the final design feels true to the story it holds.”

AS: Walk us through your creative process. What all goes into rebinding a book from the initial inspiration to the finished product?

GB: “It usually starts with a book I love or feel particularly inspired by—something with rich characters, powerful visuals, or a vibe that makes my brain go ‘yes, this needs to live on my shelf.’ I typically read (or re-read) the book before I bind it so I can pull in the right symbolism, color palette, or design elements that feel true to the story. Once I’ve got a concept, I prep the text block from an existing paperback or hardcover and begin the process of cutting materials, designing the cover, printing custom endpapers, and binding everything by hand. It’s a mix of measuring, gluing, pressing, and hoping the book gods are on my side. There’s a lot of trial, error, and mid-project swearing involved—but the moment I hold the finished book in my hands and see how it came together? Totally worth it.”

AS: What can people do to support local artists like you?

GB: “Honestly? Share our work, talk about it, and cheer us on—even if you’re not in a place to buy anything. Every like, comment, share, and ‘this reminded me of you’ message helps keep small creators going. If you do want to purchase something, know that you’re not just buying a product—you’re supporting hours of work, a lot of trial and error, and someone pouring a whole lot of love into what they make.”