[dsm_block_reveal_text block_reveal_text=”Hi! My name is Jared Lim” heading_html_tag=”p” block_reveal_color=”#FFFFFF” block_reveal_delay=”0.7″ block_reveal_viewport=”100%” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Cormorant|500|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”57px” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|50px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” header_text_align_tablet=”” header_text_align_phone=”center” header_text_align_last_edited=”on|phone” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”30px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone”][/dsm_block_reveal_text]
I am a self taught binder & founder of simplr.my, and for over a decade, I’ve been making albums, boxes and many other heirlooms, using only traditional bookbinding methods, serving photographers and clients around the world.
Handcrafting Heirlooms Since 2010
I am the binder and founder of simplr.my and simplr.sg, and I started making simple folios when I first began the bindery over a decade ago in a spare room of my home. Being a self taught binder, I gradually started making more elaborate keepsakes, from custom made boxes, slipcases, and finally various precious albums, all by hand with the knowledge and ability to make them without machines and using only traditional bookbinding methods. Till this day, I still make these precious keepsakes for clients around the world, using the same method and doing them individually by hand.
Recently I took an interest (or rather revived my interest) in art, specifically pen & ink and watercolour. After more than a decade of making the most gorgeous heirlooms, I decided to used my knowledge of bookbinding and the wonderful materials that I possess to start making my own sketchbooks, the way I would love them to be.
The Love for the Art of Binding
I was a wedding photographer before I was a binder, and I started itching away at making albums, not really knowing why. So over 10 years ago, I started making simple folios, eventually gravitating towards more elaborate work such as custom made boxes, slipcases, and finally various albums.
Believe it or not, all the keepsakes you see here were made on nothing more than a 4- foot table with basic bookbinding tools.
Being a self taught binder, I had to learn everything from scratch without the use of binding, gluing, or stitching machines. While there are many out there claiming to have their wares ‘handmade’, take away their binding machines, and they’d be stuck with an unfinished product.
And so for over 10 years, almost every weekday, I’ve been working my craft and refining it, and and proud to have become a skillful binder handmaking a range of heirlooms for clients all over the world. With my new found/revived interest in art, it led me down this path, the binding aspect of it. And so the thought obviously came to me, what if I were to put in the same effort & great stuff into my sketchbooks. I grabbed all those gorgeous materials around me, sat down, and started making my own sketchbooks.
The Same Stuff Goes Into The Sketchbooks
With all the amazing materials that I source and over a decade of binding experience, the same effort and truly wonderful materials go into each sketchbook. The cover is made using Swedish, acid-free cover boards, while the cover material is a specialty bookbinding fabric that’s made in Japan, plus the use of only acid-free adhesives, coupled with gorgeous Hahnemuehle watercolour papers which I have intentionally imported from Germany, and the Bristol boards that are sourced from a mill that has since stop manufacturing them in the US, so quantities are extremely limited. Every sheet of watercolour paper is hand cut, and each sketchbook is sewn, cased in, and glued by hand, individually.
Me & Art
I’ve always loved art, but never had the practice, nor found the time to be good at it or even developed a talent for it. So at over 40 years old, I’ve decided to give it another go, focusing specifically on pen & ink and watercolour. Let’s hope I stick around longer this time! My favourite artist at the moment – Alex Hillkurtz.
My actual workspace, though a little neater than usual, where every sketchbook is handmade.
THANK YOU!
If you’ve ordered a sketchbook from me, I thank you for your support. If you’re thinking about ordering one, know that a lot of time and care will go into every handmade sketchbook that I personally bind.
If you’re interested in ordering one of my handmade sketchbooks, feel free to browse the online shop.