Every so often, someone captures your workspace in a way that makes you fall in love with it all over again. Recently, Catherine from Studio Melo visited the My Guestbook studio to photograph some behind-the-scenes shots for us.
Seeing the studio through her lens, the light, the tools, the tiny details reminded me why I love our little studio so much.
Crafting Guestbooks the Slow, Meaningful Way
Tucked away in the Waitākere Ranges, our studio is where every My Guestbook order begins. The shelves are lined with foils, brass type, beautiful papers and well-loved tools, each ready for the next project.
Here, nothing is rushed. Every guestbook, fingerprint tree, vow book and keepsake is crafted slowly and intentionally, the way handmade items should be. No big team, just me with some help from Steven and Daniel when life gets busy. A family business which started in the spare bedroom almost 20 years ago.
The Art of Foil Printing
Foil printing is one of my favourite parts of the process, from selecting the brass type to locking it into place and pulling the first warm impression off the press, it’s a process full of craft and patience.
Over the years we have curated a collection of vintage plan drawers which now house our brass type and foiling blocks. I confess I may have a small obsession with vintage plan drawers!
Made in New Zealand, Just for You
My Guestbook started with a love for printing, handmade books and a desire to create pieces that feel personal and lasting. Being able to craft these by hand, surrounded by the native bush of West Auckland, is something I never take for granted.
When you support My Guestbook, you’re not just buying a guestbook you’re supporting NZ-made craftsmanship, small-batch production, and the joy of handmade work.
Thank You For Stopping By
If you’ve ordered a guestbook, followed along on Instagram, or simply love seeing how things are made thank you. We hope you like our little sneak peek behind the scenes to see where we work.
And a huge thank you again to Catherine for beautifully capturing these behind the scenes photos for us.
