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Beige paper with torn edges background
Eva Kodera sits at a wooden worktable in front of shelves filled with colorful books, reviewing materials and notes on her phone while preparing or designing a handmade book project. Tools, paper samples, and adhesives are spread across the workspace.
I also regularly post my work and behind-the-scenes on Instagram — subscribe and reach out anytime for ideas and collaborations!

What started
as a dream is now
my everyday crAFT

My journey began with the book Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. In 2014, I started my apprenticeship at a small bookbindery in Ravensburg.

A year abroad in New Zealand and Vietnam opened my eyes to new ideas — and brought me to the Allgäu, where I joined company making folders, boxes, slipcases, and mats for museums and collections.

Eva Kodera is working on a bookbinding project.

Photo by Marcus Janssens

Sharing my craft
keeps me inspired!

A newspaper page showing an article about learning new bookbinding techniques, with a photo of Eva Kodera during the bookbinding process.

2023

Bindereport (11/2023)

A picture of a book Büecher Liebe: Lesen, Bloggen, Selberschreiben by Christine Knödler.

2024

BücherLiebe: Lesen, Bloggen, Selberschreiben by Christine Knödler

Eva Kodera at Podium discussion about niche jobs.

2024

Podium discussion about niche jobs (Bildung im Blick)

Newspaper clipping with a bookbinder working at a wooden press inside a spacious workshop in Marktoberdorf, surrounded by shelves and tools.

2025

Markoberdorfer Landbote (04/2025)

Newspaper clipping with a bookbinder working at a wooden press inside a spacious workshop in Marktoberdorf, surrounded by shelves and tools.

2025

Markoberdorfer Landbote (04/2025)

about banner.jpg
A top view of hands working on a bookbinding project.

about me

THE FACE BEHIND

WORTSCHMUGGLER

Eva Luna Kodera
German Master Bookbinder

Portrait of a smiling woman with red hair — Eva Luna Kodera, German Master Bookbinder
A close-up of the Wortschmuggler business card together with a postcard and an envelope lying on a wooden table.

In 2019, I founded WORTSCHMUGGLER

It all started as an Etsy shop, but now much of my work happens via Instagram — over 13,500 people follow me to watch my process in Reels and admire the finished pieces.

Close-up of a bookbinder’s hands carefully attaching or adjusting a strip of marbled paper on the spine of a handmade book.
Vintage paper background
Preserving what’s precious
is at the core of what I do —
and it always will be
Hands of a bookbinder using an awl to punch sewing holes into a book signature, preparing the pages for hand sewing.

Bookbinding was always my dream — and now I help others’ dreams come true with over a decade of experience in every project.

Becoming a master bookbinder

In 2022-2023, I spent most of my time in Munich attending the master school — deepening my knowledge, meeting amazing colleagues, and creating my master piece.

My master project was inspired by Art Deco design; bound in black goat leather with leather onlays and gilded with moon gold. Housed in a pop up slip case based on the one developed by Hugo Peller – I still think this is a project worthy of being called masterpiece.

Eva Luna Kodera Master Bookbinder Certificate

Master Bookbinder Certificate

A handcrafted clamshell box in turquoise and dark brown holds a fine-bound edition of “Gatsby,” featuring gold tooling and a decorative inlay on the spine.

My final project — The Great Gatsby

Vintage paper with torn edges background
If you’re ever nearby, come visit me in Aitrang — for a workshop, a browse, or simply a friendly talk. You’re always welcome here!

since 2025, I FINALLY

HAVE MY DREAM WORKSHOP

— lots of space for big ideas and warm chats with visitors.

Wide-angle view of a bookbinding workshop interior with shelves of materials, cutting tools, storage units, and workstations in a spacious studio.
Wide view of a bookbinding studio with worktables, shelves, and tools in a bright workspace.
Vintage paper with torn edges background
Being self-employed has been one of the best decisions of my life
Close-up of hands burnishing cover material onto greyboard during the bookbinding process, using a bone folder.

It gives me room for creativity, trying new techniques, fulfilling custom requests, and simply making the books I want to make.

Beige paper with torn edges background
Eva Kodera places materials into a large traditional book press. Bookshelves filled with colorful books are visible in the background.

It brings me challenges every single day — but also freedom, connections with people through what I create and constant learning. I wouldn’t trade it for anything else!

Close-up of a bookbinder’s hands attaching the cover material to the spine of a text block, showing folded papers.

in 2025, I also started

hosting my own 
bookbinding workshops

With me you can learn different techniques and create your own design. I’m looking forward to sharing my craft with you!

Close-up of a bookbinder’s hands cutting the corner of a book cover board with small scissors during the binding process.
Eva Kodera during bookbinding process.

my journey

1995

Born in Darmstadt

2005–2010

Lived in Peru

2014

High school diploma in Landau/Pfalz

2014–2017

Bookbinding apprenticeship at Gabriele Lutz-Eitel in Ravensburg

Since 2018

Bookbinder at Klug Conservation in Immenstadt

Since 2019

Founded Wortschmuggler

2022-2023

Master studies in Munich

Since 2023

Certified Master Bookbinder

2023

Featured in Bindereport (11/2023)

Since 2024

Member of “Meister der Einbandkunst”
association

2024

Featured in the book BücherLiebe: Lesen, Bloggen, Selberschreiben by Christine Knödler

​

Podium discussion about niche jobs (Bildung im Blick)

April 2025

Opening of my bookbindery
in Aitrang (Allgäu)

​

Featured in Markoberdorfer Landbote (04/2025)

Bookbinding stands for tradition
and quality

I am very proud to keep this centuries-old craft alive and deeply grateful for everyone who supports my little workshop and passion for traditional bookbinding.

Close-up of a bookbinder using a hammer.
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