1 DAY, 1 BOOK : bookmaking

 

THIS WORKSHOP IS A GREAT JUMP START for the novice or anyone who wants to polish their bookmaking skills. Make a classic hand-sewn book from cover to cover. Personalized by you, hand bound books to make especially memorable gifts and keepsakes that will be appreciated for a long time.

  • For 2 to 6 people, age 10 or better

  • $130 each

  • 7 working hours + lunch

  • All materials included

  • Completing this workshop gives you access to Workspace Rental and Table Top Press Rental.

  • Current workshop calendar, or email us to request a date.

Wear comfortable shoes and work clothing. Please dress for the weather: we are not air-conditioned, and in winter, much of the heat rises to the top of our 20-foot ceiling. Bring questions, your camera, and a notebook to record your process.

A book worth opening

THIS WORKSHOP COVERS THE SKILLS, tools, and materials needed to assemble a traditional hand-sewn, flatback hardcover book. Begin by painting a few quick sheets of bookmaker's paste paper to wrap your cover; fold, gather, punch and sew a text block using the classic long stitch; prepare the spine; grab a bite of lunch; then assemble a hard cover using your paste paper design, case in your text block and take your book home.

Three young bookmakers hold their finished, colorful hand sewn books.

Three young bookmakers hold their finished, colorful hand sewn books.

This style of book makes a great travel journal or encouragement for a writer of words or of songs. Imagine it as a guest book for a special occasion or a sketchbook for a budding artist. 

One-of-kind paste paper, cotton paper pages with hand torn edges and a ribbon marker make this book a special keepsake.

One-of-kind paste paper, cotton paper pages with hand torn edges and a ribbon marker make this book a special keepsake.

The takeaway

AFTER THE WORKSHOP you'll take away sample sewing cards to help you remember how to tie the knots and repeat the correct sewing sequence. A handout with step-by-step instructions also makes for handy reference when you start your next book.

Coupled with your choice of alternative materials (papers, book cloth, ribbons, etc.), this binding style is adaptable to a wonderful variety of books, all made with the same essential processes. Completing this workshop gives you an open invitation to rent studio time, making use of tools and equipment to continue your progress.

Workshop content

  • Use combs, rollers and rubber stamps to paint original paste paper cover designs

  • Learn a few simple, professional techniques for folding paper and assembling a text block

  • Create a punch pattern and use a book cradle and awl to punch your text block

  • Hand sew your text block with linen thread in the classic bookbinder’s long stitch

  • Reinforce the spine and add decorative endbands and a ribbon bookmark

  • Assemble a hard cover using your paste paper and a book-cloth-covered spine

  • Case in your hand sewn text block inside your custom decorative hard cover