Handmade Bookbinding Series

Travel journal? Sketchbook? Artist’s gift? All three?!

In this series of three hand-made bookbinding classes we will learn the fundamentals on the first day and then go on to make even more advanced books in the second and third classes.

1st Class: Bookbinding Fundamentals
2nd Class: Learn the Belgian Binding
3rd Class: Sketchbook with Coptic Binding

Bookbinding Fundamentals

Choosing from a beautiful assortment of decorative and handmade papers provided for us by the instructor, you will learn to cut and glue your paper covers and then how to sew your book using the basic binding stitches.

Belgian Secret Binding aka “Secret Binding”

This binding was created by Ann Goy in Belgium in the 1980’s. There are 2 sewing components – the covers and then sewing the book block to the covers. The spine is completely separate from the two covers and is held in place only by the tension of the weaving. It has the advantage of lying flat when open, but one of the coolest things about this particular binding is the way that you can fold either cover all the way back. This is a real advantage while you are writing or drawing in the book.

Take the class to find out what the “secret” to this binding is and create the perfect holiday gift for the artist in your life!

Watercolor or Drawing Sketchbook 

We will create this unique, one-of-a-kind sketchbook using the Coptic binding. This binding allows for a very nice “lay flat” capability and will quickly become your favorite travel or plein air sketchbook. You can choose to make a watercolor sketchbook with 100% cotton 140lb. watercolor paper or a drawing sketchbook with artist-quality drawing paper.

$40 Materials Fee is INCLUDED in your tuition fee.  No need to bring a check to class. All materials will be provided. You will end each day with a new bound book.