Bookmaking basics : explained
Shown here are some of the tools and materials used in basic bookmaking. There is an endless list of possibilities for personal gifts or creative pleasure.
THIS DAY-LONG WORKSHOP IS A GOOD INTRODUCTION to the world of bookmaking while you energize your hands and brain. Begin by building your own reference Tool Book filled with items like swatches of materials, examples of the best knots and different stitches, and useful terms, all while practicing basic folding, punching, and sewing techniques. Get inspired by looking at samples of multiple binding styles and fill the workshop with hands-on practice of an array of simple binding formats such as pamphlet stitch, meander, flutter, and accordion fold books. We can’t think of a better way for friends and families to share creative moments together and have evidence to show for it.
For 2 to 6 people, age 10 or better, no experience needed
$90 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.
No sew, no glue books
Forget the glue, needles and thread as you fold, tear, cut and weave up to 3 different books.
Bring your own pastepaper to use or try Lead Graffiti potluck. Younger participants may require adult assistance with measuring and using a craft knife.
meander
concertina,
corkscrew, and
French door or dos-a-dos formats
Pamphlet-stitched books
If other bookmaking options seem too technical or fussy, the pamphlet stitch is the ideal way to dip your fingers in the bookmaking waters. It is an excellent workshop for younger bookmakers to do with a parent or friend to learn some hand skills and expand their creative impulses.
And if you've done complicated binding before, don't let this humble-sounding name fool you. Its pure simplicity of execution belies an incredibly versatile nature limited only by your imagination and the materials you use. Get inspired to add this technique and its variations to your repertoire.
Easy to learn, the classic 3-, 4-, and 5-hole pamphlet stitch is adaptable to many formats and materials. Try inserting one or more text blocks to fill soft- or hard cover books. You can also spin it into elaborate greeting and thank you cards, wedding invitations, keepsakes, ornaments, etc.
Some of the variations covered in this workshop include:
single-signature sewing with a cover having foredge turn-ins
2 signatures bound in 1 sewing with a spine-pleat cover
triple concertina-fold book
single-sheet sewing for a small album
reinforced spine with multiple signatures and shifting sewing stations
