Most classes teach techniques for binding a number of signatures into a book but of course there is often the need to bind single pages too, particularly amongst artists and printmakers.

During this one-day class you will learn how to prepare and make a ‘loop’ binding. The chief value of this binding is that it holds single pages in a traditional book format. It lies flat when open and is a beautiful structure in which to present prints, photographs or other flatwork. It is also popular as a journal, travel book or artist sketchbook. It is a structure which can be made at home with minimal equipment, and makes a fabulous gift. Once you've done this class it will be possible to bind anything 2-dimensional into a book form -  tiles, slates, sheets of perspex or balsa wood; even paper!

Suitable for beginners.

Stapleford Granary has easy car parking

 Miniature books are always admired and  loved. In this class you will learn how to  scale things down and produce a  selection of beautiful miniature books  that will be fully functioning and useable.  You will make a long stitched leather  bound book as well as some different  hardbound and folded book structures.  These will make ideal gifts, keepsakes,  necklaces or even Christmas tree  decorations.

All materials will be provided, suitable for beginners.

Stapleford Granary has easy car parking.

Learn how to make the Elbum, designed by Ben Elbel,  a fun and clever album structure which holds its pages by gripping them into a series of articulated  narrow pockets. This is a  treasure of paper engineering, this project is also a great introduction to concertina folding by hand as it requires precision folding. There will be an opportunity to practice with making a prototype before moving onto your finished Elbum. This is ideal if you are looking for a book structure that will hold individual pages.

This class is suitable for beginners as well as those with some bookbinding experience. 

Stapleford Granary  has easy car parking and is within walking distance of Shelford Railway Station

Would you like the opportunity to work on your own project but struggle with motivation or space at home? Or just want some company of like minded bookbinders?

If so, this is an ideal chance to spend time in my studio where you can use  my tools and equipment to work on a project of your choice using your own materials. However if you would like me to prepare any boards for you do let me know in advance and I can advise you of the cost.

There are a range of presses and sewing frames available to use as well as my usual tools kits and cutting mats.

I will be on hand to offer some guidance but this is not a teaching session - as I am likely to be working on my own project, or preparing for forthcoming classes alongside you. 

Japanese-style Album

This binding is one of the earliest 'book' shaped bindings dating back to China in the 14th century.  Today these books are used as sketchbooks, notebooks and with a little extra reinforcement, which you  will learn in this class, albums or scrapbooks. During this workshop you will learn one of the four stitch styles used in traditional Japanese bookbinding . These are beautiful structures to which you can add a variety of creative finishes, we can also interleave the pages with  glassine if desired. You can also design your own stitch patterns!     

Suitable for beginners.

Over this full  weekend of bookbinding you will learn the  techniques to complete four beautiful book structures along with a lined slipcase to hold your treasured prototype collection. All of the skills you will learn can be 'mixed and matched' so that you have a myriad of design possibilities after the course. You will make a Quarter Bound Single Section, a Hard Bound Journal, along with a Japanese Stab stitch book and a Concertina binding, finishing the weekend with a lined slipcase. 

All materials and equipment are included in the fee and you will also be provided with most of the the materials to reproduce these books at home.

Stapleford Granary has easy car parking and is within Walking distance from Shelford Railway Station 

The Sewn Boards Binding, brought to prominence by American binder Gary Frost,  is the subject of many conversations and variations and with good reason. As well as being an adaptation of ancient Ethiopian binding techniques it also looks 'bang up-to-date' with its crisp edges and streamlined opening ability. It is a great extension to existing binding skills and is also a very helpful starting point for new binders as it does not require the traditional casing-in process! As with other classes, this workshop is taught so that you can repeat at home.

All equipment and materials required will be provided along with step by step demonstration and practice.

Stapleford Granary has easy car parking and is within walking distance of Shelford Railway Station.

You will learn new techniques in each weekly 3-hour session to complete four beautiful book structures along with a lined slipcase to hold your treasured prototype collection. All of the skills can be 'mixed and matched' so that you have a myriad of design possibilities.  

Week 1: Introduction and Quarter Bound Single Section 
Week 2: Concertina Binding 
Week 3:  Hard Bound Journal
Week 4:  Japanese Stab stitch
Week 5: Lined Slipcase 
 These classes are booked as a block but if you would like to attend one or more as a 'taster' email me and I can advise you on space availability. 

All materials are included in the fee and for this programme you will also be provided with the materials to do your 'homework' ;-)  
Stapleford Granary has easy carparking.