Introduction to Case Binding

We will learn to make a single section A5 size half-cloth hardcover note or sketchbook using decorative papers for cover and endpapers and finishing with a ribbon tie. Interested students may go on to learn multi-section bookbinding on a further course.

Sunday 16^th November 10.30am-4.30pm £45

Photo Display Book

This is both a folded album and a freestanding frame for special photos. In this afternoon workshop we will make a hardcover, concertina book to display a group of 4 or 6 photos or postcards. Finished with decorative papers and cord or ribbon closures, these make lovely personal gifts for family and friends.

Saturday 29^th November 2-5pm £25

Chinese Pocket Booklets

These beautiful and ingenious booklets are made by the needlewomen of the Miao, Dong and Yi tribes of Southwest China and used to keep their thread, braids and patterns in. They make wonderful gifts -folded containers for small photos, keepsakes and mementos. We will make and decorate a 5 compartment version. The project book ‘Folded Secrets’ by Ruth Smith with instructions for a full 15 compartment version will be included in the price of the workshop.

Sunday 30^th November 10.30am-4.30pm £48

Beginning Bookbinding

This is an introduction to the basic techniques of making books by hand. We will explore several different methods of constructing soft cover stitched and folded books using a range of beautiful papers including our own painted paper.

Sunday 25th January10.30am-4.30pm £45

Simple Printing Techniques

Making stamps from a variety of easily available materials and then employing these to create repeat motifs that are particularly suitable for the endpapers and cover papers used in bookbinding. We may combine prints with painted papers to make a soft cover pamphlet stitch book. The methods learned will be applicable to a number of other uses such as making cards and wrapping paper.

Sunday February 8th 10.30am-4.30pm £45

Coptic Binding

The original western form of bookbinding originated from a North African early Christian sect –the Copts. This is a very beautiful stitched multi section binding which leaves an exposed spine. We will create a contemporary book design employing this ancient technique, using coloured pages visible along the spine. This advanced workshop is suitable for those who have already attended a class with me or have some experience of making books (please do ring if you’re not sure).

Sunday February 22nd 10.30am-4.30pm £45

Exploring Folded Books

Concertina, accordion, flutter and tassel books are all formed using folding techniques. We will experiment with these structures making a number of small books as well as at least one hard cover concertina folded book and will make use of a lovely range of papers and trimmings.

Sunday March 15th 10.30am-4.30pm £45

Books for Poems

On this weekend workshop we will work with painted papers to create a book for a favourite poem or piece of writing – maybe your own. Different methods of constructing books will be demonstrated so that you can select the one most appropriate for your project. Suggestions and equipment for ways of handling text will be offered, including use of computer and printer and hand-lettering tools. This workshop is most suitable for those with some experience of making books, ring if you’re not sure.

Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th March 10.30am-4.30pm £85

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Please book by sending your name, address, telephone no. and email, specifying which class(es) with either a deposit of £15 or the full amount -cheque payable to:

Kirsty O’Connor, 15/1 Waverley Park, Edinburgh EH8 8ER

Contact telephone: 0131 659 5408

or email:

kirstyoconnor@phonecoop.coop

Kirsty is a former student of mine - if any others have up coming events or websites they would like me to publicicise or link to do get in touch.