Bookbinding: From Beginners to Advanced

During this beginner's course, participants are introduced to elements of the book; the mysteries of grain direction and to materials and essential tools to get the beginner started on their bookbinding journey. Skills, tips, and tricks will be gleaned, as well as a thorough understanding of basic bookbinding. Two projects are undertaken as an introduction to working with the tools and materials in a manageable way. A single-section paper cover and a hardcover notebook will be completed on this one-day taster course. All materials and tools are provided.

This course is aimed at those with good experience of basic bookbinding technique. Topics covered will be Quarter or Half Leather binding with Cloth or Paper Sides; French Sewing, Leather Paring using a Paring Machine, Spokeshave (a cutting tool used for shaping, trimming and/ or smoothing leather) and Knife, Hand-sewn Silk (Head)End-bands, Made Endpapers, and laced-on Board Attachment, as well as traditional Hand Tooling with gold foil. Sheets are provided.

This course follows on from the introductory bookbinding course where the aim is to complete two Blank Multi-section Sewn Bindings, one Flat-back Half Cloth with Decorative paper sides and the other, a Rounded Spine Full Cloth binding. The course-goer will learn Rounding and Backing, using Stick-on Headbands, how to line up the spine, as well as experiencing Hand Tooling with gold foil.