Beginners Introduction to Book Binding Class

Recent reviews of Beginners Introduction to Book Binding Class

• 5/5 from Katharina Bernreiter, attended Sep 2026: The bookbinding workshop was really a highlight! It started with the fact that none of the dates on the website fit us and we got an alternative date to be able to do the course. The communication where and when the course takes place was very clear and we were even asked if we wanted to have certain snacks or have allergies. The journey was uncomplicated due to the sent plan. The workshop itself was great. Will explains everything great how to do something and also tells about the story of bookbinding. We chatted a lot and got a lot of good tips for our further trip in Scotland. In addition, a lot of snacks were prepared and there was also tea, which was very nice. In all, we are very happy with our resulting books and had a great time at the workshop! Thank you for that, Will!
• 5/5 from Pearl Kay, attended Aug 2026: Thanks Will for such an interesting "Beginners introduction to Book Binding Class" today. Not really knowing to expect, we all produced really lovely notebooks - each one with a personal choice of covers and all so individual! Will chatted and kept us informed on how book binding evolved throughout the years.
• 5/5 from Sheena Doyle, attended Aug 2026: Wonderful experience and very happy with my notebook. Will was an extremely patient and knowledgable teacher
• 5/5 from Petra Keller, attended Jul 2026: I attended a bookbinding workshop. It was a great day. The steps were explained and shown by Will and he helped directly when I got stuck. Will gave a lot of interesting information about the history of bookbinding. I liked this mixture very much. At the end I am a proud owner of a self binded book. I highly recommend this workshop. It's great.
• 5/5 from Isabel Fernando, attended Jun 2026: Very informative and fun class! Highly recommend
• 5/5 from Grace Scott, attended Jun 2026: Really good experience, throughly enjoyed the session. We love our new books.
• 5/5 from Sharon Cooper, attended Jun 2026: Will was very welcoming into his great wee studio. He talked through the whole process of bookbinding with careful step by step instructions and demonstrations along the way. He also helped me to use some of my own printed paper in my book, which was a bonus. With lots of stories of the history of bookbinding techniques, Will showed lots of samples and examples to illustrate how things developed over the years. The whole process was very relaxing and great fun and....I ended up with a beautiful hand bound book of my own. Would highly recommend Will's workshop.
• 5/5 from Jonathan Higgins, attended May 2026: I had a wonderful experience attending this bookbinding class. I had been searching for a well-structured introductory course for some time, and this workshop exceeded my expectations. Will was an excellent instructor — welcoming, patient, knowledgeable, and highly engaging throughout the session. The workshop space itself was cosy, distinctive, and created a very enjoyable atmosphere for learning. The time passed incredibly quickly, which is always a sign of a truly immersive experience. The materials which we were given were of the highest quality, my book really did feel solid at the end of the class. I look forward to attending more of Will’s classes in the future and would highly recommend this workshop to anyone interested in exploring the art of bookbinding. A special mention to Will's lovable dog–Porridge, she was an absolute delight, and a true darling to be around. A wonderful experience all round.
• 5/5 from Shelley Stevens, attended May 2026: Thank you Will for a lovely afternoon! Will is an excellent, incredibly patient and knowledgeable teacher who made me feel very welcome. Would absolutely recommend. Am loving my book!
• 5/5 from Eve Goodfellow, attended May 2026: Just the best class! Will is super friendly and has really thought through each step and how to make it relaxing, yet educational!
• 5/5 from Dominick Kennerson, attended Apr 2026: This was a brilliant, personalized course, which also help us to see a bit more of Edinburgh. I was looking for an indoor, family activity that would be memorable and meaningful for our two daughters (ages 14 and 10). Over the course of just several hours, Will Phoenix was able to describe the history of book binding (and the printing press), his personal journey, and the importance of binding books today! Our girls are avid readers and to bring them closer to what they cherish most meant the world! Highly recommend!
• 5/5 from Isobel Thomson, attended Apr 2026: Fantastic event, really enjoyed making a book from scratch, with enough help and support to end up with a high quality note book to take away. There was a good mix of chat, info on the history of bookbinding and making. Would definitely recommend.
• 5/5 from Chloe Tivey, attended Mar 2026: Brilliant workshop, had a brilliant time! Very interesting to hear some of the history of book binding and create my own unique piece
• 5/5 from Elspeth Alexandra, attended Mar 2026: We did the Tweed class, and it was a very enjoyable and relaxed afternoon spent making a beautiful and useful book. It was a skill-based class rather than creative decision-making. Michael was funny, easy-going and patient, guiding all of us, even the left-handers, to success. I definitely recommend.
• 5/5 from Karen Smith, attended Mar 2026: Great day spent learning something new. Knowledgeable and very personable teacher with a great sense of humour. Fun relaxed atmosphere and the end product was better than I could have imagined. I look forward to using my book for many years to come. Will definitely be on the look out for other classes to try something new.
• 5/5 from Sue Palmer, attended Mar 2026: Hugely enjoyable session learning to createand bind a notebook/journal from scratch. Excellent step by step instruction allowed the completion of a rather professional looking item.. mine consisted of Harris tweed fabric and leather..highly recommend this class
• 5/5 from Clive Bullian, attended Mar 2026: I booked this class for my husband. He has always wanted to learn about book binding and this was the perfect small group introductory experience! It was a lovely time with interesting people and an experienced instructor. A perfect way to spend an afternoon and come away with your own handbound book.
• 5/5 from Jan McClory, attended Feb 2026: An excellent introduction to book binding. Will's skills and guidance helped us all to create a beautiful object, which will be treasured. Will also provided a very hospitable atmosphere, making it a fun day. An added bonus was the great company of fellow makers!
• 5/5 from Cathy Gunn, attended Feb 2026: Everything about it was xlnt. Teacher has a lovely laid back and personal style. We were well looked after and learned a lot. No pressure and plenty time to complete. Highly recommended.
• 5/5 from Andrew Ferguson, attended Feb 2026: Very satisfying and enjoyable afternoon in like minded company. Will was an excellent teacher: amusing and informative. Great fun!
• 5/5 from Sophia Lanzner, attended Jan 2026: Very interesting and hands-on workshop with loads of background information about the history of books. You even get a little lunch and the dog was lovely as well.
• 5/5 from Rebecca Sutherland, attended Jan 2026: We really enjoyed this class! Will was warm, funny, and made everything feel approachable, even for someone completely new to bookbinding. He clearly knew his stuff and had loads of interesting insight about the craft’s history (but never in a way that felt dry or lecture-y). The whole thing was relaxed, hands-on, and surprisingly satisfying. It was such a good way to spend a few hours, and I came away with a notebook I actually want to use. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for something creative but low-pressure.
• 5/5 from Mhairi K Maclean, attended Jan 2026: Awesome class with a great teacher! We signed up for the class while in Edinburgh over vacation and had a great time. Highly suggest!
• 5/5 from Helen McNair, attended Jan 2026: An enjoyable workshop with an experienced and knowledgeable teacher. Lunch and drinks included. I love the notebook I made. Highly recommended!
• 5/5 from Finn Salisbury, attended Jan 2026: We had a great time! Will is so welcoming and knowledgeable and we got on really well with the other attendees. The books turned out amazing. Would highly recommend!
• 5/5 from Kelly Fraser, attended Dec 2025: FANTASTIC!! Will is an excellent teacher and has amazing knowledge to share on his profession. I had no idea book binding was even a thing - my niece requested this class as a birthday present. We both absolutely loved it, left delighted with the books we made and curious about the other classes Will has to offer. We are definitely going to book again. I would 100% recommend this class. Even to someone with no clue like myself! Kelly & Eve
• 5/5 from Karen Gibson, attended Nov 2025: Great class. Only 4 of us, so we got a lot of individual attention. Will was a very effective teacher - he knew his stuff, showed us how to make a book from scratch in nice easy stages, so you never felt you were falling behind. There was plenty time given to the class (5 hours including a break for the provided lunch), so you never felt pressure to rush to catch up. As this was a class meant for beginners, he demonstrated each step clearly and made sure everybody understood before going on to the next. He also explained the history of bookbinding and had lots of examples of different types of bindings, equipment and tools, which was really interesting. We all came out with a very acceptable looking usable note book and I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who thinks they may be interested. Do it!! One tip - leave yourself plenty of time to find the studio - I didn’t find the directions on Google maps particularly helpful. There is a car park, though and it really is worth the effort of finding Will’s workshop beside it on the basement level. Thank you Will, we so enjoyed your class, and are very proud of our books. Karen and Linda.
• 5/5 from Linda Forrester, attended Nov 2025: Great class, not just a finished article but so much knowledge and information about the history of bookbinding. Loved it Thank you, Will, maybe see you for another course. Linda Forrester
• 5/5 from Adi Krishnan, attended Nov 2025: Will is an excellent teacher. He was very patient and was happy to explain the process multiple times so everyone could absorb it. I loved the class and the fact that I could make something with my hand (and Will's assistance). I walked away with one of my most prized possessions. I love the reusability aspect of this and cannot wait to finish all the pages so I can refill it. This might just be my book for life.
• 5/5 from Mike Armstrong, attended Oct 2025: Will is a good teacher and a lovely man. The class was well paced and he was happy to help with all my questions. I'm very happy with my book and all my new knowledge.
• 5/5 from Graeme Fullerton, attended Jun 2025: A really enjoyable, relaxing afternoon. Will is the perfect host, so patient and hugely experienced in book making. Has really inspired me to continue and make more books at home for family and friends. Highly recommend this class.
• 5/5 from Elisa J Henderson, attended Jun 2025: Great class which my daughter (13) and I loved. Will was very accommodating to all attendees and we are proud of our books.
• 5/5 from Cat Wicks, attended Jun 2025: This was a fabulous class, so comfortable, friendly, and at a really relaxed pace that made the whole day enjoyable. I learned about bookmaking and assembled the perfect high quality sketchbook that can be used for years to come. Highly recommended!!!! Definitely take this class!
• 5/5 from Kim Kemp, attended Jun 2025: Will was knowledgeable and generous with his attention and items. There was plenty of time to do everything and food and drink provided. Will created a social and relaxed atmosphere.
• 5/5 from Maia Peat Romero, attended May 2025: Absolutely fantastic! My wife and I had a wonderful experience and we love our books
• 5/5 from Dana Peat Romero, attended May 2025: I gave my wife a gift voucher for her birthday and she chose this class. We came to Edinburgh to have it together. It was a wonderful time and chat, and we really loved how our books ended up looking. Would definitely recommend both as an experience and as a way to get a unique souvenir!
• 5/5 from Claire Lovett, attended Mar 2025: Will was very welcoming, and very patient with us throughout the process despite each of us somehow messing up a different step along the way. He explained everything very clearly and in the end we came away with a gorgeous notebook. He was lovely to talk to and you’ll come away with lovely memories of a fun afternoon and a good chat. Ps. Liked Lord of the Rings the CORRECT amount.
• 5/5 from Andrea Gardiner, attended Mar 2025: Really fun. Very well instructed. Made a beautiful bound notebook. Loved it.
• 5/5 from David Ness, attended Feb 2025: We were given a warm welcome by Will and started with a cup of tea and a chat. We then got stuck in to making our book. Will, gave us clear instruction, both verbal and practical on how to build our book cover. We had a choice of Harris Tweed or Leather for the cover. The atmosphere was relaxed with Will helping us out when required. We love our books and would recommend this course to all.
• 5/5 from Katelyn Nutley, attended Jan 2025: Will was absolutely lovely - highly recommend!
• 5/5 from Kerry Flinn, attended Jan 2025: Ideal for complete beginners. Very relaxed and plenty of time to chat and ask questions. Nice small group. Good materials all provided and ample time to complete all the stages of the project - though I found the tweed hard to work with, it does look great. Also some take home materials if you want to learn from your mistakes like me!