Beginners Introduction to Book Binding Class

Take your first foray into the intricate art of bookbinding.



4 hours Class size 1 to 6 guests    

  £65 - £85 (£65 for A6 size Adult; £85 for A5 journal) (PayPal Pay in 3 available)
Select covering

Select Covering

Lay out book skin with leather side down and fabric uppermost. Take Sheet of double sided tape. Peel off one side and stick over fabric.


Cutting corners

Cutting Corners

We are going to get rid of bulk at corners. About 1cm from corner lay metal ruler at 45 degree angle. Use craft knife to cut off corner triangle of excess fabric. Always keep fingers above blade and be careful. Cut off excess leather so there is just 5mm beyond fabric at either end.


Turning over

Turning Over

We will Fold over the leather ends inwards one at a time to cover the first hole and nearly down to 2nd hole, then first hole and nearly second hole up.Fold over top and bottom. Start with middle leather bit. Don’t stretch it do it gently. Then Push it down with the mallet. Can use temporary masking tape to hold leather down a bit if necessary


Gluing end papers

Gluing End Papers

Using 80 pc pva glue 20 cornflour, and leaving a 5mm outside exclusion zone of clean fabric which will show on finished book. Slap on glue especially on folds but avoid the 5mm edge as visible. Put a Bit of glue on holes but not too much as you don’t want it to go through. Put glue on both sides then place end papers carefully one at a time, lining up the middle holes then using baby wipes gently press down paper wiping away any glue that comes out.


Making holes

Making Holes

Puncture leather with same holes as in board using a Bradawl. Remember some will have double thickness of leather to go through. Pierce from inside hole out but then make it wider by turning skin over and going from outside in to make larger and rounder.


Pressing

Pressing

Put in 1850 nipping press. Covered each side by grease proof paper to protect it. Press in press for one or two mins then remove and wipe off excess glue but don’t get too wet or will remove endpaper print. Just also check from wool incase glue has gone on and wipe off. Put back in press for 20 min wrapped in fresh grease proof end paper side up fabric side down. Ideally over night but for our purposes 20 min. Remove from press and dry for 20 mins.


Sewing

Sewing

Choose a lace. Cotton blended with polyester for strength. Extremely strong! Bend spine at groove. Cut arms length span of thread. Thread darning needle. Terms:Front back spine of book case, pages are the Paper block. Looking at book from inside to outside1234 back on right of inside are back 1234. Those on left at the front are referred to as Front 1234. Thread as directed. Tighten and knot as directed.


I’m very flexible on dates, so if you’ve a group of two or more you’re most welcome to book a “private class”. as long as the desired date have have no other attendees signed in. (please give a few alternatives)
Most classes now start at 10am.
Discover the art of bookbinding in our engaging intimate (max 6 attendees) workshop in Edinburgh. Learn how to make your very own A6 pocketbook, selecting from an array of fabrics including leather, tartans, and cottons. You'll be shown the practical skills of folding and binding paper to create a piece of unique and functional art.
  • Prepare paper and covers using various stitching & sewing techniques.
  • Handle materials, tools, and adhesives with guidance.
This workshop blends the artistry and craftsmanship of bookbinding to nurture both your hand skills and creativity. Rest assured, even beginners are welcome, and those with some experience find value in this class. Children over ten years old are also encouraged to join in the fun.
Immerse yourself in this hands-on activity and watch as your creations unfold before your eyes. By the end of the workshop, you'll have a beautiful pocketbook to take home, filled with your newfound knowledge and skills. The class fee includes professional tools, materials of your choice, and, of course, plenty of shortbread and tea to keep you inspired. Perfect for book lovers, artists, and writers seeking to explore a rich and versatile craft. Ideal for personal gifts or for spreading creativity during the winter months.
Happy to provide a pre-packed sandwich. Please let me know dietary requirements (meat vegan Allergies etc) Thank you

Please note: Public dates for this class require at least 2 guests to run. In the unlikely event that we don't reach this number, we'll cancel the class; in this case we'll inform you and allow you to get a refund or reschedule, so please watch your email/SMS one day prior to the class.
What you'll get
A handcrafted notebook(s) made by you..
A light lunch is provide please let me know your sandwich preferences
(intolerances etc)
Read more details   
Knowledge required
None
What to bring
A willingness to learn something new.. Happy to provide a pre-packed sandwich. Please let me know dietary requirements (meat vegan Allergies etc) Thank you
Suitable for

Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 10 years old).

Adult accompaniment is not required.

Location

Edinburgh palette ART BUILDING - Studio B2-15 ( Aside The Car Park) Edinburgh Palette, 151 London Road

HOW TO FIND MY STUDIO Studio B2.15 Edinburgh Palette St. Margarets House 151 London road Edinburgh EH7 6AE * (*St Margarets house has its own unique postcode ) BY CAR Leaving the A1 at its junction with Portobello and Willowbrae roads, head down Restalrig Rd South turning left into the back of Meadowbank house. Follow the road around the car park and back of the building and you’ll come across the back of St Margarets house. My studio is situated off the car park outside of the main building. And will be signposted before you need enter the main building itself . BY BUS or FOOT 10 minutes from Princes street. Buses 4,5,26,44,45 drops you outside Meadowbank House . St Margaret’s is adjacent. If you’re arriving from The London road entrance take the lifts or stairs down to Basement 2 and leave the main building my studio is just on the left ( classes will be signposted )

Beginners Introduction to Book Binding Class location
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Your teacher

Phoenix Handmade Books
Phoenix Handmade Books

5.0 (88)

Hello I’m Will Phoenix and I've always been slightly obsessed with books... thou not the reading type, but the empty ones...the dusty old journal, them marbled edged Victorian ledgers, the ageing leather notebook or the beautiful sketch pad. A constant sketcher, i still carry around a pencil and pad, happily losing myself drawing (instead of finger tapping a smart phone).
As bookmaker (I don't call myself a binder) I recently fell heavily for leather work, a new apprenticeship almost. After spending substantially more than the much talked about "10, 000 hours" on embossing (repoussé) soft metals, I felt it time for a fresh challenge. I started at the basement level and repeated what i did 24 years ago when I picked up my first sheet of metal to shape into a book cover
I presented my work for sale since the beginning and in this world of the cheap/mass produced, I've realised there is still a small place for the individual, the actual unique 'one of a kind' piece. I carry no airs and graces and never over-precious about my work. I simply makes books. I’m looking forward to teaching., Kindest Regards
Will
class 1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 production edinburgh Edinburgh Scotland GB edinburgh