Introduction to Book Arts Course

Creative Book Arts is a structured 5-week course introducing the creative discipline of book arts through bookbinding, artist books and contemporary paper-based practice. Combining traditional craftsmanship with creative experimentation, the course explores how folding, stitching, paper structures, cover-making and binding techniques come together to create original handmade books.Guided by artist and tutor Raquel Amat, you’ll work through a carefully planned programme that develops both technical skills and creative confidence. Alongside traditional and contemporary bookbinding methods, you’ll explore typography, calligraphy and embossing while learning how text, image and structure can be combined within artist books.Throughout the course, you’ll progressively build practical skills, produce a collection of handmade books, and develop an original artist book project reflecting your own creative ideas.Who Is This Course ForThis course is suitable for complete beginners as well as artists, designers, illustrators, makers and creative practitioners looking to expand their skills in book arts and bookbinding.Whether you’re interested in handmade books, artist books, creative paper structures or contemporary bookbinding techniques, the course provides a supportive studio environment where you’ll develop practical skills while exploring your own creative ideas. No previous experience is required—only curiosity, creativity and a willingness to experiment.Course ProgrammeOver five weeks, you’ll explore a range of traditional and contemporary bookbinding techniques, including:Week 1: Non-Adhesive BindingsWeek 2: Japanese Stab BindingWeek 3: Concertina BindingWeek 4: Wallet JournalWeek 5: Coptic BindingAlongside these binding methods, you’ll also explore typography, calligraphy and embossing while developing an understanding of artist books and contemporary book arts.What You’ll Learn

• Traditional and contemporary bookbinding techniques.
• How to work confidently with bookbinding tools, materials and papers.
• Cover-making, soft and hard covers, stitching, paper grain, folding and paper structures.
• Ways to combine text, images, and textures in artist books.
• How to plan, design and develop your own artist book project.

Course OutcomesBy the end of the course, you’ll have:

• A solid foundation in traditional and contemporary bookbinding.
• A collection of handmade books demonstrating different binding methods.
• A completed artist book reflecting your own creative ideas.
• The confidence to continue developing your book arts practice independently.

Take HomeA collection of hand-bound books together with the practical skills, creative knowledge and confidence to continue exploring book arts beyond the course. All materials provided. Read more details