Leather Work Class: Book Binding Workshop

Edinburgh

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Craft

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Textiles

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Leather Work

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Kid Friendly

Leather Work Class: Book Binding Workshop

A hand-coloured leather pocketbook

Phoenix Handmade Books

ClassBento donates with every booking to

4 hours

1 to 5

£45 - £65 (£45 per Child, £65 per Adult)

Edinburgh

•

Craft

•

Textiles

•

Leather Work

•

Kid Friendly

What you'll do

Making your first engraved hand coloured leather A6 pocket book

I’ve been professionally making books for 25 years, so with such wealth of experience, I’m honoured to help guide you towards making your very own.

You’ll learn some of the practical skills of binding paper to make an attractive and unique A6 engraved and coloured leather pocketbook. I’ll introduce you to colouring the leather by using dyes and specialist paint. After polishing, we will bind in the paper using the Japanese (stab) method - just one of many techniques that allow the finished book to open completely flat - great for taking notes and sketching and, most importantly for me, refillable.

After-care information will also be provided, allowing the book to be in continuous use.

You’ll learn:

How to prepare and bind a leather journal
Colour a pre-engraved design*
Sewing paper
Handling materials, tools, and adhesives

*Due to time constraints, it's best I engrave your design before the start of the class, especially more complex images. I will be in touch via email to chat about your ideas and images, etc.

There will be an abundance of high-quality decorative “end” papers for the inside covers.

Bookbinding is both an art and a craft, and my approach is designed to develop both your hand skills and creativity. So, I’m thrilled to be opening up my studio for a small number of workshops this year.

The cost includes all professional tools and materials, and an abundance of shortbread and tea. Suitable for beginners who are good with their hands, as well as those with some experience. This is perfect for book lovers, artists, and writers looking to learn a rich and versatile craft.

Ideal personal gifts for loved ones.

See available dates, Request a private class or Gift

See booking options

Knowledge required

Basic colouring/painting skills suitable for children

What you'll get

An A6 size hand-coloured pocketbook with your own design engraved on the cover. Filled with over 100 sheets of 180 gsm acid-free plain paper stock. I normally charge £24-36 for such commissions.

What to bring

Line art designs need to be emailed in advance so they can be engraved before the class, as this process can take a few hours.

Suitable for

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

An adult must accompany any attending kids, and must pay for a separate ticket.

This would also be a lovely gift for her, gift for mum, anniversary gift or birthday gift.

Location

Edinburgh Palette art studios St Margaret’s House - Studio B215 151 London Rd EH7 6AE

10 minutes from Princes St. Lothian bus numbers 4 5 26 44 45 drop you right outside St Margaret House

Leather Work Class: Book Binding Workshop location

Your teacher

Phoenix Handmade Books

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