Discover the satisfying craft of bookbinding in this hands-on, one-day workshop exploring two beautiful techniques that require no glue: Japanese stab binding and pamphlet stitch binding.
You’ll learn how to fold, prepare and assemble pages into a finished book, exploring the different ways that stitching can hold a book together. Japanese stab binding uses decorative stitching along the open edge of the book, creating striking patterns that become part of the design. Pamphlet stitch, meanwhile, is a simple and versatile technique for binding folded pages into a neat booklet, making it ideal for sketchbooks, journals, notebooks and handmade zines.
Throughout the day, you’ll be guided by Ruth through each process step by step, learning how to prepare your pages, make and position stitching holes, and work with thread to create strong, beautifully finished bindings. There will be opportunities to experiment with different papers, threads and covers, allowing you to explore how materials and design choices can transform the finished book.
Whether you’re interested in making your own notebooks and journals, creating handmade books as gifts, or incorporating bookbinding into your art practice, this workshop offers a lovely introduction to an accessible and versatile craft.
Suitable for beginners and those looking to expand their bookmaking skills.
What to expect
Time at ArtisOn is designed to take you away from it all and provide the environment, the time and the guidance you need to create. You can expect a warm welcome, skilled and friendly tutors plus the chance to meet like-minded people keen to share ideas and experiences. You can even leave us to clear up the mess! There will usually be two workshops going on and we encourage everyone to mingle and be nosey about what the other workshop is up to.
Arrive in time to meet other participants over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits before beginning your session at the appointed time. There will be a mid-morning break for refreshments and a chance to talk over progress with others. Lunch is usually around 12:45 for about 45 mins – you can expect a homemade 2 course lunch. The main course will be delicious but don’t overdo it as the puds are usually worth waiting for! There will be a further afternoon break with the most wonderful cakes from Roots & Fruits Home Bakery, a North Yorkshire micro-bakery producing handmade bread and cakes. All food and refreshments are included in the price of the workshop.
Finish time is given as a target – there are occasions when the session may overrun so do let us know if you need to be away promptly.
We aim for your day to be a real treat… of course you could always learn a new skill in a shed or a draughty village hall with a curly sandwich, but we want you to have more fun than that! So we make it a day being looked after, with good food, good company and great inspiration!
