Bookbinding Classes
Creating a physical space for your words – through bookbinding – brings even more power and autonomy to the writing process. This is why teaching others how to bind their own books is so rewarding. If you’re interested in book arts, independent publishing, creating witchy notebooks, or even starting your own literary magazine, you may be interested in taking one or more of the following classes!
Upcoming Classes
Below is a list of upcoming classes I will be teaching in Durham, NC and the surrounding Triangle region. In addition to the classes listed below, I also schedule private classes/events — reach out for more details!
Coptic Stitch Journal*: November 8th, 6-9pm | Durham Arts Council | Durham, NC
Coptic Stitch Journals: November 10th, 12-3pm | My Muses Card Shop | Carrboro, NC
Japanese Stab Binding*: November 15th, 6-9pm | Durham Arts Council | Durham, NC
Long-Stitch on Leather*: December 6th, 6-9pm | Durham Arts Council | Durham, NC
*For classes held at the Durham Arts Council, you will need to make an account to register for classes. Visit the online catalogue and click “Fall/Winter Classes” then “Friday Night Makes: Mixed Media” to find the appropriate class.*
Class Descriptions
There are countless bookbinding methods to choose from! Each with its own advantages. This is why learning multiple bookbinding techniques is so worthwhile. While there may be similarities between bookbinding supplies and bookbinding stitches, learning multiple techniques will ultimately give you more creative freedom as you begin making your own books. Then you’ll be able to think critically and creatively about what type of book best supports the ideas you want to convey.
Beginning Bookbinding: Coptic Stitch Journal
In this workshop, we will learn to make our own journal using the coptic stitch binding technique. This type of binding features an exposed spine, custom covers, and beautiful chain stitch. The book will also lay completely flat when open! Perfect for all of your sketching and journaling needs. Students will go home with their own custom 5.5” by 8.5” journal/sketchbook. Suited for beginners.
Beginning Bookbinding: Japanese Stab Binding
In this workshop, students will make two hand-bound journals, one softcover and one hardcover, using two traditional variations of Japanese stab binding. Stab binding uses a series of simple stitches along the front and back covers to bind a collection of single sheet pages together. Given the nature of this technique, stab binding is a popular book form for visual artists who want to bind a collection of existing artwork/writing on single sheets of paper. All materials provided. Suitable for beginners.
Beginning Bookbinding: Long-Stitch on Leather
In this workshop, students will make a small, hand-bound, leather book using the long-stitch technique. Finished books will be approximately 5” by 3.5” and will feature a soft, wrap-around leather cover and visible stitches along the spine. All materials provided. Suitable for beginners.
Beginning Bookbinding: Origami Squash-Fold Book
In this workshop, students will learn how to make an expandable origami squash-fold book. These books are a type of accordion book (but with a fun twist!) and make great scrapbooks and artist books. Students will be provided with a variety of papers to choose from, but are encouraged to bring photos, magazine clippings, and other fun scraps of paper to decorate with. Suitable for teens and beginners.
Beginning Bookbinding: Intro to Zines and Self-Publishing
What’s a zine? In this workshop, students will learn about the history of zine-making, as well as make their own zines. In addition to learning how to make a standard 8.5” by 11” folded zine, students will also make a quarter-sized zine with a pamphlet stitch. By exploring a variety of contemporary zine examples and practical exercises, students will learn about the importance of self-publishing.