December 2018
Coptic bookbinding
Coptic binding is an ancient bookbinding method in which folded sections of paper are sewn together between rigid covers to create a decorative chain stitch across the exposed spine. This is an ideal method for binding albums and sketchbooks, as the book can be laid open entirely flat. In this introductory class you will create a book using cover boards that have been prepared in advance*. You will choose from a selection of cover boards culled from vintage books, and…
Find out more »Hardcover stab bookbinding (two week class)
Stab binding is one of the simplest and earliest forms of bookbinding, using single sheets in which holes are stabbed or drilled and sewn on the outside using a variety of traditional stitch patterns. In this follow-up to the softcover stab binding class, you will learn how to make a Westernized version of this traditional Japanese binding with a hard hinged cover. You can take this class without having taken the softcover class first. This class runs for two weeks…
Find out more »Block printed gift wrap
Make your own one-of-a-kind gift wrap in this fun class! Students will use a variety of hand carved wood and linoleum blocks as well as letterpress type to create richly layered holiday wrap. We’ll be using oil based printing inks on kraft paper sheets with 3 different coloured backgrounds to choose from, and you will go home with 4 sheets of beautifully printed 25×38″ paper. No printmaking experience is necessary, and all materials are included. Please note that the oil…
Find out more »Introduction to hand papermaking
In this fun class you will learn the basics of hand papermaking and make your own beautiful sheets of paper to use in your art, craft, and bookbinding projects or simply to use as one-of-a-kind stationery. We will discuss tools and techniques for making pulp, and you will learn how to pull sheets from several different batches of high quality cotton paper pulp that's been prepared in advancefor you. All materials are provided and you will make at least 10-15…
Find out more »Coptic bookbinding variation: French link
French link is a binding similar to Coptic binding in which folded sections of paper are sewn together between rigid covers to create a decorative link-and-weave stitch across the exposed spine. This is an ideal method for binding albums and sketchbooks, as the book can be laid open entirely flat. In this introductory class you will create a book using cover boards that have been prepared in advance*. You will choose from a selection of cover boards culled from vintage…
Find out more »January 2019
Bind your own 2019 planner
Make your own personalized planner in time for the new year! You will receive pre-printed planner pages and design your own decorative paper cover, create customized inserts, and bind your planner using the simple and elegant Japanese Retchoso binding style, which opens flat for easy jotting or sketching. The basic planner will have 5 sections and a soft yet sturdy paper cover, and you can add extra pages, collage, envelope inserts, pockets, stamping with letterpress type, and more. All materials…
Find out more »Collage party
Join us for a fun collage party! All materials are included, and you will receive one of our mixed paper collage packs (which you can dig into at the party or save for later), your choice of paper or bookboard* to use as a substrate, use of our studio tools, and free run of our vast collection of found and vintage papers, beautiful one-of-a-kind papers printed in our studio, fun picture books to cut up, rub-on letters, vintage clip-art, and…
Find out more »Letterpress posters
In this fun class you will learn the basics of setting type, designing and printing your own 9×12″ letterpress poster. Use our collection of wood and metal types and ornaments to create your own unique design. If you have your own letterpress plates or carved linoblocks, those can be incorporated as well. You will print six posters using heavyweight white poster paper or your choice of several other fun colours we have in stock, and you will have the option…
Find out more »Paper marbling
In this fun class you will learn how to create beautiful marble patterns on paper. In paper marbling, paint is suspended onto the surface of specially prepared thickened water and combed or swirled into intricate patterns, then transferred onto sheets of paper. These lusciously patterned sheets were traditionally used in bookbinding, but you can also use your finished papers in scrapbooks, collages, greeting cards, or even just framed for the wall! All materials are provided, and you will create between…
Find out more »Longstitch bookbinding, leather with diamond stitching
This class is a variation on our German Longstitch leather binding class, in which you will create a lovely handbound pocket sized book by sewing folded sections of paper through holes punched through a wraparound leather cover to create a pattern of exposed sewing along the spine. We will vary the position of stitching holes in the paper signatures and spine to create a diamond pattern, and discuss how you can design your own stitch patterns for one-of-a-kind bindings. All…
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