Creative Bookmaking techniques are used by many artists and hobbyists as a form of communication and artistic expression. They can be interactive, portable, challenge conventional book forms, and made from a wide variety of materials.

They range from simple folded shapes to more abstract and sculptural ones. This course will give you an introduction to this art form as well as insights into how you can incorporate it into your own creative practice or hobby. It is suitable for all, whether you are a practicing artist, a budding book artist, an avid card maker or simply someone who loves to make things with paper. It can also be a fantastic way to use printing off cuts or other left-over bits from projects.

Participants should be comfortable using a scalpel and steel ruler to cut paper and card to attend this course. Please note this is not a bookbinding course.

Days 1 & 2

Your tutor will introduce you to a selection of forms, structure and materials used within creative book making. There will be plenty of examples on hand to inspire you and there will be time to browse the tutor’s own collection of books and more. There will then be a series of exercises exploring structure and form alongside folding and cutting techniques, pop up and pop out mechanisms, linking and joining, glue free books, instant books and much more.

Day 3

Under the guidance of your tutor the group will plan and make their own books using the knowledge and skills learnt on the course

Materials for Students to Bring:

• Cutting mat & steel ruler
• Some personal papers, fabric and card of your choice to use in your books or cards
• Any buttons & buckles, tape, thread etc. you may want to incorporate plus a basic sewing kit
• Recycled and interesting papers to use as book leaves- this could be unused prints/paintings or recycled ones
• Scalpel and spare blades or other suitable cutting blade for cutting paper
• Bone folder
• Paper scissors
• Pritt stick and good PVA glue
• Objects or memorabilia which might inform your book. Please contact me if you need any advice on this
• Any pens/inks or colouring materials you may want to use

Materials Cost - £10 per person

Payable to tutor on the day.