We love: Book Binding (its official!)

Posted:20 November 2011

Another brilliant workshop at The Garden House last Saturday a small group of us settled in to enjoy a completely absorbing few hours learning the basic steps of book binding by making our own single section notebook and a multiple section, stitched, case bound sketchbook.

When you’re more used to days spent juggling work, children, shopping the practical stuff of life! – what could be better than escaping all that for the pleasures of wrapping paper, PVA glue, paintbrushes, linen thread and linen tape and mull (Blue Peter comes to mind!)…

The workshop was led by the very knowledgeable Brighton-based paper maker and book binder Nicola Jackson who patiently took us stage by stage through the basic steps of this most traditional craft.

Precision needed, deft expertise and creativity, but nonetheless a very accessible craft and so inspiring to create a useful, professional and beautiful object out of these simple materials.

We all envisaged how we could use hand-made and personalized books as festive gifts, personalized with photos or postcards, special papers or ribbons added – maybe for memories, poems, or garden notes and sketches…

It was so very enjoyable to spend a delightful day in good company, be served a delicious home-made lunch and wine (!) and then to take home two uniquely crafted books – we all loved it!