Bookmaking Short Course

A short course of 4 sessions for beginners to bookmaking, or those who are looking for a refresher. We will start with basic bookmaking techniques and build to more complex techniques over the weeks. In each session we will make blank books that you can take away and fill with drawings, poems or lists. The course will equip you with skills and knowledge to explore this practice further in your own time, and there will be an opportunity to purchase some of the bookmaking tools from the Short & Few shop.​​​

Friday 14th March 2025 / SESSION 1: CUT & FOLDS

The first session explores origami and kirigami techniques and how they can be adapted for making simple but effective books. We will practice fundamental techniques, including precise cutting and measuring; and get familiar with the different tools of bone folders, craft knives and safety rulers.

​Friday 21sth March 2025 / SESSION 2: PAMPHLET STITCH

Session 2 looks at the "pamphlet stitch" - a simple but fundamental stitching technique for binding multiple sheets of paper together into what is called a "signature". We will spend the session making multiple books that use the pamphlet stitch in different ways. We will work with awls, needle and thread, and punch spacers.​

​Friday 28th March 2025 / SESSION 3: HARD BACK BOOK

This session makes use of the pamphlet stitch in the format of a hard-backed book. We will look at techniques for covering boards and how to work with templates for ensuring accurate and consistent stitching that is purposeful as well as aesthetically effective. This workshop steps up in focus, making use of the tools and equipment learned so far, and you will leave with one single, chunky book.

​Friday 4th April 2025 / SESSION 4: BUTTON HOLE BOOK

Stitching is taken up a level and we end the short course with this knot-based stitch that allows you to combine multiple signatures together, leaving an exposed decoratively stitched spine. This stitch allows the book to lay completely flat when open. This books looks impressive and chunky, but is deceptively simple when you know how! We will explore paper cutting techniques using die cutters and circle cutters.

This short course takes place in the Short & Few Cabin. Spaces are limited to 5 people per session, and the workshop costs includes hot/cold refreshments. If you have any questions about an individual session, or need to update me on any dietary requirements, please email me on hello@shortandfew.co.uk.​

Please be aware that this short course requires a moderate degree of hand dexterity and precision with using a craft knife. It is an over 18s workshop, but ages 15 - 18 years are welcome (GCSE/A-Level learners) provided they are accompanied by a fully paying responsible adult.

For more information and to book, please visit my website www.shortandfew.co.uk