For those who already have experience in the craft of bookbinding, but who are not professionals, this is the right course for you! The topic for this course is textiles as a bookbinding material. We will learn a delightful technique for making a special material for use in bindings. Thanks to Edwin Heim’s research and development with this material in the 1980’s, we can use an amazingly simple method to design an intriguing and delicate binding material.

In this course, we will take the first steps into the craft of bookbinding. First, we will build a box that we can use for our hand tools. Second, we will make a cloth and paper-covered portfolio. Finally, we will make a sewn pamphlet binding. If time permits, we will learn to stamp a title.

This class will help you carry out an idea, a design or a project with the support of an experienced teacher. You will profit from learning many tips and tricks specific to your questions and needs. In these three days, participants can choose their own topics and will gain or improve knowledge, or finish a project.

The butterfly book consists of two interconnected Leporellos, which together form a honeycomb-like central structure. Page sections, photos, pictures, calligraphic works etc. can then be sewn onto this frame. The two cover boards, which hinge from the center, give the structure an unusual form. Technical, creative and playful, the butterfly book opens the possibility for new ways to create movement in a book and invites the development of new variations. A goal of the course is to encourage elaboration on the possibilities according to individual interpretation.

This practice-based course reveals many practical tips and tricks for using the Prägnant stamping press in your every-day work in the bindery. You can expect to learn the basics of the design and execution of stamping, working with type, gold and colour foils and more. Learn to troubleshoot, recognize and deal with problems.
We will not only make book covers, but also as reflect on creativity and colour theory. Learn how to use this press as a multi-purpose instrument! The goal of this course is to give you a solid working knowledge of this stamping press.

This course reveals the basic principles of the pop-up book, also called the "moving book".
After a historical introduction, we will study and build step-by-step various pop-up mechanisms in order to bring movement from 2D into 3D. With our learned technical expertise, we will be able to transform the various playful pop-up mechanisms into simple book forms.

The springback binding is a classic binding technique that was traditionally used for accounting and register books. The unique mechanics of the solid spine and levers cause the book to “spring” open with the pages opening flat to the gutter. This allows one to write comfortably in the book without undue stress on the spine. The secrets of this technique were made available to us thanks to Buchbinderei Keller in Wetzikon, CH. During the course participants will complete a refined version of the springback binding in half leather.

This course is the second part of the well-loved topic: 'Ten clever book structures'.
Another five techniques - contemporary, simple and original - will be studied and realized in these three days. The main focus is the technical knowledge behind the exact construction of these binding styles. We will also encourage freedom for discovery and development of our own creativity.

After a brief introduction to the basics of metal working and some practical exercises, we will progress to experimenting with using brass, silver and aluminium sheets and wire as decorative elements on a book. The participants can bring their own ideas for things they would like to try to execute in metal.

How can I attach a loose leaf, how can I repare a partly loose spine, which adhesive do I use and how can I mend a tear? Working with books is regularly confronting us with all kinds of damage patterns. Some of this damage needs fast and solid treatment to ensure the further use in a library or archive.