Using simple tools and various techniques to manipulate acrylic glass sheets, we can create an interesting material to use in bindings. We will learn proper techniques for precisely cutting acrylic to use as “boards”, as well techniques for stamping on acrylic.
The instructor will demonstrate step-by-step how to create a contemporary binding with good functionality. Additionally, a soft slipcase will be made for the binding. Ideal for this course are books in format DIN A6 to DIN A5 with three to ten signatures.

Slipcases protect books from dust, light and abrasion. In this course we will build a rigid leather-covered slipcase that is lined with paper or Molton cloth. The slipcase is tailored precisely to the book, so please bring two appropriate ready-bound books with you.

This bookbinding technique is a very fine method for half and full leather case bindings. It creates an elegant harmony among aesthetic, technique, and function. The case boards and spine are constructed and covered separately, meaning that the mechanical stress of the joint is carried by the structure and not only by the covering material. The endpapers and interior joint can be finished with leather.

The woven structure binding was developed out of the deliberate desire to create a binding without the use of adhesive or thread. Thus, this innovative binding merges technical binding techniques with great design. Despite, or precisely because of its simplicity, it offers a tremendous number of variations for single and multiple signature bindings that work and open well. A special feature of this binding is that the individual signatures can easily be removed from the finished book. It will be a week full of experiments!

This course for decorative techniques has the following advantages:

Non-adhesive binding techniques become more significant year after year. The most noticeable advantage: The excellent opening of these books. Participants will produce several variations of these bindings in paper. Preferably for small books up to approx. 15 x 21 cm.

A clamshell book box protects books, prints, photos or ephemera from dust, light and abrasion. In this course, we will make a book box covered in cloth or paper and with a leather spine. The box will be lined with either paper, felt, Molton fabric or suede. We will also stamp a title to complete our boxes. Please bring two nicely bound books for which to make your boxes.

In this 6-day course we will learn the French style quarter leather binding. The course covers the classic French binding including the deep French groove, edge finishing, leather headbands, paring leather and the leather joint.

The tradition of edge gilding, edge coloring and edge decorating dates back to the beginnings of the history of the bound book. The goal of this four-day course is not only to practice gold, graphite, color or natural edge decoration, but also to experiment with individual ideas and edge decoration projects. Participants should bring approximately six text blocks with maximum format DIN A5 (sewn, glued and rounded). Practice blocks are also appropriate.

This course is for amateur binders who already have experience in the craft of bookbinding. If you are not a professional binder but have an interest in binding, this is the right course for you! In this course we will explore the topic of non-adhesive bindings as well as options for making customized enclosures. This course is practical and technically oriented, but in an experimental, creative and open atmosphere.