Hedi Kyle’s exceptional book constructions fuse historical models and modern designs. In this workshop we will learn, experiment with, and re-interpret a series of her structures. Using a variety of ingenious folding, cutting, and sewing techniques, we will create numerous structures from leporellos to codex bindings. The aim of the workshop is to create a collection of samples which can serve as a practical reference for your creative work.

All five courses in the series Techniques by Hedi Kyle can be taken in any order!

In this course you will discover a very exciting technique that my predecessor Edwin Heim developed in the 1980’s. It is a filigree structure made from nylon stockings processed in an ingenious way such that it can be used as a durable covering material for books. The material is very versatile and robust. We plan to finish case bindings and/or leporellos in max. A5 format with the material we make.

This practice-oriented course reveals many useful 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 stamp book covers, but also as reflect on design, 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 technique is a very refined way to complete a full or quarter leather binding. The binding style is an elegant fusion of aesthetics, technique and function. The case is constructed and covered in three parts and the endpapers are finished with a leather joint. The ideal format is max A5 with 10 - 20 signatures.

For those who already have experience in the craft of bookbinding, but who are not professionals, this is the right course for you! This time we will learn one of the classics: the German-style millimetre binding, an elegant and refined paper-covered case binding. We will complete these fine bindings with attention to the finest details – with thinly pared leather reinforcement at the corners, joints, and headbands. We will also stamp a title plate.

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.

The Sewn Board Binding is a relatively new binding technique in which the book opens very well, even with a lined spine. The look is contemporary and the book is finished without a visible joint between the cover and text block. This structure gives the book an interesting feel and exceptional flexibility, even with standard thickness boards. We will finish one leather and cloth bound book, completed with a stamped title.

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.

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.

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.