The “New Oriental Binding” technique is a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Japanese stab binding. Thanks to its clever configuration, this binding can open flat even with cross-grained paper. Most commonly this binding style is used in the USA and France. This binding allows for many different design possibilities that are not possible with the classic form. Leather, cloth, or paper may be used for your binding during the workshop.

For those who already have experience in the craft of bookbinding, but who are not professionals, this is the right course for you! The topics of the course are: Opening behavior - respectful zig-zag solutions - research for ductility in the binding. The deepening and researching both, technically and creatively, will be to be the central point of the course.

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 stick binding technique offers endless possibilities and non-traditional variations on how to bind a book. With this non-adhesive binding technique, each section is individually sewn onto a rod. The rods can be of any material that has appropriate rigidity, for example: wood, metal, plexiglas, carbon fiber, etc. As covering material for the boards, paper, cloth, leather, and so forth may be used. The structure is ideal for books with one or more sections. The format should be at maximum A5 (148 x 210 mm, 5.8 x 8.3 inches).

This subtle half leather binding technique, developed in Denmark, has been constantly refined over the last century and is seen by bibliophiles as an extraordinary fine bookbinding. The book is worked on a 90° shoulder and head caps, similar to the German full leather binding. Ideal format: approx. DIN A5, 3 - 10 sections.

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 stanard thickness boards. We will finish one leather and cloth bound book, completed with a stamped title.

The multitude and variety Hedi Kyle’s models allow us to open our horizons even further. Old, historical techniques are researched and provide the perspectives for new approaches. In the fourth chapter of this series, we will show how rich the possibilities and developments of these works are. The aim of the course is to learn more about the techniques of Hedi Kyle and to re-interpret them in your own personal way.

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.

We are excited to offer a third course with new and fascinating book structures developed by Hedi Kyle. We will create numerous new structures and explore many unique techniques using various materials.

The course will focus on the conservation of traditional leather bindings.