Discover the Art of Bookbinding

YOU ARE BOOKING A TWO-PART WORKSHOP. It's essential you attend both sessions.
Dr Paul Garcia will help you learn the intricate process of creating your own beautifully bound book from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a curious beginner, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to dive into the world of traditional bookbinding techniques.
Part 1: Making the Book Block
Thursday 11th June 2026, 6.30pm - 8.30pm

In our first session, we’ll delve into one of the most fundamental aspects of bookbinding: understanding paper grain direction. This crucial knowledge will set the foundation for your bookbinding journey. You’ll then get hands-on experience folding three sections of paper, marking and piercing sewing holes, and sewing the sections onto tapes. We’ll guide you through gluing up the spine, pressing it, and tipping on decorative endpapers. The session will conclude with trimming the book block and lining the spine, leaving you with a solid foundation for your book.
Part 2: Making the Case
Monday 15th June 2026, 6.30pm - 8.30pm

In the second session, we’ll bring your book to life by creating its cover. You’ll measure your completed book block and cut the cover boards and spine stiffener to size. We’ll then assemble the case using a durable buckram spine and decorative cover paper. Finally, you’ll unite the book block with the case, completing your handcrafted book. By the end of this session, you’ll have a beautiful, fully bound book to take home and cherish.
About the Tutor
Dr. Paul Garcia is a bookbinder with a passion for creating traditionally bound books. His expertise lies in hand-sewing sections with linen thread and experimenting with edge decoration using acrylic, graphite, and gold leaf. Paul's designs often feature handsewn silk endbands, adding a touch of elegance to each book.

While Paul typically covers his books in high-quality materials such as cloth, leather and paper, he occasionally incorporates unique elements like metal and stone. His covers are beautifully decorated with tooling in gold or blind, intaglio or relief designs, or through dyeing techniques. Inspired by the endpapers, which are sewn in with hidden cloth joints for added strength, Paul's designs evolve as the book takes shape, guided by the principle that ‘less is more.’

In addition to his traditional methods, Paul enjoys exploring alternative book construction techniques and occasionally rebinds old books to preserve them for future generations.
Attendees must be aged 18+. All materials included.
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