Faux-Leather Journal Making

Faux-Leather Journal Making

Sunday 15th March, 10am - 1pm

£50

Create a chunky travel journal — a durable companion for notes, sketches and creative projects on the go.

OVERVIEW:

This workshop is an intensive introduction to bookmaking, suitable for those with little to no previous experience who would like to learn how to get started. Together we’ll work step-by-step to create a chunky travel journal with a soft faux-leather cover, designed for both notes and sketching. The focus will be on learning the essentials of stitch-based bookmaking in a supportive group setting, building confidence with tools and techniques as you go. Held on Mother’s Day, this workshop is a creative way to spend time together or to gift a handmade experience.

WHAT YOU’LL DO / MAKE / TAKE AWAY:

You will be introduced to the key equipment used in bookmaking—such as bone folders, awls, and craft knives—and shown safe techniques for folding, piercing, sewing and attaching covers. Working as a group, you’ll follow guided demonstrations to build your own travel journal, complete with exposed spine stitching and a wrap-around cover. The emphasis will be on learning the foundations while making a substantial, practical book you can take away and use straight away. There will be a choice of colours for your cover, and options for combining different coloured threads. We will work with templates and guides, which you will be able to take away to continue making further journals at home. For those who feel confident enough, you will be able to design and stitch your own custom spine pattern.

SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS:

This workshop is designed for those new to bookmaking or who have explored the craft before and would like a structured and supportive (re)introduction. No prior experience is needed, though confidence with sewing and cutting is required.

Be aware that bookmaking requires a moderate degree of dexterity (use of craft knives, awls, needle and thread) and basic maths skills (e.g. accurate measuring and pattern planning). Due to the use of sharp equipment in this course, under 18s or vulnerable adults are to be accompanied by a fully-paying responsible adult.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

This workshop is delivered by Zoe Platt, founder of Short & Few, artist educator and graphics practitioner. Her education and training background is in graphic design and typography, and over time her practice has become more process-driven, with a hands-on and analogue approach to image-making. With over a decade of teaching experience in college-level art and design, as well as TEFL for summer camps (and a stint in China!), her approach to teaching and doing creative things taps in to a broad range of subjects, including sculpture, surface pattern, photography and creative writing. She is at her best when she is teaching and doing creative things - whether this is making books or prints, or working with others and supporting them to find their best creative selves.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher The Craft House