Fold, Stitch, Bind: An Introduction to Book Arts

Name: Fold, Stitch, Bind: An Introduction to Book Arts
Start: 2025-09-20T10:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-09-20T12:30:00-04:00
Location: 770 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT, United States, Connecticut 06510

Schedule

Sat Sep 20 2025 at 10:00 am to 12:30 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

770 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT, United States, Connecticut 06510 | New Haven, CT

Ever wanted to make your own sketchbook, journal, or zine by hand? This two-part workshop is your gateway into the world of book arts—where folded paper, stitched spines, and custom covers come together to create something truly personal.

You’ll get hands-on with techniques like Japanese stab binding, coptic stitching, and paper marbling, while learning how to turn raw materials into softcover books, hardcover journals, and even your own clamshell box. Whether you’re an artist, writer, or just love working with your hands, this class is packed with creative inspiration and satisfying builds.
What to Expect
This workshop takes place over two sessions (2.5 hours each) over one weekend: September 20th & 21st. ��In the first session, participants will dive into:
Accordion folding�
Pamphlet-stitch pocket notebooks�
Japanese four-hole stab-bound sketchbooks�
Paper marbling�
Techniques for applying book cloth to book board for hard cover books�
The second session will build on those skills with:
Clamshell box construction�
Piano binding for hard cover journals�
Coptic stitch binding�
Tips for incorporating irregular-sized or shaped paper into book projects�
Expect a hands-on, skill-building experience with plenty of time to ask questions and personalize your creations.
Skills You’ll Acquire
Constructing multiple book structures using various folding and stitching techniques�
Creating hard cover books using book board and cloth�
Marbling paper for custom book pages or covers�
Binding with pamphlet, stab, coptic, and piano stitch techniques�
Designing and building custom clamshell boxes�
What’s Provided
All necessary materials, including paper, thread, book board, book cloth, marbling supplies, and instructional handouts, are included in the ticket price.
What to bring�if participants have specific decorative or functional papers they're looking to incorporate into their book projects they're welcome to do so and use them in place of what might be provided in class
Who Should Attend
This class is great for beginners and anyone curious about book arts. No prior experience in bookmaking or sewing is required. Artists, writers, and makers looking for creative ways to present or preserve their work will find this especially valuable.
Prerequisites/Safety Information
No prerequisites. This workshop involves the use of basic hand tools (e.g., bone folders, utility knives, awls) with safety guidance
This workshop takes place over two sessions (2.5 hours each) over one weekend: September 20th & 21st
Instructor: Louise Mandumbwa
Workshop Ticket Fee:
Standard Ticket: $156.00
MakeHaven Members: $133.00
You must click below and REGISTER to attend at:
https://www.makehaven.org/civicrm/event/info?id=522&reset=1&reset=1
Scroll to the bottom of the page and complete the information under Register (gray box) and hit submit. You will receive an acknowledgement by email. Questions? Email [email protected]