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Printmaking and Paper

Introduction to Bookbinding

Course Times & Enrolment

This course is currently unavailable.

Course Summary

Have you ever wanted to make your own sketchbook? The sketchbook is where artists record images and ideas to develop a personal language. This course will introduce different methods to make a sketchbook. From the traditional case bound book to the less formal open spine book, students will be shown how to produce a series of sketchbooks. The book structures taught can be made cheaply and can be used as a sketchbook or journal. 

Course Details

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No previous knowledge of the subject is assumed.

Special Information

Material you will need to bring to the first class:

  • Pencil

  • Scalpel

  • Scissors

  • Ruler

In addition to the course fee, students are expected to provide the following list of indicative tools, materials and equipment:

  • Scalpel

  • Metal ruler

  • Scissors

  • Cartridge paper – A1 (15 sheets) 120gsm- 150gsm approx.

  • 1 x A2 sheet of Greyboard (2mm thick)

Content of Course

1. Case-bound Book Structure.

The first 2 weeks of the course will concentrate on making a hard back book. Learning about grain of paper, how to fold paper into signatures and to sew pages together with a French Link Stitch. Make a cover and learn how to case the book into it.

2. Expanding Spine Book.

A structure which lends itself to being a less formal sketchbook. Can be made with recycled papers and added pockets and fold out pages. The expanding nature of the spine means collected things/photographs can be stuck into it.

3. Decorative Spines.

Books with decorative spines like the Coptic stitch are useful as sketchbooks as they lie flat and therefore are easier to draw / sketch in. Two different sewings will be taught.

Teaching method(s)

This course will be based and delivered in specialist art and design studios or workshops and will typically include a range of practical exercises, introductions to techniques, processes and concepts, and set projects which lead to more focused and personal exploration.

Each week, students’ progress will be monitored and supported by the tutor who will suggest follow up reading, research and practice to undertake each week to support their studies.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

  • Make three different styles of sketchbook – Hard Back book, Concertina Spine Book and a Decorative Open Spine Journal.

  • Recognise grain of paper, card and cloth and use them correctly when making a book structure. Choose the correct materials to suit the different book styles.

  • Integrate their own papers (eg. recycled or prints) into the structures and also how to make their own endpapers.

Sources

Core Readings

  • Smith, Keith, 2001.Books without Paste or Glue, Volume 1. Keith A Smith Books

  • Smith, Keith, 1998.Bookbinding for Book Artists. Keith A Smith Books

Web Sources

www.youtube.com/user/SeaLemonDIY

https://store.bookbinding.co.uk/store

www.hewit.com

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.