Fold, Stitch, Bind: An Introduction to Book Arts

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: October 25th and 26th. 

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: October 25th and 26th 

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 info@makehaven.org