Winter Bookbinding Workshop: Make Your Own Commonplace Book
Description
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Spend a slow, hands-on afternoon making a book of your own.
In this beginner-friendly bookbinding workshop, you’ll learn how to fold, pierce and stitch a A5-sized handmade commonplace book using traditional bookbinding tools.
A commonplace book is a place to gather the things you don’t want to forget: favourite lines from books, overheard phrases, fragments of dreams, words, questions, recipes, prayers, images, lists and small observations from daily life.
You’ll be guided step by step through the process of assembling and binding your book, with no previous experience needed. Covers will be pre-prepared in a curated selection of patterns and colours, so you can choose a style you love and focus on the pleasure of making.
At the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with your finished handmade book, plus a small Commonplace Starter Pack with paper samples, stickers and prompts to help you begin filling its pages.
This workshop is perfect for readers, writers, stationery lovers, journal keepers, crafters, and anyone who wants to spend a few hours doing something slow, tactile and beautiful.
All materials are provided.
What's Included
Your ticket includes:
- All bookbinding materials
- Use of traditional tools including awls, bone folders and needles
- Pre-prepared cover options
- Step-by-step guidance
- Your finished handmade book to take home
- A small Commonplace Starter Pack with paper samples, stickers and prompts
What to expect
The workshop is gentle, practical and beginner-friendly. You’ll be guided through each stage of the process, from folding and piercing your pages to stitching your book together.
Bookbinding involves some fine motor work and the use of sharp tools, but no previous experience is required.
Timing Note
Please arrive on time so we can begin together. The workshop is carefully paced so everyone has time to finish their book.
FAQs
- Do I need any bookbinding experience?
No. This workshop is designed for complete beginners, and you’ll be guided step by step through the process.
- What will I make?
You’ll make a pocket-sized handmade commonplace book using beautiful papers, thread and traditional bookbinding tools.
Depending on how the class progresses, we will also take some time at the end to start filling in your commonplace book.
- What is a commonplace book?
A commonplace book is a personal collection of things you want to keep: favourite quotes, reading notes, words, images, recipes, prayers, observations, questions and fragments of thought.
Think of it as a little collection of ephemera from your day to day life. Some people make them for specific occasions like a holiday or anniversary, others use them to explore ideas or themes that interest them.
I'll be bringing a few examples of commonplace books that I've curated to help give you some inspiration.
- What should I bring?
If you use reading glasses for close work, please bring them, as bookbinding involves stitching and small details.
You may also want to bring an apron which can prevent your clothes getting dirty. It is not required to enjoy the class.
We may have some time at the end to start working on the commonplace book. If you have any ephemera, paper cuttings, or fancy pens you might want to use to start filling it in, bring those along on the day.
- Will I get to choose my cover?
Yes. Covers will be pre-prepared in a curated selection of colours and patterns, and you’ll be able to choose from the available options on the day.
- Is the workshop suitable for children?
This workshop is best suited to adults and older teens, as it involves sharp tools and fine handwork.
- What is the refund policy?
If you can no longer attend and the refund period has passed, you’re welcome to transfer your ticket to someone else. Otherwise, you will be refunded 98% of the ticket price if you cancel within 7 days of the event.
- Is this venue wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately the venue includes a steep set of stair and is not suitable for wheelchairs.
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