Using simple techniques learn how to create a variety of individual and beautiful artists’ books. You will start by learning some simple folding techniques that can produce surprisingly complex books. You will then learn the stitches required to make pamphlets and Japanese stab bindings , finishing with traditional book construction. Using a wide range of materials, you will make books of various shapes and sizes each one unique to you.

Once you start making books you will realise you can often incorporate unusual material and papers so you might want to start saving things that catch your eye now. Items such as gift wrap, packaging, beads, buttons and sticks can all be incorporated into books.

• White A4 & A3 paper – cartridge paper is ideal
• Some coloured papers and light card (A4 packs are fine)
• decorative paper for endpapers and covers, good quality wrapping papers are often suitable
• cover board this can be strong mount board or grey board
• thread (must be strong and it must not stretch) plus beeswax
• PVA glue (PVA is not archival. If you are serious about bookbinding you will need to obtain archive quality paste) plus a glue stick
• Brush for gluing
• A large blunt needle
• A tea towel and an awl or a push pin
• Pencil and ruler
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Bone folder if you have one
• Scissors
• apron
• Specialist book making supplies and papers can be obtained mail order from Shepherds:
• http://store.falkiners.com/store/

Gina Ferrari

Gina Ferrari is a mixed media artist and tutor with over twenty years’ experience teaching in adult education. She has specialised in machine embroidery but has also taught fabric printing and dyeing, felt making, bookmaking, embroidery and painting amongst other things. She regularly exhibits her own work and is a member of Cambridge Open Studios.

https://www.ginaferrari-art.co.uk/