Bookbinding: notebooks and folders

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Learn to make single sheet folded books, a simple multi-section sewn book and a folded slipcase. This weekend course is an opportunity to make an exciting range of notebooks and folders and learn some useful bookbinding techniques. Suitable for beginners.
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  • Start Date: 08 Nov 2025
    End Date: 09 Nov 2025
    Sat-Sun (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 2 sessions (over 2 weeks)
    Course Code: VD369
    Tutors:  Ina Baumeister
    Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £116.00
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In stock
SKU
232809
Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £116.00

What is the course about?

Learn how to make folded books from one sheet of paper which are quick, multi-purpose and useful for notes, journalling, sketching. You will also create a multi-section notebook with a pocket and elastic closure and a folded slipcase to keep it in.

What will we cover?

- multi-section sewing
- making covers
- pockets
- elastic closures
- folded books.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Identify the grain direction of paper
- Make a range of folded books
- Sew a multi-sectioned binding with elastic closures
- Make a folded slipcase.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is suitable for beginners.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Demonstration, group and individual tuition. All work will be undertaken in class.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

The bindery is equipped with hand tools and equipment but if you wish to bring your own small tools: scalpel or craft knife etc. then please do. You don't need to buy anything before starting the course and materials will be provided. A list of equipment and suppliers will be provided at the first lesson.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

- VD416 Bookbinding: Japanese books and boxes
- VD292 Bookbinding: Learn to bind artist’s books
- VD262 Bookbinding:10 projects for beginners
- VD359 Beginners' bookbinding: evening course.

Ina Baumeister

Ina is a professional bookbinder and box-maker. She holds an MA in Book Art from UAL Camberwell and a master-craftsmanship from the German Crafts Council and Guild of Bookbinders in Munich. As a binder she works with contemporary arts organisation Book Works, the Tate Paper and Photography conservation department as well as other organisations and clients. Most of her work life is closely linked to contemporary art, art publishing and the creative industries. Besides working professionally as a bookbinder for nearly twenty years, Ina teaches and lectures for universities all over London on a wide range of courses, such as photography, printmaking, design, illustration, fine art and architecture. Ina also delivers tailored staff training to universities and other institutions such as the Tate and Houses of Parliament. Ina says that she rates bookbinding as an art in itself but also sees it as part of a toolkit for a wide range of creative professions.

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.