Past Workshops
We may not have what you’re looking for now, but we try to get a range of workshops every season. Take a look at some of the workshops we’ve offered in the past and let us know if you’d like to see it in our next schedule.
Let us know at bigriverbindery@gmail.com or call 404-831-3849
Introduction to Bookbinding
Participants will learn techniques to start making their own books and pamphlets working with paper, thread, and glue. Different book structures will be created that can be used for gifts, small notebooks, journals, or art projects.
Three Hours of instruction
Sewn Board Binding
In this workshop you will learn how to make your own sketchbook using the Sewn Board Binding method. These books open flat for drawing, painting, or journaling and hold up well to repeated use. Books can be made to the size and shape most useful for you. The pages will be sewn, glued, and bound using simple tools you can recreate at home.
Six hours of instruction
Fun Folding Out: Tunnel Book & Carousel Books
In this workshop we will explore options for three-dimensional books. Concentrating on accordion folded variations, we will construct tunnel, and carousel books. These playful structures are ideal for artist books and unique presentation books. Tunnel and Carousel structures have historically been used for children’s books or keepsakes.
Twelve hours of instruction.
Bookmaking for photographers and printmakers
This workshop will present book structures useful for photographers, printmakers, and collage artists making imagery one side of sheets of paper. Book made will include the Drum Leaf Binding, Storage Book and Multiple-Leaf Accordion structures. These structures allow the artist to print, draw, or collage on single sheets before binding, ideal for photographers using photo paper to print their images. These binding methods allow for easy arrangement of imagery, from one image to the next though the book avoiding complicated imposition necessary in sewn books. These books use adhesive instead of thread to bind them, allowing for uninterrupted views of the images across the pages. These structures will also be useful for making journals and sketchbooks. Students are encouraged to bring samples of their favorite papers to discuss and sample prints to bind in class.
Twelve hours of instruction.
Long Stitch Binding
The long stitch book was common to accountants in 16th Century Italy. In this workshop we will construct a modern variation using the long stitch method with multiple sections to allow more pages into your books. This sewing method has rows of sewing on the spine that serve as a decorative element. Participants will go home with a completed book.
Six hours of instruction
Secret Belgian Binding
Join us as we create the Secret Belgian Binding, a book with a hard cover woven together over a sewn set of pages. The book allows for flat opening for use, but a strong cover for protection when it’s in your bag. We will start by covering the boards with decorated paper then move onto the sewing of the book. Great for sketchbooks and journals.
Six hours of instruction.
Letterpress Intensive Weekend
Are you ready to publish that manifesto or make some cards to send to friends. Join us as we use the wood and metal type at the shop to print posters, cards, and mementos. Letterpress printing originated in the 15th Century, using movable type to set and reset words on the page. In this workshop students will learn how to properly run letterpress equipment and make their own printed artwork. If time allows, students will carve and print relief prints to combine with the printed text.
Two Days, 12 hours of instruction.
The Nag Hammadi Binding
The first remaining examples of bound books from the 2nd century AC, the Nag Hamadi bindings housed the Gnostic Gospels, lost until found in a cave in Egypt in 1945. They contain a folded set of pages covered by a stiff leather cover. The book we construct will include ties at the top and bottom and a flap at the opening to protect your notes and sketches.
Six hours of instruction.
Paper Wrapper Binding
Paper has been used for book covers long before the modern paperback. Since the 16th century, paper covers have proven to be strong and attractive. This class will explore the use of paper for making covers for hand-sewn books, concentrating on a book with a linking stitch and a pasted cover. Participants will go home with a handmade book to use as a sketchbook or journal, or to give as a gift.
Three hours of instruction.
Drum Leaf Binding
This course will cover the Drum Leaf Binding, contemporary book structure that is influenced by historic bindings. The Drum Leaf Binding uses adhesive alone to connect the pages and cover. Each book has flush edges and opens flat, which is ideal for sketchbooks, journals, or artists’ books. We will also discuss a variety of paper choices and edge decorating techniques so you can personalize your books.
Six hours of instruction.