Joint Workshops

The current series of workshops organised and run collaboratively by the Society of Bookbinders and Designer Bookbinders is underway, and there are still spaces available on some of these fantastic courses. Coming up in February we have Janie Burnett-Bleach’s ‘Magical Hexafold Binding’, a clever construction which opens six ways, born of Janie’s research into medieval books and her love of creative bindings. Janie’s structure is perfect for secret keeping, journalling, sketching or anything else your imagination can conjure. Taking a creative approach to craft bookbinding, this workshop will show you how to create a delightful and decorative hard-backed book like no other. The workshop takes place at The Hub, Sleaford Navigation Wharf, Sleaford on 15-16 February 2025. Below is a brief listing of the rest of our varied and interesting season and for more details of all workshops in this series, please head over to the societies’ websites.

Booking is via the DB website:

https://designerbookbinders.org.uk/education/designer-bookbinders-society-of-bookbinders-joint-workshops/

The idea of these joint workshops is to offer in-depth, structured learning in a friendly and encouraging setting. We hope you’ll discover something here that captures your interest! If the workshop you’re interested in is fully booked, please feel free to get in touch to have your name put on the waiting list in case any spaces become available.

Joshua James [email protected]

Nesta Davies [email protected]

Janie Burntett-Bleach, Hexafold binding workshop, February 

15-16 February 2025 - Magical Hexafold Binding, Janie Burnett-Bleach

The Hub, Sleaford Navigation Wharf, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7TW

This 6-in-1 book is all about clever construction and is really quite magical! Janie has devised a book that is perfect for secret keeping, journalling, sketching or anything else your imagination can conjure.

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Dominic Riley & Michael Burke, Dust Jacket repair workshop, March

15-16 March 2025 - Dust Jacket Repair, Michael Burke and Dominic Riley

Blake Lane, Sandiway, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 2NW

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll dive into the exciting world of dust jacket repair, exploring techniques of cleaning, tear repair, loss filling, and colour toning, all under the expert guidance of Michael and Dominic.

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Diana Illingworth-Cook, Sliding Box workshop, April

5-6 April 2025 - The Sliding Box, Diana Illingworth-Cook

Newton St Petrock, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 7LW

The Sliding Box makes a design statement of its own. Constructed with a hollow base and a lid with a curved underside which, when turned upside down, it becomes the perfect way to display an open book.

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17-18 May 2025 - Hand-marbled Bookcloth, Freya Scott

Lower Barns Business Park, Lower Barns Road, Ludlow SY8 4DS

For those interested in marbling fabric and creating their own bookcloth. A chance to work with  different fabrics using traditional marbling methods, creating cloth suitable for bookbinding projects.

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7-8 June 2025 - Thinking through making, Tracey Rowledge

The Daffodil Barn, Woodborough, Wiltshire, SN9 5PF

Learn two paper-covered book structures designed by Tracey whilst exploring how best to learn your craft, harness your creativity and develop the quality of your work.

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21-22 June 2025 - Case binding for Multiples, Roger Grech

R Grech Bindery, Shipley, West Yorkshire, BD17 7DW

Make a classic quarter cloth, flat back case binding with a tailor-made slipcase. The weekend is particularly aimed at participants who are interested in creating multiple sets of a binding.