Paper Marbling + Bookbinding Workshop

Eleven Editions | 9 Alexander Street, Ferreirasdorp | 26 June and 3 July 2021

Paper marbling and bookbinding have gone hand-in-hand for centuries. During this two part workshop, you will learn the basics of western paper marbling and create your own marbled pages. The next day you will then learn one of the ways you can use those marbled pages to create mesmerising book covers in a Coptic Stitch binding workshop.

COST:

Paper Marbling: R600 | Bookbinding: R1200 Combined: R1600

SATURDAY 26 JUNE

Introduction to Western Paper Marbling | 4 Hours 10:00 to 14:00.

Learn how to ‘paint on water’ using centuries-old marbling techniques to create 8-12 of your own beautiful A4 papers. It is the art where paint floats upon a bath of thickened water and is drawn through with various tools to create forms and patterns. If you love experimenting with paint, colour or getting creative with paper, this workshop is for you. Marbling is an age-old technique rooted in history, and is a fun and rewarding art form to experiment with.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

During this four-hour workshop, you will be given a thorough introduction to the beautiful art of western paper marbling, including a brief history, the technical dos and don’ts, followed with time to just play and experiment.

Workshop breakdown:

  • History of paper marbling and its applications
  • How to make the thickened water
  • How to prepare the paper for marbling
  • Techniques for controlling the behaviour of the paints
  • How to create all kinds of beautiful patterns.
  • Time to experiment and create your own patterns.

In the workshop I will demonstrate various techniques and talk you through how to recreate them yourself, providing all the tools, equipment and materials you might need to get experimental. Marbling is great fun but can get super messy, so make sure you wear old clothes! If possible, please bring your own aprons due to covid regulations. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served during the workshop.

SATURDAY 3 JULY

Coptic Stitch Binding | 6 Hours 10:00 to 16:00

Once your marbled pages have dried, they will be ready to turn into book covers! If you did not take part in the marbling workshop there will be a section of marbled papers for you to choose from.

In this workshop, you will learn the Coptic stitch technique as well as learning about the tools and materials you will need. One of the benefits of this binding technique is that your book will open completely flat, perfect for writing and sketching!

Using your marbled papers, you will make an A5, hard-backed journal or sketchbook with 120gsm off-white paper. There will also be a variety of thread colours to choose from to bind your book. All materials and resources are provided, so you do not need to bring anything. After the workshop is complete, you will be able to take your creation home with you and your remaining marbled papers.

BOOKINGS

For any questions and to make bookings please email bookwardboundbindery@gmail.com. Let me know which workshop you would like to attend and if you want to attend both. You will be sent an invoice and your proof of payment will secure your booking.

CANCELLATIONS

If you can no longer attend the workshop, please contact us to let us know at least 72 hours before the event for a full refund.

COVID-19 SAFETY

We take the safety of our guests very seriously and have completed a full risk assessment for our marbling workshops to ensure the lowest risk of COVID-19 infection.

  • Wearing of facemasks or visors is mandatory for all participants and staff.
  • If possible, please bring your own apron.
  • The maximum lesson size is 10 participants to make social distancing easier.
  • All surfaces, door handles and fixtures cleaned before and after the workshop.
  • Hand sanitiser available at the entrance to the building.