Book Making - Retford Library - Adult Learning

About this course

This creative, hands-on course introduces learners to the rewarding craft of book making, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design. Learners will explore simple but versatile structures, including the never-ending folding book and stitched books with single or multiple sections. The course encourages creativity, mindfulness, and practical skill development, while also supporting confidence, problem-solving, and potential pathways into creative enterprise.

Throughout this practical workshop, learners will explore a range of accessible bookbinding techniques while developing an understanding of structure, design, and creative expression.

Introduction to Book Making

Overview of handmade books and their uses (sketchbooks, journals, artist books)

Exploring different formats and structures

Introduction to basic bookbinding tools and materials

Materials required

** - Tutor will have some to use in the classroom

Core Materials (provided or required)

Cartridge/copier paper, coloured paper, or recycled paper (for pages)

Cardstock or thicker paper (for covers) - can be cereal box or cardboard

Scrap paper (for practice and folding)

Tools and Equipment

Pencil and ruler (minimum 30 cm recommended)

Eraser

Craft knife or scissors **

Cutting mat (for safe cutting) **

Bone folder (or alternative such as the back of a spoon for folding) **

Awl or push pin (for making sewing holes)**

Binding Materials

Strong thread (e.g., waxed thread, embroidery thread, or similar)

Needles suitable for hand stitching (blunt or sharp depending on preference)

Adhesives (if required)

Glue stick or PVA glue**

Double-sided tape (optional)

Booking your place and fee information

Funding and Fees

If you receive certain benefits, you may be able to take the course for free.
If money is stopping you from enrolling, please visit our funding page to see what help is available.

Living in England

To book and join one of our courses, you must live in England permanently and either:

• Live inside the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) area (Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire)

or

• Live outside the devolved areas listed below

You cannot enrol if you live in these devolved areas:

•    Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)
•    Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

• Greater London Authority
•    North East Combined Authority
•    South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
•    Tees Valley Combined Authority
•    West Midlands Combined Authority
•    West of England Combined Authority
•    West Yorkshire Combined Authority
•    Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority
•    York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
•    Hull and East Yorkshire
•    Greater Lincolnshire
•    Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority
•    Cornwall Council
•    Lancashire Combined County Authority
•    Buckinghamshire

• Warwickshire

• Surrey

Residency Requirements (Additional Information)

If you live in the UK on a visa, we’ll need evidence of your visa to confirm funding. You can upload this when applying, and you’ll need to complete a short questionnaire.

Some exceptions include:

• Your visa must last until after your course ends.

• Asylum seekers must have lived in the UK for at least 6 months while their claim is being processed.

• You are supported by your local authority under Section 23C or 23CA of the Children Act 1989, or under the Care Act 2014.

Anyone who does not meet the funding criteria would need to pay full course fees.