Papermaking and bookmaking weekend Friday 8th and Saturday 9th May, 10 - 4pm.

Papermaking and bookmaking weekend Friday 8th and Saturday 9th May

We are excited to be teaming up with Lizzie Provis for this weekend workshop.  Lizzie is a local creative maker who has been handcrafting paper for nearly 35 years. Her workshops are relaxed, friendly, and filled with expert insight, making them enjoyable for beginners. Lizzie's approachable teaching style encourages curiosity, is always happy to answer questions, and share her knowledge.  Adding to the welcoming atmosphere, her gentle therapy dog, Hester, will also be there to keep everyone company during the workshop.

Day 1

Join us for a hands-on introduction to the art of handmade papermaking with Lizzie, who will help us explore how to create beautiful, sustainable sheets of paper including the use of natural and recycled materials. In this immersive workshop, you'll begin by learning the fundamentals of forming basic sheets before experimenting with a variety of natural inclusions—such as flower petals, seeds, tea leaves, and coffee grounds—to add unique textures, colours, and character to your paper.

Along the way, you'll discover how to use size to adjust your paper's absorbency and learn how to make your own deckle and mould, so you can continue your papermaking journey at home. A detailed handout will be provided to guide you throughout the day and serve as a helpful reference afterward.

By the end of the session, you'll have created enough sheets of your own handmade paper to use on the second day of the workshop, where you'll transform them into one or two beautiful handmade books, depending on time.

What to Expect:

• Learn the basics of traditional papermaking
• Experiment with natural inclusions (petals, seeds, tea, coffee grounds, and more)
• Understand the role of Size and surface treatments
• Make and take home your own deckle and mould plans
• Produce enough handmade paper for one or two handmade books

Day 2

Come and enjoy a relaxed, creative day transforming your handmade paper into something truly special.

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll turn the beautiful sheets of handmade paper created the day before into your very own artist’s books. We’ll explore two structures: a sculptural Japanese stab binding book, and a classic pamphlet book, perfect for sketching, writing, or displaying prints.

You’ll also have the opportunity to experiment with sustainable inks, learning simple ways to print onto your handmade books to add texture, imagery, and unique personal detail. Whether you’re a beginner or a creative looking to expand your skills, this session will guide you through the fundamentals of hand-binding your own books from start to finish.

What to Expect:

Japanese Stab Binding

• How to prepare pages and covers
• How to punch sewing holes with templates
• Techniques for clean, even tension

Pamphlet Book Making
A simple, versatile Western structure perfect for zines, journals, and sketchbooks. You’ll learn:

• Folding and nesting paper signatures
• Creating cover wraps
• The classic three-hole pamphlet stitch

It's suggested that you wear clothes and shoes which you don't mind getting a bit wet for the first day.  A waterproof apron is also advisable.  You're invited to bring any materials which you particularly want to use as inclusions in your paper, eg. flat or small seeds, dried or fresh flowers and so on, although these will also be provided.   

This two day course is perfect beginners, creatives, artists, writers or teachers and anyone who loves working with natural materials and sustainable craft practices.

We would suggest you bring some lunch for each day.  We do have a microwave you are welcome to use. Hot drinks and biscuits will be provided throughout the day also.

Photos may be taken during the workshop - please let us know if you do not want to be photographed.