What to expect

This workshop is for you if you would like to finally print photographs, creatively revisit cherished memories, and learn some simple bookbinding skills.

  • Get past the overwhelm of your digital photo archive to create a physical album

  • Spend time to mindfully reflect on your memories and tell your own story

  • Learn bookbinding techniques with full instructions and all materials provided

What you'll get

  • Step-by-step instructions

    The lessons take you through every step of the process, from selecting your topic to bookbinding.

  • Video demonstrations

    The videos show you exactly how to make your book, alongside written descriptions.

  • Bookbinding kit

    The kit includes all the paper, thread, ribbon and needles you'll need to make and bind the book.

Course contents

    1. Welcome

    2. Kit and tools

    1. Introduction

    2. Select your topic

    3. Worksheet 1: Pick your topic

    4. Collect images and ephemera

    5. Write the text

    6. Worksheet 2: Writing prompts

    1. Introduction

    2. Put everything together

    3. Fold and fill the pages

    1. Introduction

    2. The cover

    3. The pocket pages

    4. Sew the pockets

    5. Bind the book

    6. Add a label and press your book

    1. Complete your book

About this course

  • 18 lessons
  • 0.5 hours of video content
  • Bookbinding kit

FAQs

  • Do I need any particular skills to take this course?

    The workshop does not require any pre-existing skills. Full instructions, in both video and text, are included throughout, guiding you to make the book from beginning to end. The book is made using simple bookbinding techniques that are suitable for beginners.

  • What tools or materials will I need?

    You will need some way of printing photographs if you do not have them in printed form already - either a home printer or a printing service. You will also need a ruler, a pencil, a pair of scissors and some glue, as well as any pens, pencils, paints, or anything else you would like to use for the contents of your book. All other materials are included in the bookbinding kit you will receive in the post when you enrol. A bone folder and awl are useful additions if you happen to have them, but they are not essential.

  • Do I need to know what I want my book to be about before I start the course?

    The first lesson in the course is designed to help you decide on a topic for your book, so it works just as well whether or not you already have something in mind.

  • How much time do I need to set aside to complete the project?

    The overall time will depend on your topic and how long you need or choose to spend looking through photographs and creating other content, but you should allow at least 3 hours. The course can be taken at whatever pace works best for you.

  • How long do I have to complete the course?

    You will get lifetime access to the course - you'll be able to access the materials for as long as the course remains published.

  • Is there support available if I have questions?

    The course is self-paced and self-guided, but you can email me at [email protected] if you have questions, or post directly in the lesson discussion.

Instructor

Gaelle Jolly

I am a calligrapher and bookbinder based in Oxford. I make a range of handbound notebooks and albums, work with a glassblower to create ‘messages in a bottle’, and take calligraphy and bookbinding commissions. The connecting thread in all my work is to use paper and ink to tell stories beautifully.