Make a hand-bound sketch book or journal

In this two hour workshop, you will make a hard cover sketchbook or journal using reclaimed and recycled materials and a simple binding technique. We will use recycled materials and everyday tools for accessible and sustainable book-making.

We have a variety of fabric, paper and card to decorate the cover, and high quality, recycled sketchbook paper for inside. You will sew the pages into the completed cover using colourful thread allowing for further creative design choices. Your host Will uses one of these little books daily for bullet journalling and sketching. You can choose to make an A6 (postcard) or A5 size book.

This workshop is suitable for beginners. Tools and materials are included. The skills you will practice include the accurate measuring and marking of paper, card and fabric, applying PVA glue in a thin and even layer, threading a needle and sewing the book together using a chain stitch. With this experience under your belt, you can make more books of the same kind, as gifts or for your own use, or you can use it as first step into the wonderful world of book binding and attempt more complex projects on your own.

Big Heart Art Club and our venue SPARKS Bristol are dedicated to sustainability. Our card, thread and fabric are second hand or reclaimed surplus from businesses. Some of the paper is bought new, but always created from recycled fibres.