Spend a full day learning Gelliprinting and traditional bookbinding. No previous experience required.
This full-day workshop combines creative layered printmaking with structured bookbinding. Working with printmaker Julia Weston and artist /master bookbinder Fi Harris, you will learn how to design custom papers and turn them into two functional, handmade notebooks.
The morning session focuses on multi-layered Gelliprinting. You will learn how to build up rich background layers of colour, mask out graphic shapes using stencils, and use everyday tools for subtractive texturing to produce a set of unique decorative papers.
In the afternoon, Fi Harris will guide you through the technical steps of book construction. The focus will be on precision and neatness, teaching you how to fold, measure, and stick your elements to create crisp, professional covers for any notebook.
OUTLINE OF THE DAY (10am – 4pm)
• 10:00am – Morning Session: Gelli Printing & Texture Building
Learn how to build up complex designs on the gelli plate. The focus will be on rolling smooth blends, using stencils to mask distinct shapes, and scratching textures into wet layers to create unique papers that work effectively when wrapped around a book spine.
• 12:30pm – Lunch Break
An interval to allow your printed papers to fully dry before the binding process begins. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH.
• 1:00pm – Afternoon Session Part 1: The Hardback Notebook
Learn the technical process of building a hardback cover. You will focus on accurate measuring and clean corner folding while cutting thick bookboard, wrapping it with your custom gelli printed paper, and attaching a book-cloth spine for a sharp, durable finish.
• 2:45pm – Afternoon Session Part 2: The Stitched Softcover
An introduction to binding tools, stitching layouts, and precision folding. You will use your remaining gelli printed papers to create a neat softcover notebook featuring a traditional hand-stitched spine.
• 4:00pm – Course Ends
You will leave with a practical understanding of both Gelliprinting and book assembly, your remaining printed sheets, and two completed A6 notebooks.
When?
Saturday 20th February 2027 from 10am - 4pm TBC
How much?
£80.00 per person including all materials and refreshments (not lunch)
The max group size is 10 so you'll have lots of chance to get help and ask questions in a relaxed, informal setting.
Where?
Clevedon Craft Centre
Moor Lane
Clevedon
North Somerset
BS21 6TD
The room is upstairs in an old listed building. Please wear clothes that you don't mind getting paint on, or bring an apron.
Parking is free on site.
Comments from recent course participants:
‘Great venue. Really informative and clear demonstrations of techniques and processes. Lovely examples of work and what can be achieved with gelliprinting,’ Sarah
'Friendly. Great explanations. All equipment provided. Julia v patient ! Excellent teacher,' Margie
'Relaxed atmosphere, clear explanations, lots of time and space to have a go and have fun,' Julie
'Well organised, lovely relaxed setting, course leader delightful and helpful, a pleasure to have attended,' Lisa
Terms: I reserve the right to cancel the course before the event if there aren't enough people signed up. Full refund or place on alternative course offered in the event of my cancellation.
If you need to cancel, I will aim to offer you a place on another suitable course if sufficient notice is given. Refunds are not given.
Contact me with any questions or if you have any problems with booking.
