The book is automatically lifted out of the integrated slipcase
This unique box and slipcase combination is special in that upon opening the box, the book is automatically lifted out of the integrated slipcase. In this way the book presents itself without the usual shaking movement that is necessary to remove a book from a typical slipcase. There will also be the opportunity to stamp a title on the box spine. This course is appropriate for participants who also want to learn to make slip cases and book boxes separately.

The book becomes a work of art with this sophisticated binding technique

All participants will make at least one half leather binding with attached covers and a "floating" spine based on the method of Edgard Claes. We will set the joint at 90° and split and pare the leather. The spine consists of three layers: a thin leather, a leather-covered spine insert and leather straps that attach the spine insert to the book block. The boards are covered with inlays of fine Japanese paper strips. Inspired from wood marquetry, Ingela Dierick developed this technique ten years ago.

Articulé - Architecture in Motion - is a miniature book object created in 2015 for an exhibition with the Swiss bookbinding group buchundform. The displacement of hinges and the incorporation of movable elements give the object a great potential for transformation. This potential will be explored, tested and put into practice during this course. The starting point is the technique of the board book - a book made of thick board pages, commonly known from children's books. The aim of the course is to extend this technique to build book objects with mobile elements.

The goal of this course is to develop the daily work in restoration, experimenting with new techniques and the enhancement of conservational aspects. An optimal repair or restoration technique for each individual book is an important process and will be worked out step by step. We will work on techniques such as re-backing with new material on brittle or loose book spines, board reattachment, restoring worn corners, using alternative materials to leather and getting to know the "facing"- technique.

- Presentation and exchange around the profession of hand gilding
- Description of the three gilding qualities and their basic techniques
- Practical work for blind tooling, gold tooling, and colour tooling with stamps and fillets on the covers and spine
- Exercises for leather onlay and leather strip technique
- Discovery of the classical title, the long title and the title in Chinese style (creative division, selection of fonts)
- Identification of styles of hand gilding throughout history

Parchment is an extremely hygroscopic material, which means that it can change dimensions significantly based on exposure to moisture and changes in humidity. Therefore, an adhesive-free binding is particularly advantageous when working with parchment. In this course we will learn a binding technique that takes a distinctly different approach from the traditional parchment binding style. The result is a refined binding that is also tactilely very pleasing. In addition, we will prepare a soft case with flaps for our bindings.

In order to create a successful and compelling binding, the elements of colour, form, proportion, rhythm, contrasts, structures, typeface, etc. must be coordinated so that a harmonious design is achieved. In this course we will not only highlight the theoretical aspects of book design, but we will also spend time developing our own sensibilities for colour and form. The goal of the course is to develop more confidence in the fundamental elements of book design so that you may carry these principles through in creating your own bindings.

The zigzag principle of accordion folding has long been a familiar theme in the world of bookbinding. It has been used in traditional and experimental bindings, artists' books and albums of all kinds since time immemorial. The accordion system brings flexibility and agility, playful as well as creative and respectful solutions to the opening behaviour mechanical functioning of the book.

Be creative, mix different techniques and think outside of the box! We will use established techniques (such as monotype, paste, spatula and batik) in new and surprising ways to create beautiful and experimental papers. This course will allow participants to create unusual and original work and explore the world of decorated papers.