Course location Ascona

In this four-day course, participants will create two versions of the Edelpappband binding: one with leather-covered edges at the head and tail, and another with a reinforced cap and hidden corners. In addition, coloured edges and title designs will be developed, allowing the decorative paper used to unfold its full effect. The course is aimed at anyone interested in fine leather and paper craftsmanship. Depending on your previous experience, you will complete one cover and begin another.

Course location Ascona

The course offers the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of working with parchment and expand your craftsmanship skills in classic bookbinding. Based on the technique of French fine binding, a parchment binding is created in six days, which is build directly on the book block.
The shoulders are worked at 90°, the covers are attached, and the parchment is carefully processed – the folds and creases are traditionally scraped out with glass shards. During the drying phase, a customised title label is created.

Course location Ascona

This course focuses on working with small books – so-called mini books. Despite (or perhaps because of) their small size, they pose a particular challenge in terms of bookbinding.
Various binding techniques are taught and tried out in practice: from classic paper binding to half-leather or full-leather binding to parchment binding.
The focus is on precise craftsmanship in small formats and on adapting materials and tools to miniature dimensions.

Course location Zurich

Book clasps have been an important part of books since the early Middle Ages. This course focuses on book clasps. Participants will learn the basics of metalworking and apply them directly to the creation of book clasps. Using various tools and historical models, we will file, drill and bend brass sheets to create simple clasps – with and without decorations. This course is aimed at all bookbinders and restorers who are interested in historical techniques and metalworking.

Course location Ascona

This workshop will present a new method for inlaying leather, which facilitates a relatively stress free execution of potentially complex designs. It will cover the technical foundations of this technique, the variations of which will at first be practiced by making several A6 leather covered sample cards. To further deepen the understanding and experience with this method, the participants will make a small full leather binding with their own inlay designs. Previous experience, although helpful, is not a prerequisite.

Course location Ascona

A course on the subject of the artist book, based on text fragments by the author Yoko Tawada.
«Fry as you like» - this could be the translation of the name of the traditional Japanese dish ‹Okonomiyaki›, for which Yoko Tawada has written a bilingual text:
«The Japanese name for squid is ika, which also means estrangement».

Course location Ascona

Have you always dreamed of designing and binding your own book? In three and a half days, from Monday to Thursday, you will learn the basics of bookbinding and fulfil your dream of creating your own book from start to finish. From selecting the paper to folding the pages to binding the book cover.

Course location Zurich

This course is dedicated to the traditional art of bookbinding. Using traditional techniques, participants will create a sketchbook or notebook using classic tools and high-quality materials. Among other things, beautiful coloured papers from all over the world will be used.
The focus is on conscious work with the hands – step by step, the book is constructed, sewn, glued and covered. The result is a unique piece that embodies the care and aesthetics of traditional bookbinding.

Course location Ascona

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the art of making and designing a traditional French binding. The bookblock is worked with stabs and sewn on hemp cords. The book is covered with box calf leather, while the endpapers are an elegant combination of leather and suede.
Another focus of the course is the development of an individual design concept. Special tools and plexiglass templates are used to create leather inlays.

Course location Ascona