cbl-Newsletter 1/2026

With photos from the most recent courses of the 2025 course year, we would like to set the mood for the courses of the new year 2026.

Let yourself be inspired by the diverse course program – there is certainly something inspiring for everyone:
https://www.cbl-ascona.ch/en/programm

We are pleased to introduce our first courses in Ascona and Zurich:

No. 01

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.
This course is designed as an intensive immersion into the world of fine bindings and offers an in-depth exploration of traditional and modern techniques.

Instructor:

Luigi Castiglioni

Date:

From Monday, 16th February until Wednesday, 25th February 2026

Duration:

9 days (Sunday off)

Course location:

centro del bel libro ascona, Via Collegio 17, CH-6612 Ascona

Language:

English, French and Italian

Costs:

CHF 1'990.-

Material costs:

Special material depending on use

Participants:

Bookbinding skills required

Registration:

No. 02

Course location Ascona

This course teaches the basics of bookbinding step by step and introduces participants to working with paper, cardboard, linen and glue in a relaxed atmosphere. Various projects will be created: an elegant conference folder with notepad, a simple folder with elastic closure, a classic folder with flaps, and a ring binder with file mechanism that can be used as a personal organiser, recipe book or gift. In addition to an introduction to bookbinding materials and tools, the focus is on creative work in small groups with individual guidance. The result is unique objects that combine functionality with craftsmanship.

Instructor:

Matthias Grimm

Date:

From Thursday, 12th March until Saturday, 14th March 2026

Duration:

3 days

Course location:

centro del bel libro ascona, Via Collegio 17, CH-6612 Ascona

Language:

German

Costs:

CHF 690.-

Material costs:

Special material depending on use

Participants:

No previous experience required

Registration:

No. 03

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.
The course is aimed at anyone who would like to experience this ancient craft and develop a feel for materials, form and function – no prior knowledge is required.

Instructor:

Andrea Kohler, Doris Feldmann

Date:

Friday, 13th March and Saturday, 14th March 2026

Duration:

2 days: Friday, 13:00 - 19:00 / Satuday, 09:00 - 16:00

Course location:

Schule für Gestaltung, Buchbindewerkstatt, Ausstellungsstrasse 104, CH-8005 Zurich

Language:

German

Costs:

CHF 750.-

Material costs:

Special material depending on use

Participants:

No previous experience required

Registration:

No. 04

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.

Instructor:

Matthias Grimm

Date:

From Monday, 16th March until Thursday, 19th March 2026

Duration:

3,5 days, Thursday until 12:00

Course location:

centro del bel libro ascona, Via Collegio 17, CH-6612 Ascona

Language:

German

Costs:

CHF 800.-

Material costs:

Special material depending on use

Participants:

No previous experience required

Registration:

No. 05

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».
Based on the abstracted motif of the special Japanese pancake, we will create simple drawings and drip paintings, arrange Tawada's 15 poetic text fragments and conceptualize a unique artist book in content and form. The aim is to design a book coherently from the inside out in one week and bind it using different types of paper.
In addition, we plan to have dinner together with home-made okonomiyaki.
Previous knowledge of design and bookbinding is helpful, but not essential.

Instructor:

Veronika Schäpers

Date:

From Monday, 30th March until Friday, 3rd April 2026

Duration:

5 days, Friday until 12:00

Course location:

centro del bel libro ascona, Via Collegio 17, CH-6612 Ascona

Language:

German and English

Costs:

CHF 1'150.-

Material costs:

Special material depending on use

Participants:

Beginners, previous experience in design and bookbinding is an advantage

Registration:

Course photos: Myrtha Rüttimann

Editing: Katharina Meier

Translation: Beatrice Corti

Administration:
centro del bel libro ascona
Viale St. Franscini 30
CH-6500 Bellinzona – Switzerland

School:
centro del bel libro ascona
Via Collegio 17
CH-6612 Ascona – Switzerland

www.cbl-ascona.ch
Telefon +41 (0) 91 825 11 62
info@cbl-ascona.ch

A visual fireworks display for the new 2026 course year

Masterclass Design Binding

Course location Ascona

Folder & Co.

Course location Ascona

Sketchbook or notebook - hand-bound according to old tradition

Course location Zurich

Creating a book from start to finish

Course location Ascona

Okonomiyaki as a book

Course location Ascona