Course program
Masterclass Design Binding
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.
Folder & Co.
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.
Sketchbook or notebook - hand-bound according to old tradition
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.
Creating a book from start to finish
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.
Okonomiyaki as a book
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.
Pencil case and pencil box with closure
Course location Zurich
Practical and elegant – in this course, you will create a customised pencil case with a magnetic closure or press stud, ideal for your desk or when you are on the go.
The structure of the pencil case will be taught step by step. A selection of high-quality materials is available for the cover and lining, which can be combined as desired.
The course offers an insight into traditional craft techniques and is aimed at anyone who enjoys working precisely with paper and bookbinding materials – no previous knowledge is required.
Paper objects
Course location Ascona
A small sheet of paper, a single fold – and a small object is created. Hardly any other material can be transformed so quickly and in so many different ways into amazing shapes as paper. Geometric surfaces are turned into spheres, stars, Platonic or Archimedean solids, folded, honeycomb or accordion spheres by folding, cutting, creasing or scoring.
With a ruler, folding bone, scissors, and occasionally a dab of glue, a fascinating world of paper opens up. Various techniques and objects are explored and explored in depth where personal interest is aroused.
Wood veneer open binding
Course location Ascona
This workshop will present a new method for treating wood veneer to facilitate its usage as a covering material. It will involve producing a decoratively open sewn binding, with a flexible leather spine and boards covered in the treated wood veneer. The binding will additionally include handmade silk thread headbands, some simple spine tooling and acrylic edge colouring - to complete an overall aesthetically pleasing, and eye-catching appearance.
Leather Inlays
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.
Book clasps - Function and Finishing
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.
Mini books
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.
Conservation Boxes and Enclosures
Course location Ascona
The course aims to provide participants with the boxmaking knowledge needed to design and create enclosures and supports for books, documents, and small objects. Participants will make various models and learn to design custom containers using different materials, from lightweight card to lined cardboard, choosing the most suitable type and materials based on the object and use, from storage to transport and display in exhibitions.
The Parchment binding
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.
This course is for anyone with prior knowledge of bookbinding who would like to gain in-depth experience working with this special material.
"Edelpappband" binding
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.
Finishing Tool Making: A Practical Approach
Course location Zurich
In hand bookbinding, the primary way to finish, or decorate, a covered binding is to build up patterns and designs with individual decorative stamps, called finishing tools. Students in this workshop will learn the skills needed to fashion their own custom finishing tools.
Beginning with brass stock, students will use a variety of metalworking techniques to create an array of stamps to suit their own aesthetics and needs. They will also learn to fashion their own wooden handles. Though primarily used on leather bindings, these tools can be used on cloth, paper, and even wood. The class emphasizes developing tool designs that can be repeated in interesting ways to build up a variety of patterns.
Finishing tools are expensive and difficult to find, so being able to make one’s own is an asset to any binder. In addition to potential savings, there is the added advantage of having a unique and personal catalog of tools. There’s no better way to get to know your tools than to make them!
Be prepared for a lot of hand filing of metal.
Leather sharpening with the "Ascona knife"
Course location Ascona
This course teaches the basics of leather sharpening with the traditional “Ascona knife.” It demonstrates a key technique that can be performed with two different hand positions—ideal for beginners as well as those who want to improve their skills. If you don't have your own Ascona knife, you can purchase one during the course.
Limp – Link – Long. Exploring Techniques Hidden In Libraries Across Europe
Course location Ascona
Students will be introduced to Northern European limp vellum binding styles. The class will begins with a short lecture showing various styles of bindings included in the collection of the Carolina Rediviva Library at the Uppsala University in Sweden. We will focus on materials and details, such as a rigid spine plate, weaving of the sewing thread, markers, and closures. Students will start by constructing a text block, shaping and preparing the supportive spine plate from a variety of materials, cutting the vellum cover to size and finally attaching the cover and adding closures. During the class we will have time for deeper study and discussions on some of the typical features found on books bound with this technique. We will then create two other bindings using these methods more freely … coloring and patterning the vellum, using metal and other nontraditional materials for spine supports of various shapes and sizes and working with unusual sewing patterns.
Embossing - Classic titles and creative decorations
Course location Ascona
The Prägnant embossing press is a versatile tool that is used in many workshops. This course focuses on the basics of title setting – from practical applications to typographical issues. In addition, the press opens up numerous creative possibilities, which we will explore together: various embossing tools, foils and colours are used, as well as different materials. This results in a wide range of design ideas that go far beyond classic title embossing.
Woven structure variations
Course location Ascona
This course focuses on innovative, adhesive-free bookbinding techniques with woven structures. The focus is on two variants that explore the range of stability and flexibility offered by this technique. To begin with, there will be an introduction to using the cutting plotter (Silhouette Cameo 4), which is used for the precise and efficient production of the binding folds.
Two book models are then produced:
The Moonspine variant is a book with fixed covers and a round, stiff spine, in which the content is stapled onto carbon rods, wooden skewers, bicycle spokes, piano strings or similar elements. This technique enables a permanently resilient, adhesive-free binding, even for larger and more extensive objects.
The Self Supporting Structure is a flexible book in which long woven ribbons are not only used for binding, but are also woven into flexible covers at the protrusions.
Restoration of parchment volumes - Part 1
Course location Ascona
This two-part course focuses on the professional restoration of historical parchment volumes and is aimed at restorers with prior knowledge of book restoration.
The first week lays a solid foundation for working with parchment. The focus is on its structure, properties, typical ageing processes and the limits of its resilience. Theoretical content will be taught and initial practical exercises will be carried out to allow participants to try out the material for themselves.
Another focus will be on analysing various historical parchment binding techniques. Examples will be used to discuss their respective advantages and disadvantages, their stability and their weaknesses in long-term behaviour. These findings will form the basis for restoration decisions in the second week of the course.
Alternative materials to parchment – such as contemporary substitute materials or newly developed materials – are also presented, tested in practical use and critically evaluated with regard to their suitability for conservation or restoration measures.
If time permits, a simple conservation binding made of parchment will also be produced – as a possible measure for the long-term preservation of damaged objects.
The two parts (course nbr. 20 and nbr. 21) can be booked individually or together.
Restoration of parchment volumes - Part 2
Course location Ascona
This two-part course focuses on the professional restoration of historical parchment volumes and is aimed at restorers with prior knowledge in the field of book restoration.
In the second week, participants apply the knowledge they have acquired to objects they have brought with them. Among other things, broken folds and stitching, deformed covers and typical damage to parchment are restored. The focus is on selecting suitable materials and adhesives – both traditional and modern – and cleanly executing techniques appropriate to the materials.
The aim of the course is to achieve convincing and sustainable restoration results through a combination of sound specialist knowledge, practical exercises, the use of suitable materials and precise craftsmanship.
The two parts (course nbr. 20 and nbr. 21) can be booked individually or together.
Open studio - Individual book restoration projects
Course location Ascona
This course offers open, supervised studio time for intensive work on individual book restoration projects. Under the expert guidance of the instructor, participants can work on their own objects and delve deeper into specific restoration issues.
Whether parchment, leather, or paper volumes—the diversity of projects is deliberately allowed and encouraged. Despite different areas of focus, the joint work gives rise to a lively professional exchange: transitions, thematic intersections, and comparable challenges are taken up by the instructor, summarized, and reflected upon with all participants. This creates a shared learning process that extends beyond one's own object.
Both traditional materials and techniques—such as historical adhesives, binding methods, or cover materials—are used, as well as selected alternative materials, whose application is discussed, tested, and evaluated under guidance. The conscious examination of different materials promotes a reflective approach to restoration decisions.
Studio time takes place in a collegial, open, and supportive working atmosphere. The course thrives on collaboration: learning from each other, developing solutions together, comparing techniques—always in dialogue and with appreciation for different approaches.
Important: As the course only lasts one week, it is generally not possible to complete extensive restorations in their entirety. The aim is rather to focus on individual work steps, develop a suitable concept, or solve specific problems with the object – accompanied by individual feedback and expert advice.
Prerequisites for participation are basic knowledge of book restoration and a certain degree of independence in practical work. The course is aimed at anyone who has already worked in restoration – whether in a professional context or as part of previous training – and who would like to further develop their projects in exchange with an expert and like-minded people.
Paper Conservation: Traditions, Innovations and Methods
Course location Ittigen
This course provides a comprehensive overview of both traditional and innovative paper conservation techniques. Starting with basic methods such as simple tear repairs and filling losses, it progresses to more advanced treatments, including addressing damage from mold, brittle paper, and the mechanical stabilization of paper affected by ink corrosion.
Participants will explore topics such as humidification, washing, drying, flattening, and lining. The course also covers innovative techniques, materials, and processes, which participants will apply practically.
Please note that prior knowledge of paper restoration is required for this course.
Japanese bookbinding
Course location Zurich
Japanese bookbinding is characterised by its simplicity and elegance, which, in combination with special materials such as fine papers and decorative stitching threads, give it its unique appeal. This course teaches classic preparatory techniques, such as backing paper or fabric, in order to produce books that are as true to the original as possible. Participants then try out various traditional stitching patterns such as Yotsume Toji (four-hole binding), Asa-no-ha Toji (hemp leaf binding) and Kikko Toji (tortoise shell binding). The stitching thread is used to create different decorative patterns that bind folded sheets of Japanese paper into individual books.
