Discover the Best Bookbinding Classes Online
Bookbinding is one of the traditional book arts, which includes hand binding, fine printing, calligraphy, box making, paper decorating, and artists’ books. It is the process of assembling individual sheets of paper inside a cover to make a book.
Modern bookbinding incorporates a variety of materials and techniques that stem from early processes. The ancient Egyptians penned their writings onto pressed papyrus rolled into a scroll. In Turkey, later texts used parchment made from animal skins. Chinese artisans created the first paper pressed from plant pulp. Even after the development of Gutenberg’s printing press in 1436, bookmaking itself was a handmade process until the industrial revolution of the nineteenth century.
Bookbinding enthusiasts now practice traditional and creative book arts in their homes and studios. They use a wide variety of techniques and materials to create unique and beautiful hand-made volumes.
Why You Should Learn Bookbinding Online
Bookbinding is a journey into an art that is both meditative and exacting. A finely crafted book reflects hours of practice and is a creative outlet using unique covers, selected papers, and different binding techniques.
Some bookbinders are drawn by a love for old books, and use their skills to repair and restore antique volumes or create beautiful and protective covers. Others love to create something new and unique that has not been made before. Regardless of your motivation, you’ll feel a sense
of accomplishment when you hold your hand-bound book in your hands. A handmade book is a treasured gift or the start of a blossoming cottage industry in the crafts.
Virtual Bookbinding Classes
If you can’t find a class near you, take a look at online bookbinding classes. You aren’t limited to the classes in your area, and you can access instructors with expertise in your own area of interest in the book arts. Plus, you’ll save time on commuting and you can work from the comfort of your home or studio. Consider whether you have a suitable space to work on your new craft, where you can spread out your materials and work uninterrupted. You’ll often need to acquire your own materials before your online class begins. Check local stores and online vendors for the materials you need for bookbinding.
Create beautiful ink paintings on Japanese papers for your hand-bound books in Virtual Interactive Japanese Ink Painting (Sumi-e) from RESOBOX. The traditional east asian art of Sumi-e painting, also called Suibokuga, is ink wash painting. It uses the fewest possible brush strokes to depict the spirit or essence of an object or scene. Sumi-e is a very contemplative form of painting to view and create. You’ll need liquid Sumi ink, Sumi-e (or Calligraphy) brushes, Washi paper (rice paper) or newsprint paper, a couple of containers with water, a couple of small dishes, and paper towels or rags.
Beginner's Intro Art Journaling from The Art Studio NY teaches you to create an art journal that reflects your creative journey. This live, online art journaling class is for you whether you are a total beginner or you need a creative jump start. In this two-hour course, a professional artist will guide you through creating your own authentic piece of artwork. You’ll learn drawing basics, color fundamentals, watercolor painting, layering, and collage. The focus is on self-expression and fun creative exploration.
In the five-session Beginners Art Journaling by The Art Studio in New York City, you’ll dive deeper into art journaling. This class covers how to use painting, drawing, collage, and mixed-media techniques to express your unique voice and perspective. You’ll learn how to layer and intuitively collage, express yourself with paint and meditative marks, use watercolor to channel your mood, tap into drawing with expressive marks, and explore the addition of writing, inspiring quotes, pictures, textures, and other details to your personalized art journal pages. Class participation includes membership in a private community Facebook group for students only, where you can connect with your new creative friends outside of class.
For either art journaling class, you’ll need 90-pound or heavier watercolor or mixed media paper, watercolor paints, pencil, eraser, glue (Modge Podge or matte medium), craft brushes, black marker (Sharpie Ultra point, Posca fine point, or Pigma Micron Pen), scissors, and collage elements (magazines, scrap papers, or tissue paper). Optional supplies include acrylic craft paints and a white Posca fine-point marker.
Online Pen and Ink 101 from Pastimes for a Lifetime teaches you how to create illustrated cartoons, graphic novels, or commercial book illustrations with pen and ink. Class projects help you precisely represent textures, shading, and tone, and show you how to use positive and negative space. You’ll learn to select the best pens and papers for your projects and complete a gorgeous collection of black and white works of art, as well as receive a certificate of completion. For this class, you’ll need a Copic® 0.3mm multiliner black pen, a 9 x 12 inch bristol board, a 11 x 14 inch bristol vellum, a graphite 2H pencil, a 2H turquoise drawing pencil, a kneaded eraser, a 2-hole General® Metal Twin sharpener, a pen brush, and a Copic® multiliner brush. The average class size is six students.
Private Online Group Bookbinding Classes
Do you need to plan a team-building activity for your business? Maybe you’re responsible for a group activity at a retreat or reunion. CourseHorse makes it easy with live online group classes that you can enjoy wherever you are. From private group bookbinding classes online to a wide variety of other activities, Coursehorse provides classes that participants will love.
In Virtual Origami Workshop, you’ll learn to make Fish, Butterfly, Crane, and Jumping Frog with the creative art of paper folding. Use your origami shapes as a bookmark, hang them on your wall, or simply leave them on your desk to show off your new skills. Origami is fun to share with your friends and family, and kids love to see the magical shapes you create from a simple sheet of paper. Your new paper-folding skills will fuel your creativity in your book art. No previous experience is required and all materials are provided.
Virtual Shibori Dye Workshop shows you how to make unique and beautiful fabrics that you can use in bookbinding, or for other crafty ideas. You’ll use a combination of twisting, bunching, tying, and binding to create unique shibori-inspired fabrics. This traditional Japanese tie-dyeing technique produces beautiful and surprising patterns on fabric. You’ll learn the six classic Shibori styles in this one-and-a-half-hour class. You don’t need any previous experience, and most materials are provided. Pre-wash the provided fabric and have your own plastic bag and large pot for the class.
In Virtual Holiday Card Workshop you’ll expand your paper art skills and delight your inner artist by designing your own cards. You’ll practice techniques like paper collage, embellishing, and design as you create beautiful cards. Share your results with your online or in-person group before you send the cards off to a lucky recipient. This class is open to all ages. You’ll receive enough crafting materials to create ten beautiful cards; participants provide their own glue and scissors.
If you don’t see the class you’re looking for, Coursehorse can create a class just for you. Contact them through the Contact Us button on their website. Booking a class with Coursehorse is easy, even if you don’t know the size of your group. Select the minimum group size of ten, pay a deposit, and your date is secured. You can finalize your group size up to one week before your class. For just $50 extra, you can customize your event with added games, specific questions or a themed game, or another event with materials included.
Online vs. In-Person Bookbinding Classes
In-person classes are a terrific way to get hands-on instruction and a supportive new group of friends who share your interest. However, many areas don’t offer classes in bookbinding, or you aren’t able to travel or fit it into your schedule.
An online class lets you learn your new craft wherever you are. There’s no commute, and you can work in the comfort of your home. Some people find that online classes are more accessible due to challenges like reduced mobility, hearing loss, or fatigue. Make sure you have a suitable space to work in where you are uninterrupted and can spread out your materials. You’ll usually need to purchase your own materials before the class begins using a shopping list from your instructor. Many local stores and online vendors sell all the materials you’ll need for your new bookbinding adventure.
Can I Learn Bookbinding for Free Online?
You’ll find many free options for learning bookbinding online. Tutorials and videos feature experienced creators who share their skills and ideas. It’s a great way to find new ideas and inspiration, but most people develop their bookbinding skills faster and better with formal training from an expert.
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