French Link Stitch Bookbinding

Service Description

NOTE: It's recommended that you first take the Coptic Stitch workshop, or practice this at home. In this workshop, you will learn the decorative French Link stitch, combined with the traditional Coptic stitch to create a beautiful, handmade journal or sketchbook. From cutting and wrapping your book cover to folding every signature and putting it all together, your creativity and hand will be in every step in the process. You will have the option to use multi-media paper or thicker card stock, depending on the book you'd like to make. Papers, fabrics and paper made at the Wild Arts studio from plants and scraps will also be available for book covers. In the first part of class, you will learn about the history of the first bound book and the ancient technique of the Coptic stitch and when the French Link stitch likely showed up. You will prepare your materials by making the covers of your book and folding your signatures. Those will go under a press to dry/flatten as we take a break (Snacks will be provided, but feel free to bring your own lunch). Next, we stitch! We will create templates for our holes, learn the stitching process and then work until completed. You may get done early, or you may need more time. You will have the option to stay until your project is complete. You will go home with a completed book and a few stitching tools: an awl, a curved needle, a needle threader and a glue brush. All materials + snacks + coffee/tea are provided. This workshop is for adults and hosted at the Wild Arts Learning Center in Springfield, MO. For locals: just out east Sunshine and around the bend from Turner's Station off J Hwy. The address and directions are emailed upon booking. BOOKING: If you don't see available dates within 30 days from the day you are looking, click "Book" and the next available class date will pop up.