A case-bound book is what most people know as a 'hard-cover' book; a series of pages completely encased in rigid covers and spine to protect the pages and ensure the book lasts for many years. 

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In this class, you'll create your very own case-bound book, completely from scratch!  You'll learn about the anatomy of a book, grain direction, and the step-by-step process of folding, cutting, gluing, and hand-sewing the signatures. You'll also have the chance to choose your own decorative papers and book cloth to cover the boards, and add decorative endbands and a ribbon bookmark to complete your unique creation.

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Don't worry if this all sounds new to you - this class is designed for beginners!  You'll be guided through every step by Wendy, owner of The Little Craftery, and life-long crafter.

 

The workshop runs for approximately 5 hours.  Enjoy a chat with like minded people and learn some new skills!  All materials and refreshments are included in the price, though you might want to bring one or two things with you (see FAQs below).

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FAQs

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Who is the class for?

Anyone over the age of 16 is welcome!  Suitable for complete beginners or those with more experience, it's a nice relaxed and friendly class.

There is a physical element involved that requires a degree of manual dexterity and reasonable hand and arm strength.

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What's involved?

Wendy will take you through the tools and materials you will need and the basic techniques you will learn.  You'll make an A5 size book covered with your choice of paper and cloth.  You'll fold the pages, sew them together, measure and cut the text block, make the book cover and case it all in.  There's a lot of work involved, but it's worth it for the fabulous book you'll have in the end!  Wendy will be on-hand to help you to create your beautiful hand-bound book.

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What's included?

The price includes all materials and use of any necessary tools, full instruction from Wendy, and tea and coffee.  There will be a small selection of covering papers and fabrics available for you to use, but you're welcome to bring something with you (read 'Do I Need To Bring Anything?', below).  You will keep the book you'll make, and some written instructions so you can make more at home. 

There will be plenty of tea and coffee available, but lunch is not included.  There will be time for a short break, so you're welcome to bring lunch with you.

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What are the design options?

Everyone will make an A5 sized book in portrait orientation.  The internal pages will always be the same (good-quality, recycled cartridge paper), but you can choose which paper you'd like to make your hardcovers with, and which fabric to make your bookcloth spine with.  The options available on the day will be limited, but you're welcome to bring some with you (see 'Do I Need To Bring Anything?', below. 

Wendy will show you all the techniques you need, to ensure that you make a book to be proud of.

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How long will the class last?

The class will last approximately four-and-a-half hours.  It’s best to allow a little extra time as classes sometimes over-run depending on group sizes.

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Where is the class held?

Classes are held in The Little Craftery in Field Row, Worthing, which is designed to be a functional, comfortable workspace for up to 4 participants.  The shop will be closed to the public during your class, so you don’t need to worry about interruptions.  If you have any special access requirements, please contact Wendy at The Little Craftery before you book to discuss, and to find out if access is available for you.

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Do we need to book?

Yes, please do book in advance, as there are a limited number of places on each class (a maximum of 4 people per workshop), and we wouldn’t want you to be disappointed!  We require full payment in advance in order to secure your booking.  Online payments will be taken securely by either Square or Paypal (don’t worry, you don’t have to have a Paypal account!).  If you’d rather not book online, you can book in person at The Little Craftery.

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How do I book?

You can book on this page, go to the 'Book Here' section above, and you'll see there are two steps.

Step 1 is to check for classes already open; these are the dates that other people have already set, and are happy for you to join them.  If there are no dates that you can do there, then come back here and go to step 2.

Step 2 is where you can set up a new date.  Start by choosing how many people are in your group, and you'll be taken to a new calendar where you can choose any date and time you like, and decide if you want it to be a private class, or if you'd like us to open it up for others to join you.

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Do I need to bring anything?

All your materials and refreshments are supplied, so you absolutely don't need to bring anything, however there are a few items that you might like to have on hand: 

Paper - For the front and back covers.  Wallpaper is the best choice for a first attempt as it's strong, durable and it wipes clean if you accidentally get glue on the cover.  However any paper that creases easily and isn't too thin (a good quality wrapping paper is great, but cheap, thin wrapping paper is really hard to work with).  You could even make your own paper on our silk paper making class!  You'll need two pieces, one for the front, one for the back, and they each need to be a minimum of 25cm x 14cm.

Fabric for the spine - I recommend a mid-weight cotton or linen (quilting fabric is perfect).  Nothing too heavy; upholstery fabric won't work.  You'll need one piece, a minimum of 25cm x 14cm.  You can choose to use paper instead.

Dust Mask - For health and safety reasons, you'll be required to wear a mask for part of the class.  There will be disposable masks available, but you might prefer to bring something more comfortable with you (a Covid mask will be fine).

​Reading Glasses - There are small and fiddly moments, so if you use them, you will probably need them!

Notepad - You will be given some written instructions, but you might find it useful to bring a notepad to write some notes.

Camera - As well as taking notes, you're welcome to take a few photos of the steps to remind you of the process.  You might also want a few snaps to remember your day!

Lunch - Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided, but not lunch.  There will be time for a short break to eat.

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Do we need to book?

Yes, please do book in advance, as there are a limited number of places on each class (a maximum of 4 people per open class), and we wouldn’t want you to be disappointed!  We require full payment in advance in order to secure your booking.  Online payments will be taken securely by either Square or Paypal (don’t worry, you don’t have to have a Paypal account!).  If you’d rather not book online, you can book in person at The Little Craftery.

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How do I book?

You can book on this page; just go to the 'Book Here' section above, and you'll see there are two options.

Option 1 is to check for classes already open; these are the dates that other people have already set, and are happy for you to join them.  If there are no dates that you can do there, then come back to this page and go to option 2.

Option 2 is where you can set up a new date.  Start by choosing how many people are in your group, and you'll be taken to a new calendar where you can choose any date and time you like.  You can also decide if you want it to be a private class, or if you'd like us to open it up for others to join you.

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Why are there no dates available?

You haven't set one yet!  Instead of us trying to guess when you might want your class, it's easier if you tell us.

If you want an open class with other people, you can choose your own date by going straight to 'Option 2' in the Book Here section above.  If it's just one or two people that you book for, we'll open that date up for others to book onto (unless you chose a private session).

Any bookings for 3 people or more will automatically be set as a private session.

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How many people are needed for a class?

We need at least 2 people per class, unless you've chosen to pay the additional supplement fee for a one-on-one (single person) class.

If you've set a new date and no-one else books onto it, we'll unfortunately have to reschedule or cancel your class.  You'll be notified by email and text message 24 hours in advance, with options to either reschedule to a later date, or cancel for a full refund. 

The maximum number of people per class depends on the class, and how much space it takes to do it (for this class it's 4 people).

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Can I book a private session?

Of course!  Just head straight to 'Option 2' in the 'Book Here' section above.

For private sessions of just one person, we charge a supplement fee (which is 80% of the cost of the class, rounded to the nearest £1), so it might be worthwhile bringing a friend!  You can choose not to pay the additional supplement fee, in which case we'll open up your class for others to join you, but if we can't find a second person we will have to reschedule the class.

If there are two of you, you have a choice of a private class (no supplement fee), or opening it up for others to join (the class will go ahead with just the two of you if we don't find anyone else).

Bookings for three or more people will automatically get a private session at no extra cost.

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What's the cancellation policy?

If you are unable to attend your class, please let us know as soon as possible. 

If you cancel more than 7 days in advance of the class - You'll be eligible for a full refund or a reschedule, as you prefer.

If you cancel within 7 days of the class (up to 24 hours before the class) - you're not eligible for a refund, but you can reschedule.

If you cancel within 24 hours of the class - you're not eligible for a refund or a reschedule.

Failure to show up for your class will not be eligible for a refund or reschedule.

In any circumstance where a class is cancelled by The Little Craftery, we will attempt to contact you in advance as soon as possible to either reschedule or offer a full refund, as you prefer.