Coptic bookbinding introduction at The Artist's Barn

Learn traditional bookbinding and make an A5 open-spine Coptic bound book, covering folding, piercing, sewing and hard covers.

Bookbinding Workshop at The Artist’s Barn

Join artist and printmaker Maisie Keller for a focused, hands-on bookbinding workshop at The Artist’s Barn, a creative hub in rural Wiltshire.

This workshop is designed for beginners and those with a curiosity for bookbinding. You’ll be guided through the process of making an A5 open-spine Coptic bound book, learning both practical techniques and binding fundamentals along the way.

What you’ll make

During the workshop, you will create:

• One A5 open-spine Coptic bound book
• Hard covers with decorated endpapers

You’ll leave with a fully finished, functional book.

What you’ll learn

The session will cover:

• Bookbinding fundamentals and terminology
• Paper preparation and grain direction
• Piercing techniques and alignment
• Coptic sewing and French stitch patterns
• Binding structure and tension control
• How to apply these skills to future projects

What’s included

• All materials provided
• Expert tuition in a small-group setting
• One fully bound A5 book to take home
• An informative booklet covering bookbinding basics

Optional take-home tool kit

For those who’d like to continue bookbinding at home, an optional take-home tool kit is available, including:

• Curved sewing needle
• Waxed linen thread
• Craft knife
• Awl

(Select this option when booking.)

About the tutor

Maisie Keller holds an MA in Multidisciplinary Printmaking and has three years’ experience working with bookbinding and Artist’s Books.

Venue information

📍 The Artist’s Barn, The Ginger Piggery, Boyton, Wiltshire, BA12 0SS
🚗 Free parking available
☕ On-site café offering 10% off for workshop attendees
⚠️ Please note: the venue has a small flight of stairs and is not wheelchair accessible