Workshop: Craft Your Own Miniature Notebook

Craft Your Own Miniature Notebook – A Hands-On Journey into Traditional Bookbinding

📅 Date: Friday, 24 October 2025
⏰ Time: 6–9 pm (UK time) | Duration: 3 hours
👩‍🏫 Instructor: Ayşe Kaya
💷 Fee: £40 (includes all materials)
👥 Class Size: 5–10 participants
📍 Location: 10 Maple Street W1T 5HA (Nearest stations: Warren Street & Goodge Street)
🔞 Age Requirement: 16+
🌐 Open to All – No prior experience required
📝 Registration: Please complete the form the form to register successfully.

Course Overview

Step into the timeless art of bookbinding and create your very own miniature handmade notebook. This immersive, face-to-face workshop blends practical skills with cultural discovery, offering a rare chance to experience the craft as it has been practiced for centuries.

Under the guidance of expert Ayşe Kaya, you will be introduced to the essential tools and materials of the trade, from textured traditional papers to fine threads. You’ll learn how to:

• Prepare and fold the pages,
• Stitch a strong and elegant spine,
• Assemble and secure the cover,
• Finish your notebook with a marbled paper design—a decorative art form deeply rooted in Ottoman heritage.

Alongside the hands-on process, you’ll also gain insight into the history of bookmaking and the symbolism behind its patterns and motifs. The session combines creativity with tradition, allowing you to appreciate how function and beauty meet in the art of binding.

By the end of the workshop, you will leave not only with a unique notebook of your own creation but also with a deeper appreciation of traditional craftsmanship and the confidence to continue exploring book arts independently.

Assessment / Outcome

At the end of the session, each participant will:
✅ Complete a handmade miniature notebook.
✅ Gain practical skills in traditional binding.
✅ Receive instructor feedback and tips for future projects.

Methods of Teaching

The workshop will employ a combination of live demonstrations, hands-on practice, and personalized guidance to ensure an engaging and comprehensive learning experience. Ayse Kaya will perform detailed demonstrations of each step in the notebook-making process, followed by hands-on practice where participants can work on their own projects with her support. Personalized feedback will be provided throughout the session to address individual questions and challenges. Additionally, interactive group discussions and visual aids will be used to enhance understanding and inspire creativity, with a focus on traditional Turkish techniques and motifs to enrich the cultural experience.

Required Equipment & Materials

All materials are provided – just bring your creativity!

Disclaimer

• The course is primarily taught in English, but some terminology may be in Turkish. Your instructor will clarify any terms or concepts as needed during the class.
• For your safety and comfort, we recommend avoiding wearing loose clothing, especially items with large cuffs and neckties, during classes.
• While the Cultural Institute strives to maintain a safe learning environment, students are reminded that they are solely responsible for the security of their personal belongings. The Institute assumes no liability for any loss or damage to personal items incurred during course activities.
• The Cultural Institute endeavors to maintain a conducive learning environment by ensuring that courses meet a minimum enrollment. If this requirement is not met by the end of the registration period, the Institute reserves the right to cancel the course/ workshop one day prior to its scheduled start. In such cases, any course fees paid by enrolled students will be promptly refunded in full. Refunds will be processed to the student’s designated bank account, unless the course was purchased online, in which case refunds will be issued via PayPal.
• Applicants can withdraw their application without incurring any charges up until the commencement date of the workshop. No refunds will be issued for withdrawals made after the day of the workshop.
• Photography and videos may be taken during classes for archival and promotional purposes. Your participation in the class implies consent for us to use these materials. If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please inform your instructor.
• Your feedback is valuable to us. If you have any suggestions or concerns regarding the class structure or content, please feel free to discuss them with your instructor, the administrative staff or the coordinator at londra@yee.org.tr

By enrolling in the course, students acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the aforementioned terms and conditions.