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Bookbinding
Date: Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd November | 10:00am - 3:00pm
With Tutor: JoElle Gragilla
Join us for a hands-on bookmaking workshop where you’ll learn how to create two unique handmade books using pamphlet stitch and long stitch binding techniques.
We'll explore creative ways to design beautiful covers using watercolour paper and paints, giving each book a personal and artistic touch.
This workshop is perfect for beginners and anyone looking to explore book arts in a fun, creative environment, no experience is needed!
Skills You Will Gain:
You will learn the fundamentals of bookbinding, explore creative cover and page design, and gain hands-on experience with pamphlet and long stitch techniques - leaving you confident to create your own handmade books.
Why Join This Course?
We guarantee you will discover the joy of bookmaking while creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind books and learning techniques you can use again and again.
⭐ Learn Bookbinding - Master two classic techniques: pamphlet and long stitch.
⭐ Get Creative - Design your own painted covers and unique pages.
⭐ Relax & Focus - Enjoy the calming, hands-on process of bookmaking.
⭐ Take Home Handmade Books - Create functional art to use or gift.
⭐ Meet Fellow Makers - Connect with others in a fun, creative space.
What You’ll Walk Away With:
By the end of this workshop, you’ll have created two unique, hand-bound books: One using the pamphlet stitch and one using the long stitch binding technique.
Each book will feature your own personalised covers and any materials you’ve chosen to include, such as drawings, collage, or written pages. You’ll also gain practical skills in basic bookbinding, cover design, and creative embellishment, giving you the confidence to continue making your own handmade books at home.
Artist Bio: JoElle Gragilla
JoElle Gragilla is a passionate and versatile artist based in Island Bay, Wellington, New Zealand, where she runs her own studio, South Coast Studio. She explores new techniques and teaches drawing, life drawing, painting, watercolours, art history, and an ever-changing mix of creative specialties that reflect her curiosity and love of experimentation.
Born in Pennsylvania, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Art and a Teaching Qualification with minors in Ceramics, Art History, and Psychology. She taught art for three years in the US and eleven years in London before moving to New Zealand in 2005, where she has also taught at The Learning Connexion.
"I often find myself exploring new techniques and, when I come across something that excites me, I bring it into my classes." - JoElle Gragilla
“JoElle is fantastic at what she does. The environment is always so friendly and welcoming and it’s such a great way to unwind, laugh, be in the moment, and make a glorious arty mess! Fully recommend.” - Artist Brighid Jamieson
FAQ’s
What do I need to bring?
Feel free to bring along any materials you'd like to include in your books - collage elements, written pages, drawings, old maps, magazine images or decorative accents - to make your creations truly one-of-a-kind. Everything else will be provided by the tutor!
Can anyone do this class?
Absolutely! This workshop is suitable for beginners and experienced makers alike - no prior bookbinding skills are required, just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!
If you wish to cancel, email us at least 14 clear days before your class begins. You'll receive a full refund less an admin fee of $20 via the same payment method (e.g., credit card or Afterpay) if you cancel within this timeframe.
Unfortunately, refunds aren't available for cancellations with less than 14 days' notice, nor for missed classes within a series.
If you are required to bring specific supplies to this class you will be sent full details via email. Please make sure you keep the receive emails ticked at checkout to ensure you do not miss out on this information.
This class will be held on campus at The Learning Connexion located at 182 Eastern Hutt Road, Lower Hutt. Specific details of where on campus your class will be held will be sent to you the week prior to the commencement of your class
All our tutors are qualified and practicing artists who are skilled in specific art forms and regularly teach to support others in their own art practices.
Bookbinding
