Making Artist Books Without Glue – a Class for Calligraphers and Artists (a hands-on workshop)
12 April 2025 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
The Butterfly Studio, Montebello Design Centre
31 Newlands Ave, Newlands
Cape Town
Cost: R1700
Date, time and venue to be confirmed
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to create two beautiful handmade books using simple sewing techniques, a bit of double-stick tape and a touch of glue stick.
This workshop is hosted by Bookbinder & Educator, Beth Morton, in collaboration with the Cape Friends of Calligraphy.
COST: R1700 including some supplies.
Have you ever created beautiful pieces and wished you could turn them into a book. Love the idea of making books but not the mess of glue? Me too!
Glue can be expensive, sticky, and unpredictable – but don’t worry, there’s a better way! In this workshop, I’ll teach you how to create two beautiful handmade books using simple sewing techniques, a bit of double-stick tape, and (only if you’re feeling adventurous) a touch of glue stick.
No prior bookbinding experience needed – just an open mind!
In-person
Duration:Full day (8 hours)
Class size:15
Min. age:All welcome from 16 years and up
Dress code
Come casual and comfortable
Materials / What must I bring with?
Some materials will be supplied by Beth, and she will bring these especially from the USA. The supply fee for these will be R300. Click the link to download a list of what you need to bring, or purchase from Beth by arrangement.
What you will learn, and what’s included:
What attendees will learn:
- Two no-glue techniques – a small envelope book, and a slotted accordion book
- How to bind your work into finished books
- Great binding skills from an expert
- Methods to preserve and showcase your work beautifully
Projects We’ll Make:
- Small Envelope Book – A charming structure with four envelopes, each containing its own mini book inside! Perfect for keepsakes, calligraphy samplers, or thoughtful thank-you gifts.
- Slotted Accordion Book – Designed to hold single-sheet signatures made from thicker paper, like 140 lb. watercolor paper. The accordion folds are hidden inside, creating a seamless look. You can bring finished watercolor or calligraphy pieces to bind or leave it blank to fill later. The best part? It can be taken apart, so you can remove the pages to work on them flat!
Come explore the art of glue-free bookmaking and leave with unique creations you’ll love!
Snacks and refreshments
Coffee, teas and lunch is widely available at Montebello. Some snacks and refreshments will be available in the studio.
About the workshop host
Beth Morton
Bookbinder & Educator
beth@jnbmorton.com
With over 20 years of experience in the art of bookbinding, Beth has transformed countless blank and decorated pages into journals and finished works of art. She began her journey as a child with an artistic mother who shared her love of fiber and books arts. She developed a deep love for book structures and a fascination with traditional craftsmanship. This passion led her to explore a variety of bookbinding techniques, from ancient to contemporary.
In her classes, Beth shares technical skills in a way that helps students to move forward with their own creations. She believes knowing the basics of book engineering can help students create custom structures for their own work.
Outside of bookbinding, Beth enjoys gardening and woodworking. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, John, and their dog, Cora.
Minimum age requirement
All welcome from 16 years and up