Chinese Pocket Booklets
These beautiful and ingenious booklets are made by the needlewomen of the Miao, Dong and Yi tribes of Southwest China and used to keep their thread, braids and patterns in. They make wonderful gifts -folded containers for small photos, keepsakes and mementos. The project book ‘Folded Secrets’ by Ruth Smith will be available to purchase.
Sunday 7th November 10am-4.30pm £48

Simple Stitched Books
This is an introduction to the basic techniques of making stitched books. We will start by painting our own paper and will then explore soft cover pamphlet stitch books and Japanese stab bindings.
Sunday 14th November10am-4.30pm £48

Photo Display Book
This is both a folded album and a freestanding frame for special photos. In this afternoon workshop we will make a hardcover, concertina book to display a group of 4 or 6 photos or postcards. Finished with decorative papers and ribbon closures, these make lovely personal gifts for family and friends.
Sunday 21st November 2-5pm £24

Simple Printing Techniques
Making stamps from a variety of easily available materials and then employing these to create repeat motifs that are particularly suitable for the endpapers and cover papers used in bookbinding. We will combine prints with painted papers to make a soft cover pamphlet stitch book.
Saturday 19th February 10am-4.30pm £48

Introduction to Case Binding
Learn to make a hardcover stitched A5 notebook or sketchbook with a decorative paper and bookcloth cover. Combine this with the Saturday workshop and you can use your own hand printed paper for cover and endpapers for a truly unique book!
Sunday 20th February 10am-4.30pm £48

Exploring Folded Books
Concertina, accordion, flutter and tassel books are all formed using folding techniques. We will experiment with these structures making a number of small books as well as an ‘everlasting’ hard cover for concertina folded pages –making use of a beautiful range of papers and trimmings.
Sunday 27th March 10am-4.30pm £48

Batik for Books
Batik paper makes a lovely, hardwearing and unusual covering for books. We will use melted wax and water based paints to design some gorgeous paper, make a batik book cover and look at other book structures batik papers can be used with.
Saturday 2nd April 10am-4.30pm £48

Coptic Binding
The original western form of bookbinding originated from a North African early Christian sect –the Copts. This is a very beautiful stitched multi section binding which leaves an exposed spine. We will create a contemporary book design employing this ancient technique, using coloured pages visible across the spine.
Sunday 3rd April 10am-4.30pm £48

Longstitch Binding
Longstitch binding or ‘tacket’ binding, dates from the 2nd century A.D. These are multisection bindings where the cover and pages are sewn simultaneously and the exposed stitching is a focal point of the spine. We will use sturdy cover papers and play with ribbons, embroidery threads and beads for the stitching.
Sunday 8th May 10am-4.30pm £48

Unique Books Intensive
A great opportunity to spend three days immersed in making books. We will start with a range of techniques for decorating paper –which you can then use in several different book structures or to make one special book. Examples of unique books for inspiration, a wide range of materials, the well-equipped studio and Kirsty’s skills and experience will all be available to help you realise your project.
Monday 4th-Wednesday 6th July 2009 10am-4.30pm £144

Further information.
All classes are held in Kirsty’s well-equipped studio at WASPS in Stockbridge, Participants are limited to six, so that plenty of individual attention can be given. The cost covers all materials including a high quality range of handmade and decorative papers and trimmings, as well as refreshments. There are plenty of places to eat near to the studio or you are welcome to bring a packed lunch. If you have materials you would like to use –do bring them. If you have any queries or wish to discuss the accessibility of these classes please don’t hesitate to give me a ring.

To Book
Please book by sending your name, email, address and tel. no. and a deposit of £15 per day or the full amount to:
Kirsty O'Connor, WASPS Studios, Patriothall, off Hamilton Place, Edinburgh EH3 5AY

email: kirstyoconnor@phonecoop.coop
www.kirstyoconnorhandmadebooks.blogspot.com