Skip to the main content

Key details

Course areas
Art and DesignFashion and Textiles
Student type
Courses for 19+ students
Course type
Part-time Further Education course
Course level
Other
Start date
End date
Monday 28th June 2027
Time
9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Ellis Guilford School Hub
Fees
£125.00
Course code
Parent course code:C060721 Child course code: Q060722
Apply now

Course introduction

Community courses are “first steps” for adults to learn new skills, develop confidence, meet others in welcoming classroom. The purpose of courses is to support students into further learning or employment (paid or voluntary).

This course is perfect if you have always wanted to learn the art of bookbinding but don't know where to start. No previous experience is required, just enthusiasm, curiosity and a willingness to try something new.  It is ideal for anyone looking to develop and improve their practical making skills or create unique notebooks, journals, sketchbooks and keepsakes for personal use or as thoughtful handmade gifts. You'll enjoy learning in a relaxed and supportive environment, working at your own pace while building confidence and discovering a range of traditional and contemporary bookbinding techniques.

Throughout this course, you will learn the fundamental techniques of creative bookbinding, from understanding the tools, materials and papers used, to constructing a variety of beautiful handmade books. You will develop skills in measuring, folding, cutting and stitching paper with accuracy, while exploring a range of traditional and contemporary binding methods, including pamphlet stitch, Japanese stab binding, concertina books and Coptic binding. You will learn how to create both soft-cover and hard-cover books, personalise your projects with decorative papers and mixed media, and apply professional finishing techniques. By the end of the course, you will have produced a collection of unique handmade books and gained the knowledge and confidence to continue bookbinding independently for personal enjoyment, creative projects or thoughtful handmade gifts.

You can expect a supportive learning environment where you can enjoy crafting at your own pace. You will be expected to bring your own materials to each weekly session. Practical demonstrations, step-by-step guidance, and plenty of opportunities to experiment with different materials and techniques will be led by the tutor. By the end of the course, you will have developed practical bookbinding skills, increased your confidence in working with paper and hand tools, and discovered a rewarding craft that you can continue to enjoy long after the course has finished.

You should attend regularly and arrive on time to make best progress on course.

You will complete a short diary weekly in class time, to record your progress and receive written tutor feedback.

You will use Microsoft Teams whilst on the course. Microsoft Teams is a free, safe online app used by Nottingham College for tutors to contact students.

Using Teams will also enable you to develop and feel confident using digital skills.

For more information on using Microsoft Teams and the induction process, please visit our Induction Information for Community Students page.

Course information

Non-accredited

No formal qualifications or experience is required. 

You should attend regularly, be punctual and have a good standard of written and spoken English. 

All students are required to complete a mandatory course workbook (Unique Learning Programme) each week, with the support of their course tutor.  

Tutors will give regular verbal and written feedback.  You will be required to complete a short workbook and encouraged to set your own personal targets as part of this course.  

The course tutor can discuss appropriate opportunities for if you wish to further your learning in this subject area. Information will be made available to you about other course opportunities at Nottingham College.  You will have the opportunity to access external Careers Guidance to aid your next steps. 

This is a practical course, however, the College does not provide materials, so therefore you will need to bring with you a selection of card, papers, glues, paints, threads, needles, colouring materials as and when required.

Some materials may be purchased from the tutor at a weekly cost. Some tools will be available to use.

Access to Higher Education: Creative Industries (Art and Design Route) (19+) - Full-time

Acrylic Painting - Advanced - Part-time

Acrylic Painting - Intermediate - Part-time