Making books by hand in Bristol.
Workshops, parties
and team events.
Courses at Stoke Lodge from September 2026.
I have been making books by hand since 2004, building a practice rooted in curiosity, colour and a genuine love of the craft. I work across formats and scales; folded structures, pamphlet stitch, stab binding, exposed spines and fully cased hardbacks. The techniques are traditional. The approach is anything but.
I spent over a decade teaching Graphic Design in further and higher education before bringing that same energy to bookbinding workshops. I design sessions that feel hands-on from the very first minute; no lengthy theory, just making, looking, adjusting and making again. You do not need experience, expensive tools or any particular artistic confidence. Just curiosity.
The oldest tools and the simplest materials, creating something you will treasure.
What book makers have kindly said
“I thoroughly enjoyed Emma’s bookbinding workshop and came away with a meaningful, practical product that I felt genuinely proud of.
Emma was a fantastic leader who made sure no one felt left behind. She was patient and supportive, while also keeping us on track so we could complete our books within the allotted time.
It was great fun learning a new skill, and a welcome opportunity to step away from screens and engage in something hands-on.
Overall I would definitely recommend!”
Abi, Taxi Studio
“I really enjoyed these bookbinding sessions. It was clear, engaging and thoughtfully paced, making the techniques easy to follow without feeling oversimplified. Emma was a fantastic and encouraging teacher who made the whole process feel rewarding and achievable.”
First time bookbinder
How you can make books
Workshops & Parties
Bookbinding makes a brilliant afternoon activity; tactile, sociable and genuinely satisfying. Whether you are planning a hen party, a birthday celebration, a book club that fancies making one rather than reading one, or simply a reason to get a group of people together and make something, these sessions are designed to be fun, hands-on and welcoming to complete beginners.
Everyone leaves with something they have made entirely by hand and the knowledge of how to make another.
Corporate & Team Events
Stepping away from screens and making something with your hands is one of the most effective ways to think differently and connect with the people around you.
Bookbinding workshops for teams are calm, creative and quietly competitive in the best possible way. No experience needed, no artistic confidence required; just a group of people ready to do something genuinely unexpected together.
Small Group Tuition
There are plenty of bookbinding tutorials online. This is not that. I teach small group courses in person, with real materials, real tools and proper hands-on making. No videos, no screens, just you, a workbench and someone who genuinely loves this craft.
Five-week courses exploring a different corner of bookbinding each term are available at Stoke Lodge Adult Learning Centre in Bristol from September 2026.
Find the current programme and book your place at bristolcourses.com.
Start making books
Whether you are interested in joining a course at Stoke Lodge, booking a private workshop for a group, or have an idea that does not quite fit either of those, I would love to hear from you.
Prices vary depending on group size, format and duration and I am always happy to talk through what might work for your occasion, budget or organisation.
No idea is too small and no question is too basic.
Get in touch and let's make books.