Today I took part in a book binding workshop, the workshop taught us how to bind our own book using a range of different tools and binding techniques. We started off the workshop being told a range of different ways to assemble and present books these included; Ring Binding, Japanese stab bind, Bound edges, Layered design with transparent wrap and Leporello Binds. All these examples gave me an idea of the variety of ways a book can be made. The workshop highlighted the importance of choosing the correct format for my photographs to be displayed . Different binding techniques gave different advantages to displaying and reading pleasure.

The book chosen to display photographs can be a vital part if the message the artists wants to portray in his or her work. The workshop taught me a range of binding methods however the main binding method I was taught was Kettle Binding. Kettle binding is one of the most common ways to book bind, it is one of the strongest ways to bind a book and is used for many high volume books. Kettle Binding is a binding method that doesn’t allow for a large gutter in the book so minimal paper wastage is caused. Overall I enjoyed this workshop and had a lot of fun learning how to create my own photo books.

Learning how to book bind today gave me some more ideas for how I’m going to layout my final story telling piece. After todays workshop I am definitely considering creating some kind of zine or booklet as part as my final piece.