Course details
Explore bookmaking beyond the traditional. Using Gelli printing, collage, and stitch, this course focuses on playful experimentation and creative freedom, resulting in a unique, hand-made book.
Rather than focusing on traditional bookbinding techniques, the emphasis is on making expressive, hand-made books that celebrate colour, texture, layering, and experimentation.
Participants will begin this new two-day course by creating a rich collection of collage papers using a variety of accessible and playful techniques, including Gelli printing, painted papers, simple printing with everyday objects and stamps, collage, stencils and stitch. These papers will form the visual foundation of the work and will be brought together to design bold, individual book covers. Students are encouraged to come with an open mind, ready to have some fun and be creative.
On the second day, students will be introduced to a range of book forms and concepts, including pages, signatures, and different binding approaches. With guided demonstrations, participants will select and organise their papers, assemble their pages, and bind them together using stitch, before finishing their books with the covers created on the first day.
By the end of the course, students will have created a unique, hand-made book and gained a toolkit of techniques that can be applied to future creative projects.
Day to day plan
This is a rough indication of what to expect over the course. However sometimes the structure of the days may alter depending on the nature of the group and weather.
Day 1
The course begins with an introduction to a range of techniques for creating expressive collage papers, which will later be used to form the book covers. These techniques include Gelli printing, painted papers, simple printing with everyday objects and stamps, collage, and stitch. The papers are then brought together and composed into a finished design, which will become the cover for the book created on the second day.
Day 2
Lesley will demonstrate how to construct a book, introducing key ideas such as different book structures, pages, signatures, and binding methods. Students will then select and organise the papers for their books before binding everything together and finishing their work with the cover created on the previous day.
What will I learn?
- Develop a range of expressive collage and printed papers using Gelli printing, paint, and simple printing techniques.
- Gain confidence combining colour, texture, and layered surfaces through playful experimentation.
- Learn how to design and construct a book cover using handmade collage papers.
- Understand basic book structures, including pages, signatures, and simple stitch binding methods.
- Create a unique, hand-made book and build techniques that can be applied to future creative projects.
Who would this course suit?
This course is suitable for all levels, with processes that are easy to learn and adapt. It welcomes anyone with an open mind who is keen to experiment, explore new techniques, and enjoy a relaxed, creative approach to bookmaking and the creation of printed papers.
Taught by
What to Bring
Our studios are fully equipped and we provide you with all the materials you need for your course. However, if you have a favourite set of brushes or any specialist materials that you would prefer to use, please bring them with you.
We will provide all the materials you need. If you have chosen a landscape class please wear appropriate footwear as you may spend time on the beach we look out over, a short walk from the studio.
Our studios are fully equipped and we provide you with all the materials you need for your course. However, if you have a favourite set of brushes or any specialist materials that you would prefer to use, please bring them with you.
Timings and Breaks
The first day starts at 10am and finishes at 4.30pm, please aim to arrive ten to fifteen minutes before the start time.
All course days after that start at 9.30am and finish at 4pm and there will be an hour for lunch. There are plenty of nearby places to eat and we will serve tea and coffee at break times during the day.
In Summer half day workshops run from 10am – 1pm. Full Day workshops run from 1pm-4pm.
The first day starts at 10am and finishes at 4.30pm, please aim to arrive ten to fifteen minutes before the start time.
All course days after that start at 9.30am and end at 4pm. There are plenty of nearby places to eat and we will serve tea and coffee at break times during the day.
FAQs
Art Courses
Do you have to be experienced to come to the School?
No prior experience is required to join most of our art courses. The School of Painting is a friendly and welcoming environment for all ages and abilities, including complete beginners.
Our drop-in life drawing classes and short workshops are perfect if you’re trying painting for the first time. Many of our longer courses are also suitable for beginners, as our tutors are experienced in supporting mixed ability groups. If a course requires previous experience, this will be clearly stated on the course page.
Studio Courses
Can I bring my dog?
The studios are busy places with lots of equipment and not suitable for bringing a pet dog. We can accommodate assistance dogs with prior notice so we can make suitable adjustments. If you wish to bring an assistance dog please call 01736 797180 or email [email protected]
Can you help me choose the right course?
Yes, our friendly and knowledgeable team are always happy to help you choose the best course for your needs, whether you’re a beginner or looking to develop specific skills.
Please call us on 01736 797180 to discuss your options.
How do I get my work home?
Tutors have special techniques for transporting oil paintings and for our 3 day courses we will give you a plastic folder with a handle. These are also available to purchase for £3.50 or do bring a portfolio.
Please note: For the course Bigger, Bolder, Braver with Boo Mallinson, we will provide a large A1 size plastic folder for your work but please consider how you will be able to transport the larger canvases home safely before signing up for the course as we will not be able to store large paintings in the studio. On this course you will be painting on a 50cms x 50cms and a 1m x 1m canvas alongside smaller pieces.
For international students we are happy to arrange transportation of your work back home, postal costs will be borne by you.
What do I need to bring?
Absolutely nothing! All materials and aprons are provided although some people do like to bring their own set of brushes.
What do I do for lunch?
Courses allow an hour’s break for lunch and there are numerous places nearby or you are welcome to bring a packed lunch into the studio.
What times do courses run?
Most of our courses start at 10am and end at 4.30pm on the first day. Subsequent days we start at 9.30am ending at 4pm.
Short workshops start at 10am in the Summer and 9.30am/ 1.30pm during September festival
Booking a Course
How do I reserve a place on a course?
You can book your place online or by calling us on 01736 797180.
If you need time to arrange accommodation, we can hold a provisional booking for 24 hours. To secure your place, a £100 deposit is required, with the remaining balance due 12 weeks before the course start date.
About St Ives
Where can I park near the School?
The nearest long-stay car parks are:
Island Car Park
Barnoon Long Stay Car Park
Both are approximately a 5-minute walk from the School.
During the busy summer months, you may find it easier to park at Trenwith Car Park near the leisure centre and walk into town. A shuttle bus often runs back up the hill from near Tate St Ives.
How do I get to the School of Painting in St Ives?
By train:
The nearest mainline station is St Erth, which is approximately a 15-minute taxi journey away. From there, you can also take the St Ives Bay Line, which runs every 30 minutes. The School is a 10-minute walk from St Ives station.
By car:
Take the M5 to Exeter, then follow the A30 into Cornwall. After passing Hayle, exit at the St Erth roundabout towards St Ives. Continue through Lelant and Carbis Bay into St Ives..
Where can I stay in St Ives?
St Ives offers a wide range of accommodation, including hotels, guest houses, and self-catering options. You can explore options on our website, or contact us directly on 01736 797180 if you’d like personalised recommendations.
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