Workshops and Courses
Workshops at the Book Shed, Bush Farm Cottage
PLEASE NOTE: I’ve decided to temporarily suspend the workshops I run here. I want to spend some time doing my own work – I’m sure any of you who work in a creative environment will sympathise with this wish! Yet another birthday has passed recently and I’m determined to stop putting off things I really want to do. Hopefully, my teaching will resume later this year as it’s something I really enjoy! I’ll leave the details of some of the courses I run below so you can see the sort of things I do for future reference. X
The book shed is in a peaceful rural setting which makes a lovely, relaxed place to learn and I only take a maximum of five students at a time so you have plenty of room to work. The cost includes all the materials for the books we make and full, written notes are provided.
Click on one of the titles below to see a description and examples of the gorgeous books you’ll make on the course! If you’d like to make a booking on one of the workshops please read the General Workshop Information at the bottom of the page first. If none of these dates suit you or you want a customised course for you or a group of students, please contact me for more information.
We will be making examples of the following books. Click on the side arrows of the gallery below to see some examples of the bindings included on this course. Please note these are just examples of the types of bindings we will be making – the exact version we make may differ.
- Buttonhole binding in flexible covers
- A cross structure binding
- A Greek stitch binding with hard covers
Cost: £225
If you’d like to book a place on this course you can either:
This is an elegant Japanese binding which includes an inner and an outer binding, corner pieces, a double layer, paper outer cover and a delicate fly leaf. We will also make samples of a variety of stitch patterns and will cover how to create your own custom patterns.
Cost: £75
If you’d like to book a place on this course you can either:
We will be making examples of the following books. Click on the side arrows of the gallery below to see some examples of the bindings included on this course. Please note these are just examples of the types of bindings we will be making – the exact version we make may differ.
- A French link stitch book, sewn on tapes
- A single section Origata binding
- A travel journal with elastic closure and a pocket at the back
Cost: £225
If you’d like to book a place on this course you can either:
Talks/Workshops for Groups & Guilds
I can offer a talk called ‘Turn round when possible …’ which is based on incidents that have pushed me into a new creative direction or project. A sort of ‘How I got here from there’. I charge £110 plus 45p/mile for travel. If the venue is more than 75 miles from here then I would require an overnight stay.
I can also bring a variety of book making workshops to you! See below for some possibilities. I charge £270 per day plus a materials charge per person, usually £5-£7 depending on the book we’re making, plus 45p per mile for travel. Depending on where the venue is, I may need an overnight stay.
Please note: I limit class sizes to 10 – this is partly because of equipment but also because I don’t feel I can do a good job with a larger group than this.
One day workshops
The images show the type of book we would make but the actual book will vary in design.
Twin needle coptic sketchbook – this is a lovely binding with hard covers that opens flat. The stitching goes over the spine and the colours of the threads can vary
Secret Belgian binding – probably my favourite book to make. The covers are made in three pieces which are woven together. The inside pages are then sewn on to the woven threads of the cover.
Drum leaf binding – this makes a lovely display book for artwork as there is no stitching in the middle of each spread.
General workshop info
Times:
Workshops at the Book Shed run from 10.00am to 4.00pm. The Shed will be open from 9.30am so you can come in, get settled and have a tea/coffee/soft drink before we start.
Bookings:
If you’d like to book any of the workshops you can either book and pay online, paying by debit/credit card or PayPal account. The materials are included in the cost. Sometimes students can bring optional materials if they wish.
Refreshments:
Tea, coffee and biscuits, as desired, are provided. You will either need to bring lunch with you or you can order from the cafe just down the road on the day. Please note that this is a rural location and the nearest sandwich shop is about 4 miles away.
Accommodation:
The cost DOESN’T include accommodation. There are excellent bed and breakfast places near here. Or, there is a small hotel if you don’t mind travelling a little further, or a full range of accommodation in Hull, which is approximately 15 miles away.
Clothing:
Some courses are deliciously messy so it would be wise to bring some protective clothing or wear old clothes. Comfortable feet are always a good idea as most courses require some standing.
Cancellation:
If you cancel your booking within four weeks of the workshop then full payment will still be due unless I can fill the place (which I often can if I have enough time). If I have to cancel a workshop then a full refund will be made.
Parking:
When you arrive please pull in to the first set of double gates, immediately after the paddock on the left and before the first brick outbuildings. Please park on the right hand side. Then walk round via the lane to the second set of gates and down the side of the house to the garden at the rear. Welcome!
How to get here
Ottringham lies to the east of Hull in the lovely East Riding of Yorkshire. Follow the A1033 towards Withernsea. When you reach Ottringham, you’ll see a big white building, Zara’s, on your left – turn right here. Follow this road out of the village until you see the derestricted speed signs. Bush Farm Cottage is the first house on the left after the signs.
When you arrive, would you please park on the wide verge between the first double gates and the single, white gate that leads to the house. Make sure your cars are all the way on to the verge as we do get some big agricultural vehicles down the road that need plenty of space!. The verge is solid so it’s safe to drive on. If there isn’t enough space on the verge you can turn in to the double gate and park on the right hand side, next to the outbuildings. When you’ve parked, come in at the white gate, walk down the left hand side of the house – the garage is straight in front of you. To the right of the garage and at the bottom of the garden is the Book Shed. Come on it …
Welcome to Bush Farm Cottage!
Where to stay
I am very lucky, for such an out of the way place, to have excellent accommodation in the area.
Bed and Breakfast
Highfield Farm
This is actually a B rather than a B&B as it is self-catering. There is a kitchenette with each room so is ideal if you prefer to bring your own food with you. They also have an area for camping and touring caravans, as well as a Shepherd’s Hut! It’s about a half a mile walk from Highfield Farm to here.
Station Road
Ottringham
HU12 0BJ
Tel: 01964 622283
Mobile: 07808891988
Email: staywithus@highfield-farm.com
Web Site: http://highfield-farm.com/
Elm Tree Farm
A B&B, as well as a camping and caravan site.
Holmpton
Withernsea
East Yorkshire
HU19 2QR
Tel: 01964 630957
Email: cft-mcox@supanet.com
Web site: http://www.bandbatelmtreefarm.com
Hotel
Kingstown Hotel
Hull Road
Hedon
Hull
HU12 8DJ
Tel: 01482 890461
Email: kingstown.hotel@thespiritgroup.com
Web site: http://www.goodnightinns.co.uk
Camping & Caravaning site
Stone Creek Campsite
This small, friendly site is about 4.5 miles from here and is run by friends of mine …
Stone Creek House
Cherry Cob Sands
Nr Hull
HU12 9JX
Tel: 01964 630801
Email: simon@stonecreekhouse.co.uk
Web site: www.stonecreekhouse.co.uk