Yotsume Toji is a traditional Japanese decorative book binding technique, which translates (roughly) to 'four-hole binding'.  It's one of the earliest forms of book binding there is. 

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The traditional four-hole pattern has, over the centuries, been adapted and expanded to add a myriad of other decorative patterns, and in this class you'll make a book using your choice of three of them: The traditional four-holes (Yotsume Toji), a six-hole pattern called Kangxi, or a nine-hole technique called Hemp Leaf (the pattern pictured in the examples).  You’ll make your own hard covers, then bind your pages together in a simple yet elegant way to make a beautiful handmade book with a unique binding, using traditional techniques and hand tools.  You could make a photo album, journal, sketch book, anything you like!  It will be a one-of-a-kind book that will be treasured for years to come.

Suitable for complete beginners, you will be guided through every step by Wendy, owner of The Little Craftery, and life-long crafter. 

 

The workshop runs for approximately 3 hours.  Enjoy a chat with like minded people and learn some new skills!  All materials and refreshments are included in the price.

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FAQs

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Who is the class for?

Anyone over the age of 16 is welcome!  Suitable for complete beginners or those with more experience, it's a nice relaxed and friendly class.

There is a physical element involved that requires a degree of manual dexterity and reasonable hand and arm strength.

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What's involved?

Wendy will take you through the tools and materials you will need and the basic techniques you will learn.  You'll start by covering your front and back boards with your choice of paper, then pierce the holes, wax the thread and bind the recycled paper pages together.  Wendy will show you every step of the way to creating your beautiful hand-bound book.

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What's included?

The price includes everything you need: all materials and use of any necessary tools, full instruction from Wendy, and tea and coffee.  There will be a small selection of covering papers available for you to use, but you're welcome to bring something with you (read 'Do I Need To Bring Anything?', below).  You will keep the book you'll make, and the patterns with written instructions so you can make more at home.

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What are the design options?

You have a choice of an A4 or an A5 sized book, in either portrait or landscape orientation.  The internal pages will always be the same (good-quality, recycled cartridge paper), but you can choose which paper you'd like to make your hardcovers with, which colour of cord to bind with, and also which pattern you'd like to bind it in, so your book will be completely unique!  Wendy will show you all the techniques you need, to ensure that you make a book to be proud of.

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How long will the class last?

The class will last approximately three hours.  It’s best to allow a little extra time as classes sometimes over-run depending on group sizes.

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Where is the class held?

Classes are held in The Little Craftery in Field Row, Worthing, which is designed to be a functional, comfortable workspace for up to 4 participants.  The shop will be closed to the public during your class, so you don’t need to worry about interruptions.  If you have any special access requirements, please contact Wendy at The Little Craftery before you book to discuss, and to find out if access is available for you.

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Do we need to book?

Yes, please do book in advance, as there are a limited number of places on each class (a maximum of 4 people per workshop), and we wouldn’t want you to be disappointed!  We require full payment in advance in order to secure your booking.  Online payments will be taken securely by either Square or Paypal (don’t worry, you don’t have to have a Paypal account!).  If you’d rather not book online, you can book in person at The Little Craftery.

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How do I book?

You can book on this page, go to the 'Book Here' section above, and you'll see there are two steps.

Step 1 is to check for classes already open; these are the dates that other people have already set, and are happy for you to join them.  If there are no dates that you can do there, then come back here and go to step 2.

Step 2 is where you can set up a new date.  Start by choosing how many people are in your group, and you'll be taken to a new calendar where you can choose any date and time you like, and decide if you want it to be a private class, or if you'd like us to open it up for others to join you.

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Do I need to bring anything?

All your materials and refreshments are supplied, so you don't need to bring anything, however you may wish to bring some paper you'd like to cover your book with.  We recommend wallpaper for a first attempt, as it's stronger, stretchier and generally easier to use, but you're welcome to bring any paper you like, as long as it's easy to crease.  You'll need two pieces, one for the front, one for the back, and they need to be slightly larger (by at least 2cm width and height) than the book size you choose (A4 or A5).

It can be quite a small and fiddly craft, so it's recommended to bring reading glasses, if you use them.

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Can I cancel or reschedule my booking?

If you are unable to attend your class, please let us know as soon as possible.  Cancellations made up to 7 whole days before the class will receive a full refund.  Cancellations made within 7 days, or failure to show up for your class will not be eligible for a refund.

In any circumstance where a class is cancelled by The Little Craftery, we will attempt to contact you in advance as soon as possible to either reschedule or offer a full refund, as you prefer.