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Introduction to the Art of Bookmaking
Learn essential bookbinding techniques in this 4-week introduction to book arts. Create zines, pamphlets, accordion folds, and more using traditional paper-folding and stitching methods.
What you’ll do
Join guest artist, Bettina Pauly in this incredible introduction to book arts!
The art of bookmaking, otherwise known as bookbinding, is the physical craft of creating an artistic book from start to finish. In this introductory 4-session class, you will learn the basic use of bookbinding tools and materials, along with simple bookbinding structures that utilize paper softcovers. Students will learn several basic bookbinding structures and stitches that every beginning book artist should know! Experience technical skills such as paper folding, cutting, sewing and gluing, mixed with artistic elements of design to create functional, elegant objects built for storytelling. The instructor will offer guided instruction in a supportive learning environment with a limited class size.
Each 3-hour session will meet for four consecutive weeks and focus on the following core bookbinding techniques:
- Session 1: Intro to tools and paper folding; one sheet wonder zine, ‘pants’ fold with and without cover, map folds
- Session 2: Pamphlets, and Japanese stab hole binding; three hole pamphlet stitch, five hole pamphlet stitch, Japanese stab binding two holes / five holes
- Session 3: Accordion folds; accordion fold, accordion fold tipped into envelope cover, accordion fold with non-adhesive cover
- Session 4: Magic wallets, and personal projects
The class materials fee will include paper and all the tools needed to create each of these projects. Students will be able to take home all of their book projects at the end of the workshop.
Please note: This class requires some hand dexterity to maneuver bookbinding tools. Participants should feel comfortable using tools with sharp edges such as an awl, x-acto knife, and scissors.
Membership has its benefits
All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40.
Materials fees are not discounted.
Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.
About your Instructor
Bettina Pauly
Bettina Pauly was trained as a professional chef, then worked as a head server throughout Europe before she received a B.A. in Hotel-Economy from Hotel Management School in Heidelberg, Germany. After coming to the U.S. and working in hospitality, she went back to school and studied at the Academy of Art University San Francisco in the Fine Arts and Letterpress program under Chris Rolik, Dorothy Yule and Macy Chadwick. Bettina has also worked with Kim Vanderheiden at Painted Tongue Studios in Oakland, California, as a letterpress printer. She is very experienced with Heidelberg Windmill and Vandercook Press Machines. She has taught book arts and letterpress classes throughout the Bay Area at the Academy of Art, the O’Hanlon Center for the Arts, and at the San Francisco Center for the Book. Her award winning work has been presented in national and international collections and galleries including library collections at: St John’s/Saint Benedict College Minnesota, Savannah College of Art and Design, University of Denver, University of Colorado, San Jose State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the University of Nebraska.
Bettina loves books and boxes both as physical objects and as containers of meaning. She is interested in a variety of folded, sewn and woven structures in which she can incorporate her printing. Bettina now lives in Sebastopol and is excited to work in her own studio space as well as starting to teach classes in West Sonoma County.
https://www.instagram.com/bpbookartandletterpress/
Class FAQ
We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.
We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.
Introduction to the Art of Bookmaking
Learn essential bookbinding techniques in this 4-week introduction to book arts. Create zines, pamphlets, accordion folds, and more using traditional paper-folding and stitching methods.
Schedule
Fridays, February 20 – March 13, 2026
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
This Session
Friday, February 20, 2026 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Experience Level
All-Levels, Beginning, Intermediate and AdvancedAge(s)
18-over$220 – Registration Cost
$30 – Materials Fee
$250 – Total Registration Cost
