The paper workshop provides students with a workspace that offers a wide range of processing options, from direct paper processing such as laminating and simple cutting to experimental paper embossing.

Likewise, bookbinding in the form of portfolios in small editions as well as individual artist books are possible.

By means of practical work in the workshop, the technical processes together with the material-related peculiarities of the material paper are gradually revealed to the students.

An introductory basic course in bookbinding is offered, in which craft techniques are taught and experimental applications of the material paper are accompanied.

On the basis of this course, the realization of independent book projects or artistic self-productions is possible.

In addition to the basic course, students have the opportunity to learn the basic techniques of paper finishing as well as advanced bookbinding techniques within the framework of their own project.

Students can receive individual assistance with projects and questions about materials in the area of paper finishing and with regard to artistic as well as craftsmanship.

Collaborations or larger projects that take a longer period of time can additionally be accompanied beyond the regular workshop times.

Through close collaboration and exchange with other workshops, new ways of working can be developed on the basis of the practices learned, thereby enabling lively, experimental and exploratory study.

Equipment

• 2 work tables, one of them with table cutting mat (250 cm x 90 cm) plus cutting rulers (max. cutting length 200 cm)
• all specific hand tools: folding legs, awls, stitching needles, scissors, cutters, scalpels, screw clamps, binding boards, block cutting knives, etc.
• all consumables for paper finishing and bookbinding: Papers, cardboards, cartons, glues, bookbinding fabrics, auxiliary materials, tapes, stitching threads, headbands, etc.

Tools:

• Creasing and perforating machine
• cardboard shears with narrow cutter (max. cutting length 130 cm)
• 2 stick presses
• toggle press
• Plastic comb binding machine
• wire stapler
• Block stapler

Machines:

• guillotine cutter / stack cutter (max. cutting length 92 cm, max. cutting height 10 cm)
• Single spindle paper drilling machine for cardboard, paper, foil and carton with drill heads of different diameters

Course content

• Basic knowledge of the material paper as well as introduction to the different processing techniques
• History of the development of bookbinding technology
• Basic knowledge of bookbinding consumables
• Introduction to the use of all tools, equipment and machines, accident prevention
• individual project supervision
• realization of an artistic work (sketch, draft, idea) and selection of suitable techniques for it
• assistance in developing the prepress
• binding of small editions
• conceptual questions