Learn the art of book binding

Artist Peter Harris is about to bind papers of a book on his homemade binding machine. Peter is holding a book binding and embossing workshop from his studio Dreamspace this Sunday. Picture by Paul Rickard.

Artist Peter Harris’ upcoming book-binding and embossing workshop is set to demonstrate a passion for art and craftsmanship, mixed with a bit of No.8 wire ingenuity.

Peter is the curator and founder of Dreamspace gallery and studio on Carnarvon Street, which is where he will host his workshop this Sunday from 9am.

Peter and his wife Raewyn once ran a print on-demand business when they lived in the Northland town of Kaiwaka.

“I wanted to print and sell my own books – so I Googled how to bind,” says Peter.

“Then we started to sell blank books, which sold very well.”

Sunday’s workshop will see Peter show people how to create their own embossing pattern, and three A6 embossed-cover, perfect-bound blank notebooks.

Peter has a number of unique machines, which he has modified, that he uses for each part of the book-making process.

He has on old pastry press that he found at a second-hand store, which he reverse-engineered and is great for embossing.

It is reminiscent of one of Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions – and sits below a poster of the Renaissance genius’ iconic Vitruvian Man.

But the contraption that screams Kiwi No.8 wire is his binding machine,

which uses an electric iron to heat the glue.

Peter says he looks forward to seeing people come in to create their own books.

To enrol in the workshop call Kath McLaughlin on (06) 8675366 or email mikecat52@gmail.com

Bookbinding and embossing workshop, Sunday, March 18. Dreamspace gallery and studio, 61 Carnarvon Street. Fee $50 for Gisborne Arts Society members, $55 for non-members.