Hard Case Binding Bookmaking

Hard Case Binding Bookmaking

October 6, 2026

05:00 pm

– 7:30 pm

The Pump House 

119 King Street 

La Crosse, 

WI 

54601

Hard Case Binding Bookmaking

Instructed by Amoreena Rathke

Tuesday, October 6 & 13, 2026 (2-session class)

5:00-7:30 PM 

*Please arrive 10 minutes early for check-in. 

Tickets: 

General Public $85

Pump House Member $75

+fees

Discover the art of traditional bookmaking! Handmade books are more than just functional works of art- they are vessels for your ideas, memories, and imagination!

This hands-on workshop offers a look at modern bookbinding rooted in centuries of traditional techniques. You’ll be guided step by step through the entire creative process as you create your own blank hardcover book—perfect for use as a journal, sketchbook, planner, or for your creative writing.

You’ll learn how to identify paper grain, fold signatures, and hand-sew a text block. We will also create a hardcover case from handmade Lokta paper with a reinforced spine and attach it seamlessly to your pages.

All necessary materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own decorative paper if you have a specific look or design in mind for your cover.

For all ages, no experience necessary. All levels of Pump House are wheelchair- and walker-friendly and accessible by elevator. 

For parking info, visit https://www.thepumphouse.org/pump-house-parking/

Related Events