Do you have a shelf full of "perfect" notebooks that somehow never feel quite right for your writing? Or maybe you're drawn to the idea of creating something completely unique – a notebook with a letterpress cover that's so beautifully crafted, you'll actually want to fill every page.
At Princetown Press, our full-day notebook making workshop gives you the skills and tools to create exactly the notebooks you've been searching for. You'll design, print, and stitch multiple softcover notebooks using traditional letterpress techniques and vintage equipment that brings a tactile, authentic quality to your work.
What You'll Learn and Create
This workshop is designed specifically for complete beginners – no prior experience with bookbinding or letterpress printing is required. We'll guide you through everything step by step, focusing on the techniques you need to know while keeping things approachable and enjoyable.
Your Day is Divided Into Three Parts:
Part 1: Understanding Book Structures We'll start with an overview of different ways books can be constructed, giving you the foundation knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your notebook designs.
Part 2: Design and Print Your Covers This is where the magic happens. You'll design your notebook covers and print them using our collection of vintage metal and wood type, decorative ornaments, and image blocks. If you've seen something we've printed before, you'll have access to those same materials for your project.
Part 3: Assemble Your Notebooks Using our vintage tools, you'll create multiple notebooks using different binding techniques:
- Saddle stitched notebooks
- Spiral bound notebooks
- Hand-sewn single-section notebooks
- Multi-section notebook construction
What You'll Take Home
By the end of the workshop, you'll leave with:
- At least two completed notebooks (we aim for four during the workshop)
- At least six printed covers ready for binding
- Supplies to complete six notebooks total
- A bookbinding kit so you can continue making notebooks at home
- The knowledge and confidence to create a lifetime supply of custom notebooks
The kit includes everything you need to bind the remaining covers at home, plus tools for making unlimited plain notebooks after that.
Workshop Experience and Practical Details
What's Included in Your Day:
- One-to-one support throughout the entire process
- All materials and supplies needed
- Full access to our vintage printing equipment
- Coffee, tea, cake, and lunch
- 15% discount on all Princetown Press products during your visit
Important Details to Know:
- Location: Our workshop in Princetown, Devon, England
- Accessibility: The space has limited seating and presses are used while standing. There is not an accessible toilet on-site
- Temperature: The workshop is unheated, so dress warmly during colder months
- Age considerations: Participants under 18 benefit from having a guardian present
- Bring a friend: You're welcome to bring one additional person at no extra charge (just let us know when booking)
Accommodations:
We can help arrange overnight stays with our neighbors at Tor Royal B&B or Dartmoor glamping if you're traveling from afar.
Who This Workshop Is For
This workshop welcomes everyone, regardless of experience level. Whether you're a notebook enthusiast, someone who loves hands-on crafts, or simply curious about traditional printing techniques, you'll find this day both educational and deeply satisfying.
Many of our participants are first-time letterpress users who leave feeling confident about continuing their bookmaking journey at home. The combination of learning traditional techniques while creating something immediately useful makes this workshop particularly rewarding.
Ready to Create Your Perfect Notebook?
If you've been searching for that ideal notebook, why not make it yourself? Our full-day workshop gives you everything you need to create beautiful, functional notebooks that are uniquely yours.
The satisfaction of writing in a notebook you've designed, printed, and bound yourself is something quite special. Plus, you'll have the skills and tools to keep making more whenever inspiration strikes.
Have questions about the workshop or want to discuss any accommodations? We'd love to hear from you and help make sure your experience in our studio is everything you hope it will be.