The Thistle Bindery & Co - Crafts Lesson Provider - LessonsGoWhere

The Thistle Bindery & Co

The Thistle Bindery is a niche book art practice focusing on perfecting traditional bookbinding and exploring the history of books in SE Asia.

It is set up by Ian in 2013, after his first encounter with the craft in the literature city of Edinburgh. Inspired to know more about the myriad of book forms that guard literary secrets, he trained with master bookbinders, leather workers and paper makers to learn a range of book structures, materials and techniques that represents the zeitgeist of book appreciation across different time periods and cultures.

Ian had previously trained with Isabelle of The Owl and Lion Bindery and John of Tanner Bates Traditional English Leatherwork.

Reviews of Classes by The Thistle Bindery & Co

Clarie
15 Jan, 2017

Enjoyable

It was really enjoyable and Ian's cold jokes were Infectious. The location was good and set you in the mood of being arty ;P Major takeaway of the lesson: A nicely DIY notebook and learnt to appreciate book bindery

Attended: Beginning to Bind: Single Section Case Binding

Liao Siew C.
25 Sep, 2016

Interesting

Interesting and educational. However, a bigger work area would be better.

Attended: Beginning to Bind: Leather Wraparound Journal

Christina C.
25 Sep, 2016

Very enjoyable, great venue and friendly staff

The course was exactly what we wanted to learn!

Attended: Beginning to Bind: Leather Wraparound Journal

kelvin H.
25 Sep, 2016

Great Experience

It was honestly a very good experience and definitely learned a new skill.

Attended: Beginning to Bind: Leather Wraparound Journal

Tracy
20 Sep, 2016

Fun session with Ian

The trainer was patient and i totally enjoyed the session.

Attended: Beginning to Bind: Leather Wraparound Journal

Narayanan R.
18 Sep, 2016

Very good!! Learnt a lot

Patient and pleasant instructor and assistants
Very kind to slow learners (like me)
Perhaps, the lighting can be improved. Couldn't really see the markings on the metal ruler.

Attended: Beginning to Bind: Leather Wraparound Journal

Keren-Happuch E.
5 Sep, 2016

Learnt a skill that I will now have for life!

Really enjoyed the workshop and created something better than I expected. Would love to attend workshops conducted by Thistle Bindery & Co again.

Attended: Limp Vellum Binding with Mariko

Keren-Happuch E.
20 Aug, 2016

Fun & inspiring

Had a lot of fun learning how to do the single alt needle Coptic bind and it helped that the instructor was patient enough with all of us throughout the process - which really helped since all the attendees were newbies in bookbinding. Definitely encouraged by the experience and would like to learn more about other bookbinding methods as well.

Attended: A Bookbinding Cause: Single Alternate Needle Coptic Binding

Steffi L.
3 Jul, 2016

Great instructor, and a new craft to love

Ian was a great instructor, very patient and funny. You can sense his pride and joy in teaching others the art and history of book binding. Definitely I'll come back for more workshops in future! Also his shop has different materials for bookbinder lovers, so you should check it out. =)

Attended: Beginning to Bind: Single Section Case Binding

aRRis W.
3 Nov, 2015

Interesting and enjoyable bookbinding workshop

Simply awesome. Love it and want to learn more.

Attended: Bookbinding Series: Long Stitch Binding

Ang Swee Tee W.
14 Jun, 2015

Two thumbs up!

Another great lesson and another lovely book to take home!

Attended: A Bookbinding Cause: English Case Binding

Valentina R.
14 Jun, 2015

Wonderful real hands on experience!

The setting at the arts house was great as well as the group size, which allowus to follow all the steps of the bookbinding.
The materials provided where very nice and our workshop instructor was very knowledgeable and patient!
Perhaps the schedule was a bit too ambitious. It took longer than expected to bind 2 books. I would have maybe concentrated on doing only one.
I really want to keep learning and continue making books after this workshop!

Attended: A Bookbinding Cause: English Case Binding

Jenny G.
5 Jun, 2015

Very cozy and fun class!

I like the size of the class -- there are only 12 of us and the environment was very nice since it was at the national design centre. All materials are provided and Ian was a very patient teacher. I liked it very much, will definitely return.

Attended: A Bookbinding Cause: Double Needle Coptic Binding

Wong Soo F.
3 May, 2015

good experience and was fun!

enjoy the craft work and will join more of the book binding class by Thistle Bindery.

Attended: A Bookbinding Cause: Single Alternate Needle Coptic Binding

Ang Swee Tee W.
27 Apr, 2015

An interesting lesson!

Five hours seemed like a long time for a class! However the time went by really quickly. The other participants were an easygoing bunch. There were a few "regular"participants"and it was great to see them participate and assist the instructor (Ian) proactively. Ian was enthusiastic and approachable; he injected some of his personal beliefs into the conduct of the class e.g. how he felt it is important to use tools and materials easily available in Singapore - this made book binding seem even less daunting and this would encourage more people to take this up as a hobby.

I found the class unusual in that a large part of the fees was to be donated to charity. Perhaps Ian can consider giving an introduction regarding book binding, the types of binding, some history and some pros and cons about the type of binding being taught for that class.

All in all, it was an interesting class and I hope there will be more classes!

Attended: A Bookbinding Cause: Single Alternate Needle Coptic Binding

Candy A.
22 Apr, 2015

Great for beginners too

I highly recommend lessons by The Thistle Bindery. It was my first bookbinding class and I'm glad that I managed to learn and make a book at my first attempt. Materials and tools were fully provided at no extra costs! The instructor was also very patient and gave us good step-by-step instructions/explanations.

Attended: A Bookbinding Cause: Double Needle Coptic Binding

Janey S.
20 Apr, 2015

An eye-opener!

The Masterclass using a French interpretation of Japanese stab-binding is most interesting. Wasn't too sure how fabric can be used as book covers before this. The fabric brought in from Korea is v beautiful and the trainer was v meticulous, displaying how bookbinding is an exquisite skill requiring much patience and careful attention.

Attended: [Bookbinding Masterclass] Reliure á la japonais by Boyoung Lee (Korea)

Janey S.
20 Apr, 2015

Coptic binding is cool!

So happy to be able to attend this long-awaited workshop. Ian puts in a lot of legwork before the session getting the papers trimmed to size and the cloth lined with calligraphy paper so that our time is primarily spent on the skills and steps required for this form of binding. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Attended: A Bookbinding Cause: Double Needle Coptic Binding

Low Yan Q.
20 Apr, 2015

enjoyable and informative

Very impressed! Instruction and materials provided were good, but what stands out most of all were the people. Cheerful, humourous and quietly friendly, it seemed a wonderful group of people to be around.

Attended: A Bookbinding Cause: Double Needle Coptic Binding

Yihui S.
23 Mar, 2015

Fun, convivial atmosphere

As a repeat attendee of the Thistle Bindery's classes, this class was as expected - it was a Masterclass, which means lots of food and laughter, as well as lots of cutting, fine detail and techniques.

Attended: [Bookbinding Masterclass] Reliure á la japonais by Boyoung Lee (Korea)

Xu Wen L.
10 Mar, 2015

Great lesson:)

I underestimated on the amount of things I can pick up at the lesson. I went in with the mindset that book binding should be rather straight forward and easy to do. I was wrong about it as I got a lot more out of the lesson then I had expected. There are so many things to learn at every step and it just gets more and more interesting. Would definitely recommend this to all:)

Attended: Bookbinding Series: Long Stitch Binding

Janey S.
2 Mar, 2015

Thoroughly enjoyable!

The bookbinding workshop has a calming effect, especially after the busy CNY celebrations -- it's therapy that comes with tangible things to take home! I like the fact that Ian taught us two styles for the long-stitch. His instructions are clear and he is v. patient. The pleasant stroll to the shop near Elgin Bridge for linen thread supplies was a bonus!

Attended: Bookbinding Series: Long Stitch Binding

Hong-Heng G.
2 Mar, 2015

Interesting and tricky

The lesson is fun and interesting (as always). We used a new type of paper for the cover which becomes a bit tacky when wet, but has a nice sheen when dry. The tackiness made it tricky to manipulate but the results turned up well.

We also needed to get our head around the sequence of stitching, but once we got the hang of it, it was relatively easy.

Looking forward to the next lesson.

Attended: Bookbinding Series: Long Stitch Binding

aRRis W.
17 Feb, 2015

It is great.

Fun and enjoyable session. Great!

Attended: Bookbinding Series: Link Stitch Binding

Allison T.
16 Feb, 2015

Alternative bookbinding

It was fun to know that bookbinding can come with different sewing methods. It not only makes the binding session interesting, but also decorated the book. It is a useful craft skill.

Attended: Bookbinding Series: Link Stitch Binding

Winnie G.
30 Jan, 2015

Fun and interesting

It was an eyeopener and instructor was really patient :)

Attended: Bookbinding Series: Hidden Stab Binding

Janey S.
28 Jan, 2015

Totally addictive

V. enjoyable session with fellow enthusiasts under the guidance of Ian, who is patient, good-humoured and detailed in his step-by-step demo. Great way to spend a Saturday. Highly recommended!

Attended: A Bookbinding Cause: Exposed Scroll Stab Binding

Chew Jie Y.
27 Jan, 2015

Enriching

It was great!

Attended: Bookbinding Series: Hidden Stab Binding

aRRis W.
26 Jan, 2015

interesting & fun

Good. Having fun learning a new craft

Attended: A Bookbinding Cause: Exposed Scroll Stab Binding

Allison T.
26 Jan, 2015

Easy to follow and fun

The steps in makng the book is well organized and easy to follow. Useful tips were taught, and is fulfilling to complete a piece which is useful.

Attended: Bookbinding Series: Hidden Stab Binding

Adam C.
25 Jan, 2015

Perfect way to learn a new craft

A great lesson, very easy to follow with lots of support and a great teacher.

Can't wait for the next one

Attended: A Bookbinding Cause: Exposed Scroll Stab Binding

Allison T.
25 Jan, 2015

An easy to follow session

The session was therapeutic. It is a fulfillment to see a book made after the hours. The trainer lined down each step clearly, making it easy to follow.

Attended: A Bookbinding Cause: Exposed Scroll Stab Binding

See 27 more reviews

Classes by The Thistle Bindery & Co

$80.00

A Bookbinding Cause: Exposed Scroll Stab Binding

Join us and learn the art of bookbinding !

A Bookbinding Cause: Exposed Scroll Stab Binding

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$100.00

Bookbinding Series: Hidden Stab Binding

Join us and learn the art of bookbinding !

Bookbinding Series: Hidden Stab Binding

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Starts From $80.00

Bookbinding Series: Link Stitch Binding

Build up your bookbinding skills with our next in series of classes - focusing on the Link Stitch!

Bookbinding Series: Link Stitch Binding

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$80.00

Bookbinding Series: Long Stitch Binding

Build up your bookbinding skills with this Intermediate workshop on Long Stitch Binding

Bookbinding Series: Long Stitch Binding

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$250.00

[Bookbinding Masterclass] Reliure á la japonais by Boyoung Lee (Korea)

Learn the Reliure á la japonais binding technique from Boyoung Lee of Atelier Reliure d’art in Seoul, Korea.

[Bookbinding Masterclass] Reliure á la japonais by Boyoung Lee (Korea)

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$80.00

A Bookbinding Cause: Single Alternate Needle Coptic Binding

Join The Thistle Bindery and learn about the Coptic Binding technique which harks back to the 4th century!

A Bookbinding Cause: Single Alternate Needle Coptic Binding

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$80.00

A Bookbinding Cause: Double Needle Coptic Binding

Join us and learn the art of bookbinding !

A Bookbinding Cause: Double Needle Coptic Binding

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$80.00

A Bookbinding Cause: English Case Binding

Join us and learn about the English Case Binding!

A Bookbinding Cause: English Case Binding

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$40.00

Beginning to Bind: Leather Wraparound Journal

Join The Thistle Bindery and learn the art of bookbinding in an instance!

Beginning to Bind: Leather Wraparound Journal

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$40.00

The Tiny Book Ring

The Tiny Book Ring

The Tiny Book Ring

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$80.00

The Miniature Book Earrings

The Miniature Book Earrings

The Miniature Book Earrings

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$160.00

Advanced Leather Binding Workshop

Learn 4 meaningful evenings with us to learn advanced bookbinding skills!

Advanced Leather Binding Workshop

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$40.00

Beginning to Bind: Single Section Case Binding

Learn to make your own hard-bound cover notebook in this beginners' bookbinding workshop

Beginning to Bind: Single Section Case Binding

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$80.00

Learn to Cartonnage: Traditional Name-Card Box

Cartonnage is the art of box-making! Come join us in exploring this new craft!

Learn to Cartonnage: Traditional Name-Card Box

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$40.00

Beginning to Bind: Loxit Post-and-Screw Binding

Join The Thistle Bindery & Co to pick up useful bookbinding skills!

Beginning to Bind: Loxit Post-and-Screw Binding

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$80.00

A Bookbinding Cause: German Bradel Binding

Join us and learn the art of bookbinding !

A Bookbinding Cause: German Bradel Binding

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Starts From $60.00

Ornamented Stab Binding

Bookbinding innovation with Leng

Ornamented Stab Binding

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$180.00

Limp Vellum Binding with Mariko

Advance your bookbinding skills at The Thistle Bindery & Co

Limp Vellum Binding with Mariko

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$100.00

Learn to Cartonnage: The Tsuki Box

Cartonnage is the art of box-making! Come join us in exploring this new craft!

Learn to Cartonnage: The Tsuki Box

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Starts From $50.00

Junior Bookbinder: Stitch and Sketch your Book!

Even Kids can become bookbinders!

Junior Bookbinder: Stitch and Sketch your Book!

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Lesson Provider Profile

The Thistle Bindery & Co

Photos

Location

Blk 531 Upper Cross Street, Hong Lim Complex #03-57 Singapore 050531
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