Discover the Art of Bookbinding at Mérida English Library
What if you could transform a simple sheet of paper into a handmade book?
This November, Mérida English Library will host a special Book Binding Workshop Fundraiser, offering participants the opportunity to explore the creative art of making books by hand while supporting the Library and its programs.
Led by Daria Wilber with a bilingual assistant, this hands-on workshop is designed for participants ages 16 and above. Over the course of approximately two and a half to three hours, a small group of 10–12 participants will learn several folded book forms and discover how simple folds can become beautiful and functional handmade books.
From a simple sheet of paper to a handmade book
Folded Books can be made from almost any paper that can hold a crease - Kraft paper, butcher's paper, gift wrap, construction paper, magazine pages, even heavier papers, like watercolor paper. They can have pages or not. Plain paper can be decorated with stamps, collage, markers, colored pencils or paint. In the end, it's all up to you, The Maker!
We'll begin by learning the names of the basic folds and practicing them using Kraft paper. From there, we'll make a small folded book using origami paper. The next two books are larger folded books, each with a single sewn signature (a grouping of pages folded then sewn into a book). We'll first make practice books using Kraft paper and standard copy paper then move on to decorative papers for the covers and drawing paper for the signatures.
Creativity beyond the workshop
Bookbinding doesn't have to begin with expensive or specialized materials. An important part of the workshop will be exploring the possibilities of everyday and found papers and discovering how materials that might otherwise be overlooked can become part of a handmade book.
Participants will also discuss different ways to decorate plain paper using creative techniques such as paint, markers, collage, and other surface-design methods. For book covers, possibilities include butcher's paper, new or repurposed wrapping paper, and non-adhesive wallpaper.
This makes the workshop not only an introduction to bookbinding, but also an invitation to experiment with materials, textures, colors, and personal design.
Everything you need to get started
All workshop materials will be provided by the instructor, along with reference materials to help participants continue exploring the techniques after the session.
Participants only need to bring a pencil, eraser, and ruler. The goal is to provide a welcoming, hands-on environment where beginners can learn the fundamentals, experiment with different papers, and leave with handmade examples of the book forms they have learned.
Each participant will take home the practice books and the finished books made during the workshop.
A creative workshop that supports MEL
The workshop is also a fundraiser for Mérida English Library. The participation fee is $500 pesos per person, with 100% of the fee donated to Mérida English Library.
By taking part, participants can spend a few hours learning a creative new skill while helping support the Library and the programs and activities it provides to the community.
Whether you already enjoy book arts and paper crafts or have never tried bookbinding before, this workshop offers an opportunity to slow down, work with your hands, and discover just how much can be created from a simple piece of paper.
Workshop details
Location: Classroom at Mérida English Library
Date: Monday November 9th, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM - Noon
Ages: 16 and above
Participants: 10–12
Instructor: Daria Wilber & bilingual assistant
Fee: $500 MXN per participant; All proceeds donated to Mérida English Library
Register at our online shop: Click here and sign up.
Come discover the art of turning paper into something you can hold, use, and make entirely by hand—while supporting Mérida English Library at the same time.
