phototransfer printing and three-stitches bookbinding
The workshops focused on combining the two techniques to expand the notion of a book’s materiality to include other materials. It also explored the possibilities of incorporating textiles not only on the cover but within the book itself, creating soft, textile-based books that engage with images and memories.
Three-stitch binding is a great entry point for beginners, challenging the assumption that bookbinding always requires many tools, materials, or a lot of time. It is simple to learn and can be picked up in just a few minutes, letting participants either make several small books or spend more time developing the content of a single one. During the sessions, participants were introduced to basic bookmaking concepts, such as considering the order of pages in a booklet.
As a continuation of this process, transferring images onto fabric introduced an element of unpredictability. Small imperfections in the transfer, such as areas of blur, peeling, or uneven pressure, added depth and texture to the imagery. Many participants chose to work with personal photos, noticing how a familiar image could change or retain its meaning when re-materialized on a new surface. Using glue for phototransfer requires no previous experience and is a straightforward and simple technique, making it accessible to everyone.
These workshops were part of a broader series developed in 2025, where each month focused on the combination of two or more techniques, always pairing one bookbinding method with one printing process. Participants were young people aged 6 to 27, and the project aimed to teach artistic techniques that could be used autobiographically, encouraging self-publishing within the group.
Art mediators: Daniela Herig & Alicja Khatchikian
Design: Clara Juliano
June 2025, Bona Peiser e.V.