I’m delighted to add two new bindings to my IMPRIMO workshop series—both beautifully engineered, both achievable in a single day, and both requiring no adhesive and no sewing. These structures rely on thoughtful folding, precise cutting, and the satisfying mechanics of the piano hinge concept. They open flat, can be made reversible, and work equally well with or without hard covers.
They’re also wonderfully adaptable. With a little imagination and a good choice of materials, each binding becomes a platform for striking visual design.
Why these bindings are ideal for workshops
- No glue, no stitching — simple tools and clean processes
- One day completion — participants leave with a finished book
- Open flat — excellent for artists’ books, visual journals, and display formats
- Creative potential — perfect for exploring colour, texture, and material contrasts
- Reversible.
- Accordion Piano Hinge Binding
(also known as the flat style Australian reverse piano binding)
This elegant structure uses an accordion folded spine paired with inserted “hinge” strips to lock the pages together. The result is a surprisingly strong, flexible book that opens perfectly flat. Because the hinge strips can be made from contrasting papers, the binding becomes a design feature in its own right.
It’s an excellent introduction to hinge based structures and a satisfying project for beginners and experienced makers alike.
- Piano Hinge Binding Variation
(created by Hedi Kyle and described by Keith Smith)
This variation takes the classic piano hinge idea and reimagines it with Hedi Kyle’s characteristic ingenuity. The structure is simple to construct yet full of possibility: pages interlock through alternating slots and tabs, creating a rhythmic spine that invites experimentation with colour, pattern, and form.
Ready for Your Group, Studio, or Event
Both bindings are excellent choices for community groups, book arts gatherings, schools, and anyone curious about exploring structure without the complication of adhesives or stitching. If you’re interested in hosting a workshop, I’m very happy to teach and tailor the session to your group’s needs.
The organising side of things — arranging a venue, managing registrations, and gathering participants — sits with the host, while I focus on delivering the workshop itself.