Artist Books – Ideas, Structure & Story

I recently attended the Stitched Books workshop with Kim Herringe at The Studio in Maleny and it was a truly wonderful experience from start to finish. The Studio itself is a beautifully curated, safe, and inspiring creative space. Everything was thoughtfully organised, making it easy to relax and focus entirely on the hands-on process of bookmaking. Kim Herringe is an exceptional teacher—highly professional, yet warm, kind, patient, and incredibly encouraging. Her passion for the craft really shines through and the small class size meant she was able to give each participant plenty of personal attention and support. The two-day format was perfect—long enough to learn, explore and create without feeling rushed. I loved the hands-on nature of the workshop and left with not just the books we made, but also the confidence and inspiration to keep creating on my own. A special bonus was meeting Monty, The Studio cat, who brought an extra dose of charm to the experience and made our day! Post and Pre-workshop communication was also excellent, with follow-up resources and support that really showed Kim’s commitment to her students. I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone interested in artists books, from complete beginners to more experienced creatives. It’s a rare and rewarding opportunity to learn in such a nurturing environment with a truly gifted teacher. 

[What did you like about the workshop] Allowed for creative ‘free’ time where you could play with what you had learnt and create your own unique book. There were so many examples to study which fired the imagination and I think there will be a few more artist book addicts from now on

I am super impressed that Kim’s excellent teaching skills, knowledge, confidence in the process and patience were able to support me to make a beautiful Coptic stitch book that I am happy with. I found the two days inspirational and learnt many new skills which will enhance my artwork moving forward. Kim’s attention to detail, generosity and guidance creates a very supportive atmosphere for learning. What a lovely weekend I had. Thanks Kim.

Discovering what artist books are, how they are made and how artists incorporate them as part of their art work. I like the small group class it's more personal and Kim has time to get around and assist individuals when they need help. I love how Kim provides a lot of materials and resources.

Your handouts were amazing as were all the books you shared. Much appreciated the one to one time you were able to give to me. A great two days creating in your fabulous studio. Thank you - I’ll be back - always worth a journey from Melbourne

[What di you like about the workshop] The variety of books covered, the many samples to look at and the patience and generosity of the teacher!

It opened up my eyes to the world of stitched bookbinding. Kim made the workshop so interesting and well structured and shared so much about the processes and especially the resources and where to buy many of them. The homemade baked goods were a delicious bonus! Even for a complete beginner like myself, who is used to woodworking tools, I came away with an enthusiasm to keep going with stitched bookbinding and to master the needle! The course handouts were very detailed, a lot of work put in by Kim and there were almost limitless resources to make four or five stitched books and especially the coptic binding book. It really was a great workshop and big thank you to Kim for her relaxed and fun, yet informative teaching of the stitching methods.

I love the relaxed atmosphere and the inspiration your beautiful studio provides. Your teaching style is perfect, informal and fun! And I just love the books we made and can't stop thinking of the endless possibilities.

Excellent workshop. Well organised, explanations, demonstrations clear and I got lots of assistance when needed. Kim's generosity with materials is amazing and so appreciated.

Kim's classes are so well organised and presented that it's a pleasure to spend a weekend in her spacious studio with like minded enthusiasts. We had access to a wide range of papers from which to choose our covers and papers, along with written handouts to take home for our own use. All of the generous variety of materials needed were included in the tuition fee. Following on from demonstrations and practising some basic stitches we were free to choose projects and work at our own pace. The hardest part was deciding what to do when there were so many beautiful book samples on display.

[What did you like about the workshop?] Printed notes on the projects we were to work on were set out in order on our tables, which made it easy to follow along with each new technique. There were a lot of plain and coloured papers available that we could use in our own projects. I like the idea of following along with the construction of each new technique, and then later in the day choosing what we could make using our own choice of papers and dimensions.

Best class Hands down that I have participated in. I came away so excited and confident to create my little works of art. Huge thank you Kim. I will be a repeat offender for sure. [What did you like about the workshop] Everything, it was so much more than I could have wished for.. Kim you were beyond generous with your knowledge.

The only folded artists books I knew about were concertina or accordian folded books which I thought were pretty 'blah'. So I was blown away with the amazing ways this simple technique can be taken further. But folded books is sooooo much more - I came away with many creative samples of folded books that take folded books into the stratosphere. this is a wonderful workshop, so full of ideas to take folded artists books in totally new directions.

I love how you share personal bits and pieces which encourages others to share as well. After two days in a small group workshop with you, I feel like I have made new friends [What did you like about the workshop] the relaxed atmosphere. the random tangents we talked about - where to buy things, people's backgrounds, what people are doing with their artwork, books related to the workshop or not etc.. the amount of physical objects (books) relating to the workshop in all sorts of creative ways, giving so many ideas - not pictures but we could physically handle them. that everything was included in the price.

Thanks for organising this private workshop for three of us. It was practical and we came away with 2 books. You are a patient, generous and inspiring teacher. Great resources and handouts. We have already bought one of the books and ordered thread and tools. Cant wait to get back to NZ and start making books. Oh and thanks for the cake.

Wow!!! The Simply Folded Artists Books workshop was the most enjoyable making weekend. Kim’s preparation of materials, notes and references made for a smooth delivery of instruction to produce models of a variety of wonderful artists books. She ensured that the daily program was flexible to meet student needs. After learning the constructions each day, there was time to make our choice of book again using papers, tools and materials provided. Fun, laughter and books. This area of the tactile arts feeds my happy place.

It was a very enjoyable weekend, very creatively satisfying. I can use what I learnt in this workshop to turn the prints I've made into a book.

I think your workshops are very worthwhile because most of your activities are difficult to do without professional help. Your skills as a teacher help to make all students successful and happy with results.

I have now done a few of Kim's workshops and have loved them all! I love her creativity, but also her ability to teach clearly and simply. The days are always extremely well organised so that we can get straight into learning and experiencing the wonder of seeing her completed works, and the joy of trying new things for ourselves. I always come home feeling happy and inspired. Thank you Kim.

Kim is an amazing tutor. Extremely well organised. She remains calm all the time. Kim is extremely knowledgeable on all her printmaking crafts and it is a delight to be Student of her classes.

Kim’s studio is a fabulous space for workshops. Keeping the class number to 5 meant plenty of work space and personal attention. Kim is a very good teacher, patient, well paced and very clear with excellent preparation and handouts. The materials we had to play with was also very generous. We came away with so many different styles of book to play with and lots of ideas. It has inspired me to work further with the gel press but also to try new ways of incorporating my art into folded books. A wonderful way to spend a weekend, and a great opportunity to come to Maleny.

Creative juices flow so easily. Relaxing and lovely venue

Kim has such a genuine passion for printmaking and artists' books that you can’t help but be enthused and engaged. It was a privilege to be able to learn and play in her personal studio space. I really enjoyed the way we were “worked hard,” and made to think how we could apply the many techniques and samples we created to our own art practice. I was so inspired by the end of our 2-day course that I stayed up the next evening until 3am, thinking and planning my future projects.

Excellent [workshop] and I had a great time. Great information ! Plus value for money. Good pace pleased with what I came home with.

Kim, apart from the opportunity to remove myself from the ‘everyday’, I am grateful that you provide a place where, for the first time since year 8 art, I can simultaneously enjoy, create, learn and have fun in a completely non-judgmental and fabulously encouraging environment.