In this case-bound bookbinding workshop, you'll learn the fundamentals of creating a sturdy, professionally finished book. Case binding, known for its durable hard cover, is a traditional method for making long-lasting books. During the workshop, you’ll be guided step-by-step through assembling the pages, preparing the spine, and constructing the book’s cover to make a beautifully bound book. This hands-on experience is perfect for anyone exploring the art of bookbinding and those interested in creating a personalised, high-quality book from scratch.
GATHER is a fantastic craft shop and workshop space in Kildare town. It's a co-operative initiative between the Kildare Local Enterprise Office and Kildare-based artists and makers, and stocks a range of local, handmade and designed items. It is staffed by the makers themselves, a perfect opportunity to learn more about the creator of your new favourite item and discover how the item was made. SQUUSHED is stocked in GATHER so be sure to check it out!
GATHER is located in the centre of Kildare town in market square, and is surrounded by fabulous eateries such as Firecastle, Hartes, and Agape. Kildare Village is only a 10 minute walk from the venue, not to be missed!
Amanda provided a very relaxed, friendly and enjoyable day of book binding. Every tool required was laid out and ready to go. Her depth of knowledge of the craft was amazing, explaining what we were doing, but also why it was done that way and also taking about other ways it can be done. Fantastic day. I love my book, because it's more than just a book, but a memory of a great day in Kildare town.
Thank you so much for your kind words! What a fantastic review!
We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience during our bookbinding workshop and glad that you enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Thank you for choosing our workshop and we hope to see you again in the future!
Thanks Amanda for a great workshop! It was a very enjoyable day. I found it to be a well organised and informative class and would recommend!
Thank you for your lovely review. Glad you enjoyed the day!
The most beautiful picture I’ve ever received. I’m obsessed 😍😍 100% recommend squushed ! Very talented 💖
Thank you so much for your lovely review! I'm glad you love your new picture and thanks for your recommendation! ❤️
-- Amanda
As part of our 2025 local culture festival in Donabate Portrane north county Dublin, Amanda ran two workshops for us - chain stitch notebook making and lampshade making. Everything was provided and the workshops were very well recieved by all participants. The workshops were wonderfully relaxed, friendly, and enjoyable. Everything we needed was thoughtfully prepared and ready to use. Her deep knowledge of both crafts shone through - not only did she explain each step clearly, but she also shared other hints and tips . Both workshops were fantastic experiences from start to finish. Participants went home with beautifully self-crafted pieces and were delighted to have learned a new skill.
From the perspective of a festival organiser; Amanda was very professional and a pleasure to deal with. I would have no hesitation in providing a recommendation for Amanda and her workshops. We will definitley welcome her to Donabate Portrane again!
Hi Ann,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We were delighted to take part in the Bleeding Pig Festival, and thouroughly enjoyed running the lampshade making and bookbinding workshops. Seeing people's creations come to life is always a joy, and we love when people learn a new skill and also take something home with them that they made themselves. Thank you for including us in your festival schedule, and we hope to work with you again in the future!
Amanda
Purchased the most beautiful hand made lamp shade from Amanda in Squushed. Stunning quality and amazing service 💕
Thank you for your lovely review! We're delighted you love your new lampshade
Went to a market and came across Sguushed, wow wow wow so much beautiful stuff. I purchased a beautiful hand made lamp shade the quality so beautiful. I love it so much I booked myself into a workshop for making lamp shades, I can't wait. Thanks Amanda looking forward to my experience.
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're delighted you like your new lampshade, and looking forward to welcoming you at our lampshade making workshop!