Once upon time, all the writers and artists came to Watford to read, talk and parade around town to celebrate its first literary festival - Big Word Fest.

Hosted by Watford Borough Council as part of its latest Big Events, the festival celebrates the written and spoken word with events running from March 3 and until the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death on April 23.

Apart from author talks, families can enjoy plays, workshops, arts and crafts, and a Roald Dahl themed parade - but it’s not everyday that you get to see how to bind a book the traditional way, especially when modern technology prints and binds books by the minute. But northerner, Sheelagh Frew-Crane, who now lives in Radlett, has revived this craft and is hosting a book-making exhibition as part of the festival.

Sheelagh is a visual artist working in a wide range of mediums from painting, sculpture, photography, film and book-making. The 52-year-old says: “I have always loved books, from sci-fi to history to novels - I also collected books and had always wanted learn how to make them, so I started learning six years ago."

The exhibition at Word Fest is based on her Space2 exhibition at Watford Museum last year called Into Voices, where she worked alongside adults with mental health issues.

The mother of three and grandmother of one, who is originally from Hull, worked with a group for adults with learning disabilities called Books Beyond Words, where she held book-making workshops and many of their handmade books will be on display.

Sheelagh, who suffers from ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) - a neurological disease that is triggered by an infection or injury to the central nervous system, explains how book-making is a calm, yet stimulating process that can help people who suffer from depression and other mental health problems.

She says: “Making books is a positive thing that can done in a safe environment. You learn how to fold paper, put the pieces together into what is called a folio and then between hard covers. You don’t need any previous skills to do this - it is suitable for everybody.”

She adds: “The festival is also about bringing the community together and I think this is a great way to show this - I can’t see it leaving anyone out.”

Sheelagh will giving a talk about book-making as well as exhibiting the works at the Watford Central Library on April 12, 2pm and appearing alongside other writers and artists at the Attico Arts Centre also on April 12, 7.30pm.

Details click here.