Core Skills Binding (4 part series)
This four day comprehensive bookbinding class introduces the equipment, tools, language, materials, and skills needed to pursue bookbinding projects independently. Beginning with simple structures and building toward the complex case bound book, participants will master the folding, sewing, squaring, cutting, and binding skills needed to complete a variety of book forms. Participants will master the professional equipment in the studio – board shear, nipping press, paper cutter, guillotine – leading to certification to use the equipment independently. This class is limited to 4 participants, which means that each student will receive highly personalized instruction and hands-on attention through out the course.
All materials (including book board, book cloth, fine art paper, waxed linen thread, text paper, PVA, methylcellulose) and tools are provided.
Open to all; no prior bookbinding experience required.
Each class runs from 10 am – 4 pm with a 30 minute lunch break (BYO lunch).
Instructors: Jane Freeman and Yolanda Merrill
Please note, to emphasize the high quality instruction and the personal and intensive nature of this course, the class-size is limited to 4 participants.
Class 1: Tools, Materials, and Processes – Pamphlet and Folded Books in Many Forms
Instructor: Jane Freeman
Class 1 introduces basic bookbinding tools (bone folder, awl, punching cradle, needle, mat, exacto knife, ruler), shop equipment (board shear, paper cutter, nipping press), materials (cover and text paper, adhesives, threads), processes (cutting, folding, basic stitching, punching, making jigs, using adhesives), and the vocabulary of bookbinding. Participants will complete 3 hole pamphlet, 5 hold pamphlet, single page folded and accordion books while learning best practices in binding.
Class 2: Refining Basic Skills and Developing Craft – Portfolio and Small Book Construction
Instructor: Jane Freeman
Class 2 employs the portfolio structure to build skills of board cutting, working with cover materials, and using adhesives. Using book board, book cloth, and decorative paper, participants will make a 10 x 12 portfolio with tie closure. Participants will then adapt the basic portfolio structure and size to make either a single signature journal or a notepad holder. Working through the portfolio’s complexity prepares participants for case binding in Classes 3 and 4.
Class 3: The Case Bound Book
Instructor: Yolanda Merrill
Class 3 builds on the construction skills mastered in Classes 1 and 2. Participants work through case bound book processes including folding and sewing a text block with tapes, constructing a case to fit the text block, covering the case, and casing in the text block with end papers. Participants complete a standard size book using text paper, end papers, and book cloth. Following the completion of the book, participants plan a case bound project of their choice to practice the process in Class 4.
Class 4: Designing and Binding a Case Bound Book
Instructor: Yolanda Merrill
Class 4 engages participants in designing and making a case bound book of their own. Participants choose landscape/portrait, dimensions, text block size, cover cloth, and end papers and build their own book from beginning to end. Participants explore decorative binding options including quarter bound, half bound, headbands, paper binding, and windows for labels and inlays. Independence coupled with instructor coaching builds skill and confidence and prepares participants for pursuing binding projects independently.
