Registration is closed for this event

July 26th, 2015 9:30 AM

  • Instructor: Rhiannon Alpers
  • Workshop Extra: Core Curriculum, Certificate Program
  • Workshop Type: Binding
  • Workshop Status: Closed
  • Workshop Start: July 26th, 2015 9:30 AM
  • Workshop End: July 26th, 2015 5:30 PM
  • Sessions: 1

Bookbinding Core Certificate Program

The San Francisco Center for the Book celebrates the craft and art of bookbinding. Our Bookbinding Core Certificate Program introduces students to four different binding models, leading them through the history and evolution of bookmaking.  It provides students a comprehensive foundation to delve into the practice of binding and qualifies them work in our bindery. Click here to learn more about the Bookbinding Core Certificate Program and find out how you may receive a discount on classes.


Bookbinding Core 3 – Limp Paper Binding

In centuries past, books were sometimes sewn onto cords and then laced into soft covers before being bound for a specific collection or library. Often covered with calfskin, these limp vellum bindings became an important structure all their own. In this class students will bind a book using these bindings as a model but employing thick paper as the folded and laced wrapper. Students will learn to use a sewing frame and the skill of sewing headbands.

Competencies Gained:

  • Build on skills from Core 1 and 2

  • Knowledge:

    • Scoring and lacing an outer case

    • Bookbinding materials: cords, heavy hand-made paper

  • Skills:

    • Using a sewing frame

    • Sewing on Alum tawed pigskin

    • Sewing headbands

    • Making a paper case with Yapp edge

  • Equipment:

    • Sewing Frame

    • Japanese hole punch

    • Dividers

Materials to Bring: None

Prerequisite: Bookbinding Core 1 & 2

Workshop Fee: $200

Date & Time: Sunday, July 26, 2015 | 9:30am-5:30pm

Location: This workshop will take place at 375 Rhode Island St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Note: Please read the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class


About the Instructor | Rhiannon Alpers

Rhiannon Alpers, has an MFA in Book and Paper Arts from Columbia College Chicago and a BA in Book Arts from UCSB. She has taught college courses at Academy of Art University, Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz, Columbia College Chicago, Santa Reparata School of Art in Florence, Italy. She has taught workshops Contemporary Jewish Musuem, Kala Printmaking Institute, Filoli Gardens Estate, Center for Book and Paper in Chicago, Paper Source stores in Chicago and San Francisco, and at her own studio in the Mission District. She is a papermaker, letterpress printer and book artist.


Past Student Reviews:

"Wonderful instructor, extremely helpful and generous with time and supplies."

"Really appreciate her willingness to think about alternatives."

"Rhiannon is very patient and knowledgeable. Very good at pacing and making sure students are on track and not feeling left behind. Great handouts, too. “


Customize Your Certificate Program :: Choose the Date of Your Next Class

Bookbinding Core 4: Classic Rounded Back Cloth Binding