Registration is closed for this event

November 22nd, 2015 9:30 AM

  • Instructor: Rhiannon Alpers
  • Workshop Extra: Core Curriculum, Certificate Program
  • Workshop Type: Binding
  • Workshop Status: Closed
  • Workshop Start: November 22nd, 2015 9:30 AM
  • Workshop End: November 29th, 2015 5:30 PM
  • Sessions: 2

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 4 – Classic Rounded Back Cloth Binding

The final class in our Core Bookbinding series (taught in two sessions) uses skills learned in each previous class to create a beautiful and classic rounded back cloth binding.  In this structure students will learn to lace boards into the cords used for sewing the book. After sewing, the book will be rounded and backed before the boards are attached and covered. More terms, more tools, more techniques: such are the rewards of the skilled bookbinder!

Competencies Gained:

  • Build on skills from Core 1, 2 and 3

  • Knowledge:

    • Engineering involved in bindings that are rounded, backed and laced.

  • Skills:

    • Rounding and backing

    • Hand sewing silk endbands

    • Lacing in cords

    • Making and attaching a hollow

  • Equipment:

    • Job backer

    • Backing hammer

    • Guillotine


Materials to Bring: None

Prerequisite: Bookbinding Core 1, 2, 3

Workshop Fee: $350

Date & Time: Sunday, November 22 & 29, 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. If you are registering within 3 days of the start date for this class, please call 415-565-0545 ex.105 to complete your registration 


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. “