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 1 :: Coptic Binding

To paraphrase Lewis Carroll, we begin at the beginning. This, the first of our Core Bookbinding series, introduces students to the craft with the Coptic stitch, one of the earliest structures in binding. In addition to coming away with a finished book made by hand, students will also be introduced to the tools and terms of bookbinding. Basic practices and equipment will be discussed as students familiarize themselves with both skills and safety measures needed for working in a bindery.

Bookbinding Core 2 :: Flat-Back Case Binding

In this second Core Bookbinding class, students will create what most of us refer to as a hardbound book. In bookbinding terms, it is known as a case binding; where a sewn textblock is glued into a separate structure known as a case. Students will learn more about the mechanics of books as they build on skills from Core 1 and expand both their vocabulary and capabilities in and around the bindery.

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. 

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!

All paper for SFCB's Core Certificate Program projects has been generously provided by Mohawk.

Materials to Bring: None

Prerequisite: None; optional: Introduction to Bookbinding

Workshop + Materials Fee: $850.00

Date & Time: March 6-10, 2017 :: 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

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE 3 DAYS PRIOR TO THE START DATE OF THIS WORKSHOP.

About the Instructor | Juliayn Coleman

Juliayn Coleman has been a professional bookbinder since her graduation from the North Bennet Street School bookbinding program in 2003. Her private practice encompasses all levels of book repair and conservation, custom portfolio and enclosure making, teaching, and being a good ambassador for the craft of bookbinding in general. Some of her creative and professional projects can be seen at  www.bookislandbindery.com.

Past Student Reviews

“I loved how well Juliayn explained all the details about what we were doing with the bookbinding. The personalized attention really helped and I appreciated how well she answered all the questions we had. It was fantastic to come away with four completed books and a much greater appreciation for bookbinding (and the desire to learn and do more!).”

“Phenomenally professional, knowledgeable, and patient instructor, which made for a wonderful experience and introduction to bookbinding. Love that it was offered as an intensive. Would recommend to anyone who wants to dive into bookbinding.”

“Absolutely wonderful! Hope to take more classes with Juliayn in the future.”

Advance Your Bookbinding Skills :: Choose a Secondary Core Workshop

Book Repair Core 1 :: Foundational Techniques- Paper & Paste

Box Making Core 1 :: Basic Structures

Orientation to Leather

Titling & Tooling Core 1 :: Hot Type