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.

Competencies Gained:

• Knowledge:

  • Basic vocabulary of bookbinding tools and equipment

  • Basic bindery practices and procedures

  • Understanding paper grain

• Skills

  • Folding, pressing, piercing, sewing, cutting and gluing

• Equipment:

  • Board shear, nipping press, hand tools

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

Watch a video about our Bookbinding Core Certificate workshops!

Materials to Bring: None

Prerequisite: None; optional: Introduction to Bookbinding

Workshop + Materials Fee: $200.00

Date & Time: Sunday, October 1, 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 | Monica Holtsclaw

Monica Holtsclaw holds a Diploma in bookbinding from the North Bennet Street School and a BFA in graphic design from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She has worked as a bookbinder in private practice and in conservation labs. Her artist books have been featured in Guild of Book Workers traveling exhibitions and can also be found in university collections across the country. She specializes in bookbinding and box making and loves sharing what she has learned with others. Examples of her work can be found at monicaholtsclaw.com.

Past Student Reviews:

“Pacing was good, she was calm, her instructions were bite size.”

“Monica made the entire process fun.”

“Monica is great at somehow managing to provide instruction and assistance to all of the students, even when some of the students are having an easy time breezing through the project while others are working with a bit of difficulty and at a slower pace."

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

Bookbinding Core 2 :: Flat-Back Case Binding