Workshop Fee (includes materials fee): $450
Click here to apply for a Windgate scholarship

Masks are no longer required for most workshops, though anyone is welcome to wear one if they wish.

The Pianel binding is a modern twist on binding structures that use metal rods at the joint, more commonly known as piano hinges. The ‘Pianel’ structure designed by Ben Elbel uses the piano hinge as a main structural and visual feature with the piano hinge tucked away in a neat, nifty construction, leaving only two clean vertical lines on the outside separating the spine and boards. Shiny dots of polished brass rods complete the head and tail.

The process behind the result is simple but requires precision and planning. The book is a flat back with two paper covers, however the structure can be made with leather or cloth. Careful attention to detail and precision is essential.

>> Prerequisite: Some bookbinding experience required, Core 1-4 or equivalent <<

Materials to Bring: 

• Square machinist square and/or metal triangle
• Small sharp scissors
• Bone folder/Teflon folder
• Sharp fine pencil (mechanical)
• Flat brushes 40mm and 10mm
• Steel rulers 50 cm, 30 cm and 10-15 cm
• Wire Cutter (jewelry ok)
• Dividers – 2 sets 6”
• Scalpel with 10a blades
• Awl
• Pin vise
• Metal folder

Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, May 4 & 5, 2024 :: 9:30am-5:30pm

Location: 375 Rhode Island St, San Francisco, CA 94103

NOTE: Please read over the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class. Registration will close approximately three days prior to the start date of the workshop to allow the instructor time to prep materials for class. We recommend you not wait to register, as workshops that don't meet our minimum enrollment will be canceled, sometimes as much as a week in advance.
 

About the Instructor | Coleen Curry (she/her)

Coleen Curry is a contemporary design binder and book artist. Coleen’s aim is to craft technically evocative bindings that provide a visual, sensual, and tactile experience. She bound her first book in 2003 with Tini Muira; the experience was a game changer. In 2009, Coleen received her Diploma in Fine Binding from the American Academy of Bookbinding. Notably she has studied with Monique Lallier, Eleanore Ramsey, and Hélène Jolis. She is past President of the Hand Bookbinders of California and a Board member of the San Francisco Center for the Book. Coleen exhibits internationally, has won several awards, and her work is held in both private and public collections. Coleen lives on the California coast where she crafts design binding, and in her free time, runs trails, swims, and rock climbs. www.coleencurry.com
 

Past Student Reviews:

 “Coleen is generous, sharing her skills and experience.”

“Really enjoyed class and learned a lot. Also, I was glad she brought in some of her own work. It was inspiring, creative, and so beautifully done. Wonderful to see what’s possible and to learn how much she experiments in order to make discoveries and get the look/feel she wants. I’ll start adding that as a deliberate activity.”