Workshop Fee (includes materials fee): $225

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

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 to rent studio time in our bindery. Core classes must be taken in order, 1 through 4.

Click here to learn more about the Bookbinding Core Certificate Program! 

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 Cores 1 and 2

Knowledge:

• Scoring and lacing an outer case
• Bookbinding materials: cords, heavy hand-made paper

Skills:

• Using a sewing frame
• Sewing on leather thongs
• Sewing headbands
• Making a paper case with Yapp edge

Equipment:

• Sewing Frame
• Japanese hole punch
• Dividers

>> Prerequisites: Bookbinding Core 1 & 2. Please do not register for this class if you won't have completed Core 1 & 2 by the Core 3 date <<
 

Materials to Bring: None. All tools and materials will be provided. Students are also welcome to bring any of their own favorite bookbinding tools.

Date & Time: Saturday, November 9, 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.
 

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About the Instructor | Clair Emma Smith (she/her)

Clair Emma Smith is a bookbinder specializing in repair located in Oakland, California. She found her love of bookbinding during an art conservation internship at a historical society in Indiana, and she has been setting up her dream home studio ever since. Clair Emma relocated to the Bay Area after graduating from North Bennet Street School's bookbinding program in 2019 and works in private practice for both herself and other conservators as Bouguereau Bindery. 

Past Student Reviews:

"Clair is calm and relaxed, but attentive and always helpful to anyone having a difficulty. She has extensive knowledge and experience to draw on, and knows what she is talking about.”

“Clair was friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. She had answers to all questions, even about suggested variations to the process and why they would or would not work. I had absolute faith in her skill.”

“Everything was perfect, from the instructor to the materials to the equipment to the space.”