Workshop Fee (includes materials fee): $225
Click here to apply for a Windgate scholarship.

 

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, March 15, 2025 :: 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 | Madison Gordon (she/her)

Madison is a bookbinder and conservator-in-training living in Oakland, CA, currently working at Zukor Art Conservation and the Walt Disney Family Museum. She is fascinated by paper, and loves making and repairing practical, fun, accessible, and well-made structures for the use and enjoyment of everyday people. Madison is also trained in letterpress printing and has worked previously with the Key Printing & Binding (Oakland, CA) and Small Editions (Brooklyn, NY).

Past Student Reviews:

“Madison was so helpful, encouraging, and just downright delightful to work with! I learned a ton and I feel excited to make more books on my own now.”

“Very well-timed and paced; Madison provided excellent demonstrations, guidance, and answering of questions.”

“A fascinating structure, an excellent instructor, a well-organized workshop both in terms of material and of documentation, the right level of difficulty for me. It was perfect.”