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 22, 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 | Nina Eve Zeininger (they/them)

Nina Eve Zeininger {they/them/mx.} is a paper artist, budding book historian, and knowledge management professional. They hold a BFA in Photography from the San Francisco Art Institute with a focus on historic processes and an MLIS from Indiana University with a focus on Book History. Their art is concentrated on bookmaking, photography, and letterpress printing and is infused with nature, bright colors, and sarcasm. Their book history research centers on diverse representation and equality in information access, Readers’ Advisory, and inclusive & reparative description.

After growing up in New England, Nina headed west for college and still hasn’t found a good reason to leave the Bay Area. By day Nina’s time is spent making information accessible and connecting teachers and students with the resources they need to teach and learn. On nights and weekends, Nina morphs into a book arts instructor, researcher, writer, and sometimes even a baker & bartender. Of course no life would be complete without a daily game of fetch played with two giant felines. They dream of writing about books professionally and teaching book history and information science at the college level.

Nina Eve’s artwork and bookish musings can be found at ninaevezeininger.com.

Past Student Reviews:

“Nina is a fantastic instructor, they demonstrate every step very clearly. Great balance at breaking down the various steps to bind the book but also giving us enough space and time to work independently.”

“Clear instructions. Even though I forgot some things from the previous class, all of the demos and instructions made me feel confident in my ability to finish the book. I came away from today feeling like I could make this book at home.”

“Nina is excellent.  They are very patient, explain things well, and are a great instructor.  I also appreciate learning the history of books- it adds great flavor to the workshop! I also really appreciate that you supply all the materials and tools- and that I don't have to bring anything.”