Workshop Fee (includes materials fee): $560

In this two-day class, students will make an elegant, multi-section, flexible leather binding with leather doublures and a wraparound suede flyleaf.

The structure is simple, but must be executed with care and attention to detail. The book block is rounded but not backed, and the attachment of the suede flyleaves forms a hollow, which allows the book to open beautifully and lie flat. By cutting designs into the leather prior to covering, students will create their own simple and unique binding using professional-quality materials supplied by the instructor.

>> Prerequisite: Bookbinding 1-4 or equivalent experience sewing multi-section textblocks and rounding books <<

Materials to Bring: 

• Your bookbinding toolkit, including bone and teflon folder(s), scalpel or Olfa knife, scissors, awl, triangle or metal square, dividers, fine point pencil, etc.
• Glue roller and tray
• Notebook 
• Optional: Optivisor if you need one, Japanese screw punch with bits, fluid acrylic paints

Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, March 1 & 2, 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.
 

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.

Past Student Reviews:

“Coleen is an excellent teacher, and she had so many terrific hints to give us about various ways to proceed with making books.”

“This was a new structure for me, and I enjoyed learning something new and fun. All the materials were provided, and Coleen was a great instructor to learn from.”

“Coleen was a fantastic instructor, this was the first time I worked with her. She did an amazing job answering my and everyone's questions. She was encouraging and provided great feedback that will help me improve as a bookbinder for all of my work.”