Beginning Bookbinding: Core Curriculum

 Registration is closed for this event

January 26th, 2014 9:30 AM

  • Instructor: Rhiannon Alpers
  • Workshop Extra: Core Curriculum, Certificate Program
  • Workshop Type: Binding
  • Workshop Status: Closed
  • Workshop Start: January 26th, 2014 9:30 AM
  • Workshop End: February 16th, 2014 5:30 PM
  • Sessions: 4

Beginning Bookbinding  |  Make four hardcover, hand-bound, multi-section books

Learn the vocabulary of bookbinding, the basic tools and their uses in the binding of books, as well as common materials used (paper, cloth, board, and adhesives) and foundational techniques (folding, sewing, and gluing) of the craft. Workshop participants will construct four hardcover, hand-bound, multisection books over the course of the series. Each binding in the series will add to the skills previously learned and integrate new techniques. Modifications for working at home without complex equipment will also be covered. The instructor will provide resources for buying bookbinding supplies locally and online, as well as training on how to use bindery equipment such as the guillotine, Kutrimmer paper cutter, and board shear.


Materials*: Scissors, awl, OLFA® snap blade or X-ACTO® knife, metal straightedge with both English and metric units, pencil, bone folder, medium glue brush (round, 1" in diameter), and dividers.

* All of these materials are available for your use at SFCB but feel free to bring your own if you would like.

Workshop Fee: $525.00 (includes materials fee)

Date & Time: Sundays, January 26th, & February 2nd, 9th, 16th  | 9:30am-5:30pm

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

Note: Please read over our Registration Policies before signing up for a class


About the Instructor | Rhiannon Alpers

Rhiannon Alpers, has an MFA in Book and Paper Arts from Columbia College Chicago and a BA in Book Arts from UCSB. She has taught college courses at Academy of Art University, Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz, Columbia College Chicago, Santa Reparata School of Art in Florence, Italy. She has taught workshops Contemporary Jewish Musuem, Kala Printmaking Institute, Filoli Gardens Estate, Center for Book and Paper in Chicago, Paper Source stores in Chicago and San Francisco, and at her own studio in the Mission District. She is a papermaker, letterpress printer and book artist.


Past Student Reviews:

“Rhiannon is very enthusiastic, charming, and helpful”

“I think Rhiannon is one of the best teachers here! I would recommend her class to anyone”

“Rhiannon was very helpful and terrific at answering questions”