This workshop employs the skills learned in Beginning Bookbinding and is a good introduction to working with leather. The first half of the class teaches how to use a sewing frame, and how to sew endbands using silk thread. Participants will make one rounded and one backed book with double-folio endsheets and cloth and decorative paper covers.

The second half of the class will be essential preparation for anyone intending to learn leather bookbinding. The instructor will first guide you through the sharpening and upkeep of paring knives, specifically the English-style knife. After learning to pare leather to various thicknesses on the Sharf-Fix machine, a full-leather binding will be made in goat skin over thin boards with blind tooling (a decorative technique). This binding, sometimes called a limp leather binding, is based on a historical binding often used for diaries or devotional texts. 

Basic bookbinding tools to bring: bone or teflon folder(s), dividers, scissors, awl, 9mm OLFA snap-off knife or other medium duty craft knife, microspatula, metal straight-edge with both English and metric units, pencil, medium glue brush. Other optional tools: white wax pencil or China marker, plastic triangle, notebook for taking notes

Please be advised: To fully participate in this workshop, it will be essential for you to purchase an A2 English-style leather paring knife from Jeff Peachey, which is a highly specialized knife that cannot be substituted for other types of knives. They range in price from $130-225. Unfortunately this is not included within the materials fee, but is necessary to have in order to make books with leather. We will discuss this in greater depth on the first day of class, but if you have any questions, please contact your instructor Juliayn at jc@bookislandbindery.com.

All other materials needed for the projects in this class are included in your workshop fee.

Workshop + Materials Fee: 650.00 

 About the Instructor | Juliayn Coleman 

Juliayn Coleman has been a professional bookbinder since her graduation from the North Bennet Street School bookbinding program in 2003. Her private practice encompasses all levels of book repair and conservation, custom portfolio and enclosure making, teaching, and being a good ambassador for the craft of bookbinding in general.

Past Student Reviews

“Can’t say enough of Juliayn’s patience, composure, and professionalism. I struggled with several steps and she was always there to help me with her smile and kind heart”

“Thoroughly loved the class. I am very appreciative of Juliayn’s patience and her thorough knowledge of bookbinding”

“Juliayn is very knowledgeable and conveys her knowledge in a clear manner with a fun sense of humor”