The drum leaf binding, developed by bookbinder and artist, Tim Ely, is an adhesive book structure made up of single folios attached back to back. Similar in make-up to a children’s “board book,” it utilizes minimal amounts of adhesive, avoiding issues of expansion and contraction. Only one side of each folio is visible in the finished book, making it an ideal structure to use when it’s only possible to print on one side of a sheet of paper. It’s perfect for printmakers and artists working with thick, stiff, or digitally optimized papers. Because there is no sewing in the gutter of the sections, it allows for seamless image crossover across the fold and it lays very flat. Requiring minimal equipment and tools, it’s quickly made and can vary greatly in its function and appearance depending on paper, detailing, and covering material choices. 

In this one day workshop, we will examine the make-up of the text block using single folios of paper, PVA, and Japanese paper.  Particular attention will be paid to paper choice for folios, proper glue application techniques and sequencing.

Materials to Bring: 

bone folder

good scissors

exacto knife or similar sharp instrument 

steel straight edge

rubber cement pick-up

clear plastic ruler

2 small watercolor brushes (cheap ones are fine)

self-healing cutting mat, small

any other bookmaking tools in your kit 

Workshop Fee: $180

Date & Time: Friday, November 13, 2015 :: 10:00am-6:00pm

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

Note: Please read over the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class. If you are registering within 3 days of the start date for this class, please call 415-565-0545 ex.105 to complete your registration 

About the Instructor | John Demerritt

John DeMerritt owns a bookbinding studio in Emeryville, CA that focuses on edition binding and boxmaking for fine press printers and publishers, galleries and artists.  He began his bookbinding career in 1986, working for Klaus Roetzscher in San Francisco and later worked at Taurus Bookbindery in Berkeley.  He formed his own bookbindery in 1995.

John has taught and lectured at The SF Center for the Book, The Kala Institute, The Guild of Bookworkers, Colombia College Center for Book and Paper, Visual Studies Workshop, Oregon College of Arts and Crafts, California College or Art and Mills College.

From 2000 to 2013, he taught in the Photography Department of the San Francisco Art Institute, combining the use of digital imaging and book structure with his co-teacher, Michael Creedon.

In 2014,John and his wife, Nora Pauwels, formed DeMerritt | Pauwels Editions, an outlet for their collaborations with fellow artists.