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 work in our bindery. Click here to learn more about the Bookbinding Core Certificate Program and find out how you may receive a discount on classes.

Bookbinding Core 1 – Coptic Binding

To paraphrase Lewis Carroll, we begin at the beginning. This, the first of our Core Bookbinding series, introduces students to the craft with the Coptic stitch, one of the earliest structures in binding. In addition to coming away with a finished book made by hand, students will also be introduced to the tools and terms of bookbinding. Basic practices and equipment will be discussed as students familiarize themselves with both skills and safety measures needed for working in a bindery.

Competencies Gained:

• Knowledge:

  • Basic vocabulary of bookbinding tools and equipment

  • Basic bindery practices and procedures

  • Understanding paper grain

• Skills

  • Folding, pressing, piercing, sewing, cutting and gluing

• Equipment:

  • Board shear, nipping press, hand tools

Materials to Bring: None

Prerequisite: None :: (Optional: Intro to Bookbinding)

Workshop Fee: $200

Date & Time: Sunday, Janaury 10, 2016 :: 9:30am-5:30pm

Location: This workshop will take place at 375 Rhode Island St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Note: Please read 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 | 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:

"Wonderful instructor, extremely helpful and generous with time and supplies."

"Really appreciate her willingness to think about alternatives."

"Rhiannon is very patient and knowledgeable. Very good at pacing and making sure students are on track and not feeling left behind. Great handouts, too. “

Customize Your Certificate Program :: Choose the Date of Your Next Class

BookbindingCore 2: Flat-Back Case Binding