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, students 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: 2 small watercolor brushes (cheap ones are fine), clear plastic ruler, any other bookmaking tools in your kit that you prefer to work with.

Optional and available at SFCB for student use during workshop: bone folder, scissors, utility knife, metal straight edge, rubber cement pickup, self-healing cutting mat.

Workshop + Materials Fee: $185.00

Date & Time: Sunday, September 11, 2016 :: 10am-6pm

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 3 DAYS PRIOR TO THE START DATE OF THIS WORKSHOP.

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.

Past Student Reviews:

 “John is a fabulous teacher, very clear, full of side tips and techniques. So knowledgeable and willing to share everything.”

“John is a wonderful teacher. Along with instruction on the form of this particular book, I also learned a great deal about materials and techniques, which John took time to explain and expound upon. John's body knowledge is a terrific thing to witness; his handling of materials, both the ease and skill, was inspiring."

“John was very good at communicating what needed to be done and at suggesting possibilities for using the structure.”