Bookbinding Core 1 :: Coptic Binding

 Registration is closed for this event

January 13th, 2018 9:30 AM

  • Instructor: Rhiannon Alpers
  • Workshop Extra: Core Curriculum, Certificate Program
  • Workshop Type: Binding
  • Workshop Status: Wait-list
  • Workshop Start: January 13th, 2018 9:30 AM
  • Workshop End: January 13th, 2018 5:30 PM
  • Sessions: 1

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

All paper for SFCB's Core Certificate Program projects has been generously provided by Mohawk.


Materials to Bring: None

Prerequisite: None; optional: Introduction to Bookbinding

Workshop + Materials Fee: $200.00

Date & Time: Saturday, January 13, 2018 :: 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

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE 3 DAYS PRIOR TO THE START DATE OF THIS WORKSHOP.


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 is a papermaker, letterpress printer and book artist. She has taught academic courses at San Francisco Art Institute, University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, Dominican University, Academy of Art University, Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz, Columbia College Chicago, Santa Reparata School of Art in Florence, Italy. She has taught workshops for Penland School of Crafts, Book Arts LA, San Diego Book Arts, Contemporary Jewish Museum, Kala Printmaking Institute, Center for Book and Paper in Chicago, and at her own studio in the Mission District. For more information visit rhiannonalpers.com.


Past Student Reviews:

“Rhiannon was very patient with each student and able to adjust the pacing of her instruction based on the group’s and individual needs. Her instruction was very clear and easy to follow. She gives each student individual attention ensuring that we all mastered the skills."

“Rhiannon was so patient and awesome. I am excited to work with other instructors as a result of this first experience."

“She was very good at pacing, instructing clearly, and giving every student the attention he or she required throughout the lesson. I wouldn't change a thing. She was extremely encouraging even when we made mistakes which made the experience so enjoyable and helped us to move past our mistakes and really focus on getting the technique correct.”


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

Bookbinding Core 2 :: Flat-Back Case Binding

375 Rhode Island St
San Francisco, CA 94103-5133
United States