This is a single-session online workshop.

The Jacob’s Ladder structure is borrowed from a folk toy traditionally made of blocks of wood held together with ribbons. The structure is held from one end and allowed to dangle vertically. When the block being held is tilted, the remaining blocks flip over in succession, producing a cascading visual effect.

The structure functions on numerous levels: as a codex held in the hand and read page by page in sequence, as a sculpture, and as a delightful object to play with. It can be made in a home studio with minimal specialized equipment. Instruction will focus on both craft and content. Your finished book, plus detailed instructions, will be a valuable reference for future work.

This workshop is appropriate for intermediate binders and beginners who are ready for a fast-paced workout and are comfortable with online learning. Class will move quickly!

The workshop fee includes a kit containing board, ribbon, and paper; students will need to supply some additional materials - see below.

---

Materials to Bring:

• Imagery printed on cardstock (or images from old calendars/books/magazines mounted to cardstock, or simply two different colors or patterns of cardstock). At minimum 12 pieces at 3” square, plus a few extras in case of mishaps. 
• Class kit mailed to you from SFCB (see details above)

Required:

• PVA
• Letter-sized waste paper
• Teflon or bone folder
• Small cutting mat
• Small scissors
• Ruler
• Metal straightedge that can be cut against (this can be the ruler)
• X-Acto/scalpel/Olfa knife and extra blades
• Small brush for PVA

Optional:

• Dividers (DO NOT purchase just for this workshop)
• Sandpaper to tidy up the edges of the book board
• Corner rounder that will cut board
• Rice or wheat paste for application of tissue to board edges (unnecessary but will give you more open time)
• Whatever tools not on this list you always find useful

Workshop Fee (includes mailed kit): $120
Scholarships available; click here to apply

Date & Time: Wednesday, November 10, 2021 :: 3-6pm Pacific time

Location: Online over Zoom. All SFCB online workshops are recorded; video will be available for a month.

Please read over the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class.

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE AT LEAST 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE START DATE OF THIS WORKSHOP TO ALLOW TIME FOR KITS TO SHIP.

---

About the Instructor | Karen Hanmer

Karen Hanmer’s artist-made books are physical manifestations of personal essays intertwining history, culture, politics, science and technology. She utilizes both traditional and contemporary book structures, and the work is often playful in content or format. Hanmer’s work is included in collections ranging from The British Library and the Library of Congress to Stanford University and Graceland. She has served on the editorial board of The Bonefolder, as Exhibitions Chair for the Guild of Book Workers, and as frequent exhibition curator and juror. She offers workshops and private instruction focusing on a solid foundation in traditional binding skills.

---

Past Student Reviews:

“I really like Karen and hope there will be more classes with her. Her talents are wonderful! She has a quirky sense of humor, which is especially appreciated since we struggle sometimes to understand next steps on the Zoom classes. She is adaptable and tries to help each student."

“She's a very organized, knowledgeable teacher who takes the time to share detailed information without turning the class into a tedious slog.”

“Karen was great. I would consider taking another class from her even if I wasn't particularly excited about the topic.”

“Karen is an amazing no nonsense teacher with incredible skills and great teaching techniques.”