Laced Paper Case with Unsupported Sewing online workshop

 Registration is closed for this event

June 8th, 2022 4:00 PM

  • Instructor: Karen Hanmer
  • Workshop Type: Binding
  • Workshop Status: Closed
  • Workshop Start: June 8th, 2022 4:00 PM
  • Workshop End: June 15th, 2022 6:00 PM
  • Sessions: 2
  • In-person or Online?: Online

This is a two session online workshop.

For centuries paper has served as a quick, elegant, and economical covering material for books. This versatile material can create structures ranging from pocket notebooks to conservation friendly bindings to a case durable enough for a heavily-used manual.

In bookbinding terminology, a “case” refers to a style of book cover, not a separate enclosure. Historically the text block for a paper case was sewn on narrow fiber or leather supports. The supports were laced into the case at the spine folds for a non-adhesive attachment.

In this version, the text block is sewn unsupported. Added straps of strong, flexible handmade paper are both decorative and structural. The straps are positioned at the spine, then laced through both the case and a single-folio, hooked endsheet also of strong handmade paper. The straps lace back out of the case near the fore edge, pass around the fore edge, slip between the endsheet and the case, and exit on the inside of the endsheet.

The case flexes open at two points: the folds at the spine and a second, adjacent pair of folds. The lacing pattern into the secondary spine folds ensures that the spine of the case can break away from the spine of the text block, allowing the book to open fully.

This workshop is appropriate for intermediate binders, beginners who are ready for a fast-paced workout, and anyone who wants to add more paper cases to their repertoire.

The workshop fee includes a mailed materials kit; students are also responsible for sourcing the tools and materials listed below. Because of shipping concerns, this class is only open to US students.
 

Materials to Bring: 

Essential

  • bone or teflon folder
  • cutting mat, 9 x 12" is adequate
  • scalpel, olfa or x-acto knife and extra blades
  • scissors
  • 12" ruler that can be cut against
  • small glue brush
  • awl
  • #18 bookbinding needle or similar
  • beeswax for sewing
  • PVA
  • Paper “rulers,” half inch wide strips of waste paper used to transfer measurements
  • A pair of gluing up boards: scrap book board the height of the text block and 2-3” wide, one of the long edges of both covered in clear packing tape

Recommended

  • Punching cradle (instructions to make one here: http://www.philobiblon.com/bonefolder/vol1no1contents.htm)
  • Dividers, an inexpensive set from Talas item #TTB033004
  • Marker with a wide tip, any color.
     

Optional

  • Square with base 15 cm x 10 cm (6" x 4") such as Talas item # TTB041001 or some device to keep your text block square. Be resourceful, you may already have something that can serve this function in your workspace
  • 6” ruler
  • Finishing press
  • Whatever tools not on this list you always find useful 
     

Workshop Fee: $120
Tuition assistance is available; please apply here.

Date & Time: 2 Wednesdays, June 8 & 15, 2022 :: 4-6pm Pacific time

Location: Online over Zoom.

SFCB online workshops are recorded; all registered students will have access to the videos for four weeks.

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

 

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 offers workshops and private instruction focusing on a solid foundation in traditional binding skills.

Past Student Reviews:

 "Loved her no-fuss approach, good filming, GREAT attitude.”

“Karen was clear, organized, and warm. She seemed glad to share her expertise. She showed inspiring examples. She demonstrated every step with precision. She answered questions with care."

“Karen is an excellent teacher - well prepared and generous.”

“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.”

 

 

Online Via Zoom
CA
United States