This is an in-person workshop. All students and the instructor must show proof of vaccination against Covid-19 and agree to wear a mask for the duration of the class unless otherwise announced by SFCB. If you choose to complete the registration process you are agreeing to these terms.

Clamshell presentation boxes are a staple of the binder's trade.

On Day 1, working from a provided template, students will be guided through the process of constructing custom clamshell boxes for books, suites of prints and other media. On Day 2, Students will themselves design and construct a box for a small book, suite of prints, or object of their choosing.

Students will be invited but not required to bring their own materials to work with on their individual projects. If you wish to make a box for a specific book or other item of your own, you need to bring it to the first class meeting. All skills learned in Day 1 will be applied by the student to their individual project including spec'ing and cutting boards, scaling & design.  

Students will learn critical aspects of measuring & scaling, board cutting, tray construction, cover making, casing in, and options for labels and inlays. Also addressed will be various alterations and enhancements of the clamshell structure. 

Materials to Bring: Bring if you have (not required): a teflon bone folder, an aluminum drafting triangle (this is the drafting 30-60-90 triangle with circles punched in it)

Optional: your favorite bookbinding tools.

Workshop Fee (includes materials fee): $380
Scholarships available; click here to apply.

Date & Time: Two Sundays, October 16 & 23, 2022 :: 9:30am-5:30pm

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 three days prior to the start date of the workshop.

About the Instructor | Brian Lieske

Brian wandered into SFCB several years ago and continues to haunt the place. He completed both the bookbinding and letterpress cores as well as several of the summer historic structure classes. He enjoys making fully hand-sewn books and still fights to not over-tighten his kettle stitches. He’s lived in San Francisco for more than 20 years having arrived shortly after completing an MFA at the University of Texas at Austin.

Past Student Reviews:

"Box making is fun to do. And actually building all the structures and seeing how they all relate to the the finished work gives the hands and fingers the experience as well as the brain. Very pleasing.”