This is a single session online workshop.

The Drum Leaf binding is the perfect structure for printmakers, photographers, or anyone who desires to present visual narratives with no sewing thread to interrupt the flow of imagery. Because a Drum Leaf is made of single-sided folios, not signatures, the complexities of imposition are not necessary when laying out text.

This workshop highlights the versatility of the Drum Leaf structure by presenting several variations on the familiar quarter cloth with breakaway spine.

The workshop book is a sampler: one book will incorporate multiple techniques:

• “Classic” Drum leaf with two-piece spine wrapper of book cloth with spine stiffener
• One-piece Spine Wrapper of parchment or stiff handmade paper
• Hugging Spine: in this variation the spine wrapper does not break away from the spine. Rather when the book is opened the wrapper goes concave, conforming to the spine, providing support without restricting opening
• Dimensional Panels: this variation resembles a Bradel or Simplified binding: the decorative paper is wrapped around a thin board before being attached to the book.

All versions open flat, are perfect for edition work, and can be constructed quickly in a sparsely equipped home studio.

Note: This is a fast-paced, intermediate-level workshop. Students should be making books regularly and independently, outside a workshop setting.

The workshop fee includes a kit containing all required materials to make one sampler book. Students are responsible for sourcing their own tools, listed below.

Students must bring to class: 

Required

• Materials kit shipped from SFCB

AND

• PVA
• Bone or teflon folder
• Small self-healing cutting mat
• Metal ruler or straightedge, 12” is adequate
• X- acto, scalpel or olfa knife and a few extra blades
• Scissors
• Small glue brush
• A pair of gluing up boards: scrap book board the height of the text block and a little narrower, one of the long edges of both covered in clear packing tape
• waste paper
• pencil
   

Optional 

• Microspatula; Talas #TTB002001 or similar
• Dividers; Talas #TTB033004 or similar
• Square with base; Talas #TTB041001, or some device to keep text block and boards square
• 8” plastic drywall knife (neater and more precise than a brush and the ideal tool for this binding)
• “Paper Rulers” strips of paper 1/2” wide to use for quick measuring when ruler is awkward or unnecessary
   

Workshop Fee: $130
Tuition assistance is available; please apply here.

Date & Time: Wednesday, October 12, 2022 :: 3-6pm Pacific time

Location: Online over Zoom.
SFCB online workshops are recorded; all registered students will have access to the videos for a month after the final session.

Please read over the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class. Registration will close September 30 at 12 noon Pacific time.

 

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.”