This is a two session online workshop.

More traditionally called a “limp paper case,” this binding has its origins in the limp parchment cases of antiquity. This update is flexible enough to read on the beach, yet sturdy enough to throw in a backpack. The rounded, breakaway spine feels great in the hand, keep its shape with repeated use, and ensures the book will open fully. The folded “yapp” fore edge protects the pages at the open edge of the book.

Sewing on tapes keeps the text block square and organized while it is being constructed, and later fortifies the attachment of the text block to the case. The hooked endsheets allow complete opening at the title page.

This book can be made 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 materials to make one book. Students are responsible for sourcing their own tools, listed below. This workshop is limited to US students only due to difficulties with international shipping. Non-US students who are willing to supply their own materials, please email workshops@sfcb.org before registering.

Materials to Bring: 

Required

• Materials kit mailed to you by SFCB

AND

• Weight, a covered brick or equivalent
• Pair of clean press boards, wood, two inches wider and taller than the text block is ideal
• Backing hammer or, if this is unavailable, your household hammer with the head closest to 1.5” in diameter, preferably slightly rounded
• Nipping press if you have one, otherwise as much weight as you can stack on top of your press boards (weights, bricks, heavy books), 20-25 lbs (5 bricks) is not too much
• 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
• Large cutting mat, 12 x 18" recommended
• Bone folder, preferably sanded for a narrower tip so it can be used for precise scoring
• Scalpel, Olfa or X-Acto knife, and extra blades
• Scissors
• 12" ruler that can be cut against
• 18" straightedge or ruler that can be cut against
• Small glue brush
• Large glue brush
• PVA
• Low tack masking tape
• Awl with small diameter
• Beeswax for sewing
• "Paper rulers," strips of paper letter-size long and about 1/2" wide to use for quick measuring when ruler is awkward or unnecessary
• Waste sheets for gluing
• Pencil

Optional but recommended

• Finishing press (An economical collapsible travel model is available here: www.chestercreekpress.com/tools/tools.html.)
• Square with base (Talas #TTB041001) or some device to keep text block square
• Dividers (Talas #TTB033004)  or similar
• Microspatula (Talas #TTB002001) or similar
• Punching cradle (Instructions to make one are here: www.philobiblon.com/bonefolder/vol1no1contents.htm.)
• A small piece of non-skid shelf lining, 4 x 6" is adequate
   

Workshop Fee: $180
Tuition assistance is available; please apply here.

Date & Time: Two Wednesdays, November 2 & 9, 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 class meeting.

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

Registration will close two weeks prior to the start date of this workshop.

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.”