Workshop Fee (includes materials fee): $1,200

SFCB welcomes visiting instructor Samuel Feinstein from Chicago. He is nationally known for his gold finishing; you can't get a better foundation in hand tooling on leather. 
 

In this week-long intensive, students will learn the fundamentals of blind tooling and gold tooling on leather, focusing on straight lines and using shellac glaire to affix the gold.  Line-work is one of the most important, fundamental, and versatile decorative techniques used on tooled bindings, and is used in both traditional and contemporary designs.  Students will also have time to explore the use of curved lines and small decorative tools within a limited scope, as well as a brief foray into tooling with egg glaire.  A final plaquette will be completed using the techniques covered.

This is an introduction for beginners as well as a step forward for those who would like to build on their existing knowledge. The goal of this workshop is to familiarize you with the processes involved and prepare you for further practice.

This workshop is held in conjuction with the American Academy of Bookbinding's Open/Set exhibition, on display at SFCB and the American Bookbinders Museum from January 18 - March 23, 2025.
 

>> Prerequisite: None <<

Materials to Bring: None. All tools and materials will be provided.

Date & Time: January 27-31, 2025 :: 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 approximately three days prior to the start date of the workshop to allow the instructor time to prep materials for class. We recommend you not wait to register, as workshops that don't meet our minimum enrollment will be canceled, sometimes as much as a week in advance.
 

About the Instructor | Samuel Feinstein (he/him)

Samuel Feinstein is a bookbinder primarily working making fine and design bindings. He trained at the North Bennet Street School, graduating in 2012, and went into private practice creating fine and design bindings, executing finishing for other binders, and eventually teaching workshops on finishing and edge gilding. In his work, he strives to create beautiful bindings in harmony with the contents of the book, with much care and attention given to both design and technical craftsmanship. He currently lives and works in Chicago.

Past Student Reviews:

“Sam's class was more than just a presentation from an expert - he cares deeply about helping students learn and improve.”

“Gold tooling is challenging, Sam is a very organized and methodical teacher who breaks down the steps, showing how one can acquire this skill."