This is an in-person workshop. All students and the instructor are required to be vaccinated (honor system) and agree to wear a mask for the duration of the class. If you choose to complete the registration process you are agreeing to these terms.

 

Bookbinding Core Certificate Program

The San Francisco Center for the Book celebrates the craft and art of bookbinding. Our Bookbinding Core Certificate Program introduces students to four different binding models, leading them through the history and evolution of bookmaking.  It provides students a comprehensive foundation to delve into the practice of binding and qualifies them work in our bindery.

Click here to learn more about the Bookbinding Core Certificate Program and how to receive a discount!

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Bookbinding Core 1 :: Coptic Binding

To paraphrase Lewis Carroll, we begin at the beginning. This, the first of our Core Bookbinding series, introduces students to the craft with the Coptic stitch, one of the earliest structures in binding. In addition to coming away with a finished book made by hand, students will also be introduced to the tools and terms of bookbinding. Basic practices and equipment will be discussed as students familiarize themselves with both skills and safety measures needed for working in a bindery.

Competencies Gained:

• Knowledge:

  • Basic vocabulary of bookbinding tools and equipment

  • Basic bindery practices and procedures

  • Understanding paper grain

• Skills

  • Folding, pressing, piercing, sewing, cutting and gluing

• Equipment:

  • Board shear, nipping press, hand tools

All paper for SFCB's Core Certificate Program projects has been generously provided by Mohawk.

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Materials to Bring: None

Prerequisite: None; optional: Introduction to Bookbinding

Workshop + Materials Fee: $200.00*
Scholarships available; click here to apply

*Students registering for the full Core series will receive a $100 discount off the total cost. Please call or email to enroll.

Date & Time: Saturday, January 22, 2022 :: 9:30am-5:30pm

Location: 375 Rhode Island St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Note: Please read the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE 3 DAYS PRIOR TO THE START DATE OF THIS WORKSHOP.

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About the Instructor | Sarah Songer

Sarah is the daughter of a printer and a graphic artist; in rebellion, she became a bookbinder. She spent ten years as a bookbinder at Arion Press and trained many apprentices in edition binding. She is a longtime student of design binder Eleanore Ramsey and was the proprietor of Bay Area Book Repair for several years. Sarah enjoys sharing the many bookbinding tips and efficiencies she's learned over the years, and finds her own personal projects most satisfying if they make her laugh.

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Past Student Reviews:

“Sarah was well-prepared and established a good rapport with the students. Her edition bookbinding experience shined through her teaching as she was able to share many helpful tips on how to do things right. I look forward to taking more classes from this instructor.”

“Clear instructions, good preparation. Sarah offered tips on how to work more effectively (such as sitting position while sewing), how to achieve best results, and places where you could go wrong.”