The Decorated Edge

 Registration is closed for this event

July 15th, 2023 9:30 AM

  • Instructor: Juliayn Coleman
  • Workshop Type: Binding
  • Workshop Status: Wait-list
  • Sessions: 2
  • In-person or Online?: In-person

Workshop Fee (includes materials fee): $250
Scholarship available; click here to apply.

This instructor requires that all students be masked. If you choose to enroll you will be expected to bring and wear a mask for the duration of class.


A beautifully decorated edge can be a highly expressive part of a fine binding or an artist’s book. From subtle to funky, decorated edges add a special touch to the textblocks they adorn.

In this class students will learn several techniques used in edge decoration, focusing on three basic materials: ink, graphite, and 23K gold leaf. They cover sprinkling all along an edge and in patterns with two colors. Everyone will also learn how to use graphite on an edge, how to create a perfectly smooth surface, and gilding with 23K gold leaf in the basic method taught by Hugo Peller at Ascona.

Some experience handling gold leaf will be helpful, but not necessary. 
 

>> Prerequisite: None <<

Materials to Bring: 

Optional/if possible, bring:

  • Flat­ backed lifting knife suitable for cutting paper
  • Paperback books printed on sturdy paper to practice on
  • Your favorite bookbinding tools

Some of each of these items will be provided by the instructor for students to use, as well as several other tools/materials to be used communally.

Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, July 15 & 16, 2023 :: 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 to allow the instructor time to prep materials for class. 
 

About the Instructor | Juliayn Coleman (she/her)

Juliayn Coleman has been a professional bookbinder since her graduation from the North Bennet Street School bookbinding program in 2003. Her private practice encompasses all levels of book repair and conservation, custom portfolio and enclosure making, teaching, and being a good ambassador for the craft of bookbinding in general. Some of her creative and professional projects can be seen at  www.bookislandbindery.com.

Past Student Reviews:

[What did you like most about the workshop?] “Learning the skills and of course Juliayn's helpful and generous teaching style.”

“It demystified edge decoration, also working with gold leaf was a surprise.” 

375 Rhode Island St
San Francisco, CA 94103-5133
United States