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 to rent studio time in our bindery. Core classes must be taken in order, 1 through 4.
Bookbinding Core 3 :: Limp Paper Binding
In centuries past, books were sometimes sewn onto cords and then laced into soft covers before being bound for a specific collection or library. Often covered with calfskin, these limp vellum bindings became an important structure all their own. In this class students will bind a book using these bindings as a model but employing thick paper as the folded and laced wrapper. Students will learn to use a sewing frame and the skill of sewing headbands.
Competencies Gained:
Build on skills from Cores 1 and 2
Knowledge:
Scoring and lacing an outer case
Bookbinding materials: cords, heavy hand-made paper
Skills:
Using a sewing frame
Sewing on leather thongs
Sewing headbands
Making a paper case with Yapp edge
Equipment:
Sewing Frame
Japanese hole punch
Dividers
Materials to Bring
All tools and materials will be provided. Students are also welcome to bring any of their favorite bookbinding tools.
About the Instructor
Clair Emma Smith (she/her) is a bookbinder specializing in repair located in Oakland, California. She found her love of bookbinding during an art conservation internship at a historical society in Indiana, and she has been setting up her dream home studio ever since. Clair Emma relocated to the Bay Area after graduating from North Bennet Street School's bookbinding program in 2019 and works in private practice for both herself and other conservators as Bouguereau Bindery.
Past Student Reviews
"Clair is calm and relaxed, but attentive and always helpful to anyone having a difficulty. She has extensive knowledge and experience to draw on, and knows what she is talking about.”
“Clair was friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. She had answers to all questions, even about suggested variations to the process and why they would or would not work. I had absolute faith in her skill.”
“Everything was perfect, from the instructor to the materials to the equipment to the space.”
“Clear instructions. Even though I forgot some things from the previous class, all of the demos and instructions made me feel confident in my ability to finish the book. I came away from today feeling like I could make this book at home.”
Location
San Francisco Center for the Book
375 Rhode Island Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Registration Policies
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.
Workshop fee
(includes materials fee):
$225
SFCB's Windgate Scholarship Fund is dedicated to providing need-based financial support to individuals interested in learning bookbinding, letterpress printing, and related book arts. Click here to apply.
Prerequisite(s):
Bookbinding Core 1 & 2. Please don’t register for this class if you won’t have completed Core 1 and 2 before this workshop date.
Class session:
Saturday: June 28, 2025
9:30am-5:30pm
If this workshop is full, please click this link to add your name to the waitlist. If a seat becomes available, we will contact you.