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Introduction to Bookbinding

  • San Francisco Center for the Book 375 Rhode Island Street San Francisco, CA, 94103 United States (map)

Learn basic bookbinding structures and stitches that every beginning book artist should know!

Students will learn five staple structures of the bookbinding world: pamphlet stitch, two versions of one-sheet wonders, accordion folding, and a Japanese stab binding. If you’ve been curious about book arts basics, this is a great starter class; in three hours, you’ll gain the know-how to start making books of your own.

Students also learn about local resources, bookbinding tools, and SFCB’s Bookbinding Core Program, as well as protocol for studio rental. 


Materials to Bring

All tools and materials will be provided. Students are also welcome to bring any of their own favorite bookbinding tools.


About the Instructor

Madison Gordon (she/her) is a bookbinder and conservator-in-training living in Oakland, CA, currently working at Zukor Art Conservation and the Walt Disney Family Museum. She is fascinated by paper, and loves making and repairing practical, fun, accessible, and well-made structures for the use and enjoyment of everyday people. Madison is also trained in letterpress printing and has worked previously with the Key Printing & Binding (Oakland, CA) and Small Editions (Brooklyn, NY).


Past Student Reviews

 “This was the first workshop at SFCB.  First, I liked the small size of the class as it allowed Madison to answer my questions. Second, the pace of the workshop was just right. Finally, it was nice to be provided with the materials in making books.”

“I was happy with the instruction and the fact that we dove in and worked with the materials right from the start. Every moment was engaging.”

“She was a great teacher, very knowledgeable, thorough, clear and helpful!”


Location

San Francisco Center for the Book
375 Rhode Island Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Plan your visit

 

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):
$85

Prerequisite(s):
None

Class sessions:
Thursday, March 27, 2025
6–9 pm

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.

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March 26

Introduction to Letterpress

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March 29

Introduction to Western Paper Marbling