This four-part Bookbinding Core Series prepares participants to undertake a wide range of projects and additional classes in intermediate and advanced bookbinding techniques and book structures.
At the completion of the series, the VCB (Virginia Center for the Book) will award a Certificate of Basic Skills in Bookbinding.
VCB members who hold the certificate may use the Center’s equipment for their personal bookbinding projects.
Class 1: Thursday, July 20: Tools, Materials, and Processes
Instructor: Jane Freeman
Class 1 introduces basic bookbinding tools (bone folder, awl, punching cradle, needle, mat, X-Acto knife, ruler), shop equipment (board shear, paper cutter, nipping press), materials (cover and text paper, adhesives, threads), and processes (cutting, folding, basic stitching, punching). Participants will complete three softcover books – two single-signature books and one double-signature book – and an accordion book.
Class 2: Friday, July 21: Refining Basic Skills & Developing Craft
Instructor: Jane Freeman
Class 2 employs the portfolio structure to develop skills in board cutting, working with cover materials, and using adhesives. Participants will make a large portfolio with tie closure. Then, using the hardcover portfolio structure, participants will make either a single signature journal or a notepad holder. Working through the portfolio’s complexity prepares participants for the last two classes in the series.
Class 3: Saturday, July 22: Making a Case-Bound Book
Instructor: Yolanda Merrill
Class 3 builds on classes 1 and 2.
We will start with a short introduction to the case-bound book, its history, and its mechanics.
Participants will learn how to sequence the making of this structure and will end the day with a fully finished case-bound book.
Materials will be pre-cut for this class. All materials and a detailed handout will be provided.
Class 4: Sunday, July 23: The continuation of class 3.
Instructor: Yolanda Merrill
Participants will make a second case-bound book, using their handout as a guide.
They can decide on the size and cover material of this book and are free to experiment with decorative paper brought from home.
The instructor will do less hand-holding, encouraging the students to think things through on their own.
We aim to have the second book finished as well.
Registration for this workshop ends on Thursday, July 13, 2022
Course Details:
Bookbinding Core Skills: 2023 Intensive Summer Session
- Instructors: Jane Freeman & Yolanda Merril
- Schedule: Four Consecutive Classes, Thursday thru Sunday, July 20-23 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM each day)
- Location: Virginia Center for the Book (map: Jefferson School City Center)
- Registration Fee for four-day course: $380 members/$445 non-members (course fees include materials)
- *UVa Education Benefit Eligible, non-degree certification class #072023 (must use non-member price).• The workshop fee includes online registration and the cost of all materials.
- Additional decorative papers may be available for purchase.
- Binding tools, brushes, and glue will be available for in-class use.
- Class Size: Limited to eight students.
- For additional course information contact: Garrett Queen: gsqueen@gsqueen
- Course fees must be paid to complete your registration. You will receive an email confirmation upon completion of your registration.
COVID Vaccination and Masking Policy:
- It is the Virginia Center for the Book’s expectation that all program participants will be fully vaccinated and boosted.
- Evolving CDC and UVA COVID guidelines may require that participants be masked if working close to others. (please bring your masks)
- Should public health guidelines change, and new norms be applicable, we reserve the right to revisit the expectations in the interest of participant health and safety.
