Three-piece Bradel Binding online workshop

This workshop is not currently scheduled, but it could be in the future. Please contact me if you are interested.

The German three-piece Bradel Binding has an elegant, streamlined look. Unlike the Simplified Binding, the spine is both rounded and backed, and the boards are not shaped at the spine. Our workshop model will feature a spine of thinned leather over a stiffened paper “bonnet,” rolled leather endbands, and boards that are attached to the text block after being covered with decorative paper.

In this workshop students will reinforce their forwarding skills including constructing appropriate endsheets for both attractiveness and secure board attachment, rounding, backing, lining the spine for support vs. aesthetics, paring leather, and how to finesse joins between different materials and layers into invisibility.

This workshop requires a leather-paring knife and a paring surface. Sewing frame and finishing press strongly recommended.

Note: This is a fast-paced, advanced-level workshop for students experienced with traditional binding. Prerequisites: Binding Fundamentals and Leather Working for Bookbinding. Students should be making sewn books independently, outside a workshop setting.

The online format is a series of live tutorials via Zoom. The tutorials are recorded and the videos are available to registered students for 90 days. Students need not be present for the live sessions. Workshop fee includes supplies and a detailed handout, which are mailed to arrive in time for the first session. Zoom links will be sent the week before class, and a tool list no later than three weeks in advance. Please check your spam filter if you have not received these messages in this timeframe.

Students outside US and Canada please contact me to discuss options for supplies.

Payment in full is due at time of registration. See FAQs for refund policy.