Drum Leaf and Sewn Boards Bindings: handout, models

The Sewn Boards binding is an elegant, modern adaptation of an ancient binding.

The Drum Leaf binding is the perfect structure for printmakers, photographers, or anyone who desires to present visual narratives with no sewing thread to interrupt the flow of imagery. Because a drum leaf book is made of single-sided folios, not signatures, the complexities of imposition are not necessary when laying out text.

The books open very flat. Both structures can be dressed up or down with a variety of spine treatments and edge decoration techniques. They can be constructed quickly, are perfect for edition work, and can be made in a sparsely equipped home studio.

These models were made as demos while teaching a bookbinding workshop. They may include marks or notes made to aid students. Some text blocks may be of printed waste. Colors and patterns will vary. Cutaway models revealing structural features are sometimes available.

Additional models of variations on these structures are also available: Sewn Boards, Drum Leaf.

Workshop handout not included with model but available separately: Twelve-page workshop handout with bibliography plus tool and supply list. Please note this handout was written not to replace but to supplement an in-person workshop demo.