Ethiopian Binding workshop

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

The Ethiopian binding structure may have emerged as early as the fourth century and has been in use unchanged for centuries. This humble, elegant binding opens flat and is the inspiration for many contemporary “Coptic” book arts structures. Characteristics include wood boards trimmed flush with the text block, paired sewing stations, and chain stitch-sewing that enters the board edge to incorporate board attachment. Historically the text blocks were made of parchment. Any covering would be done with goatskin. If the boards were to be left uncovered, no endband was added. If the boards were partially or fully covered in leather, braided leather endbands were sewn on after covering.

In this workshop, students will make a full-leather binding with braided leather endbands and cloth board linings. We will begin by folding and punching sections, and drilling holes into wood boards. Simple tooling will enhance the finished binding. Four half-day sessions.

This workshop requires a Dremel or drill and a 1/4" chisel.

This is a fast-paced intermediate-level workshop. Prerequisites: Binding Fundamentals or equivalent. 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.