Split Board Binding workshop

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

The robust, nineteenth-century Split Board Binding is a perfect structure for beginning to work with leather. The paring requires minimal finesse, and the modest leather headcap is easy to form.

In this workshop you will become more comfortable working with leather and explore which features of a binding are necessary for function and protection of the text block, and when to consider additional refinements. Students will reinforce their forwarding skills including constructing reinforced endsheets, preparing boards, rounding and backing, how to line the spine for support vs. aesthetics, and paring leather. Four half-day sessions.

This workshop requires a leather-paring knife and 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.