Ethiopian Binding IN-PERSON workshop. November 12-13, 2025 | Two all-day, in-person sessions, Chicago area. Details and registration: https://karenhanmer.com/gallery/p/ethipoian-in-person 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. -- Karen Hanmer www.karenhanmer.com Karen Hanmer Book Arts. Since 1997 answering the question "What will I do with my liberal arts degree?"